The cheapskate way can have additional advantages, depending on your needs. A cheap Android cell phone with an app like Backcountry Navigator or some of the other apps previously mentioned will be much cheaper than a dedicated handheld or bike GPS. It will usually have a much bigger touchscreen with better user interface and USB charging. The GPS works without cell service, but navigation like Google Maps needs cell data or wifi.
If you carry a cell phone already, consider a (small) second phone for extended trip use of GPS. The "GPS phone" doesn't need a cell account--just connect it via wifi at home to set up the app and download maps, and keep it in airplane mode (with GPS on) when out in the field. The GPS function doesn't drain the phone battery much--it's usually the constant search for cell signal that kills your battery, so the "GPS phone" will usually keep working long after your regular cell is dead. With a USB block battery, you can have GPS for a pretty long trip in the boonies. I use Backcountry Navigator Pro out in the Nationall Forest. It does everything a handheld does except turn by turn navigation and has detailed maps available for download. Caltopo maps are excellent USGS topos for the USA, and there are other providers for most of the rest of the world. Some of the fancier maps require a subscription, and the app cost about $10 when I bought it years ago. Always carry a paper map also. Carl, Columbia, CA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
