When your in the midst of 100,000 acres in the backcountry and you get a snowfall, or even without snow, what is your simplest, most effective tool for navigation? Garmin Unit, Google Earth Maps, Onx? Something else?
It would interesting to hear about your collective experiences…
I use all of those. Download offline maps. I also have Gaia. A compass is handy thing to have along with maps. And a spare usb battery for phone if using that. I find OnX the easiest to use for setting direction to walk. Gaia also works well for me. Make sure to download the proper layers for the area. I trust my phone to be reliable for me.
Thanks Ross! My phone with downloaded map was my best guidance last time…my Garmin 66i likely would have been helpful if I knew how to use it correctly! Thanks again.
Anytime I go into an area where its likely I’ll lose phone service, I’ll download several overlapping areas on OnX at the highest resolution in a few miles in each direction from where I’m going to be. Being able to see detailed maps for miles all around has been very helpful for me. Also lets me see other roads I can take or trails I can follow. I just got a Garmin last year for Christmas that my wife insisted I carry with me so now I am able to carry two versions of detailed maps and have emergency communication if I need it.
I use Gohunt. One subscription for all states maps plus draw odds for getting tags.
Gaia is all of US for $40. Onx was all for $99 but some sales throughout the year. Gaia does carplay and now Onx hunt does as well. did not for a while
Having been a professional landscape & nature photographer for more than 20 years, many of my treks in years past were multi-day treks deep into the backcountry.
While I always like to have electronic tools (GPS unit, watch, etc), I always have paper maps of the area(s) that I am going in my pack. Having 1:24 scale USGS maps and a brunton compass (I have Suunto MC-2G) to navigate my way out of wherever I trek ensures I do not have to rely on electronic devices.
I have GAIA GPS Maps on my smartphone, as well as having a GPS watch, but always carry a traditional watch as a backup.
EverybodyI know uses HuntStand so thats all I know. Oh, and always carry a real compass for when you destroy your phone and dont want to wander in circles for days.
OnX 100%, trails off road maps and they are fighting to for access onto you BLM lands for us.
I have a Garmin 66 but the thought of using paper map and compass is comforting…
I carry an inReach mini, my phone+ power bank, compass and a laminated print map from the area I’m goin.
I do carry a Zoleo but that is what it is and not a navigation aid unless punching the
SOS