They require a bigger investment upfront, but since they are designed to do one job, they do it really well.
Standalone hiking GPS navigation systems are dedicated devices with lots of features.
#Hiking gps tracks upgrade
īut while Gaia GPS and AllTrails have free versions, I highly recommend you at least upgrade to the membership so that you can use these apps without cell service.
Smartphone apps are convenient and cheaper than standalone devices, so they make the best budget GPS for hiking options and are awesome for beginner backpackers. The first decision to make is whether you want to use a smartphone GPS app or get a standalone GPS device for hiking. That means there’s not always a clear cut answer of what is best, but here are some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best GPS for hiking for you. While there are a lot of great GPS devices for hiking, everyone has different needs in navigation. The inReach Mini is a perfect complement to an app like Gaia GPS or a standalone GPS device like the Garmin GPSMap 66sr, and I use them both. (The original inReach Mini is $350 while the inReach Mini 2 goes for $400.) Garmin recently released the inReach Mini 2, which offers several upgraded features, including longer battery life and the ability to back track your steps, for $50 more. Garmin offers several monthly and annual plans based on how much you plan to use your inReach Mini, and there are options to turn off your subscription when you don’t need it. I had a designated friend checking the wildfire news and messaging me to let me know if we needed to leave the trail due to National Forest closures.īeyond the price of the physical unit, you’ll need to purchase a Garmin subscription to actually use the satellite communication with the inReach Mini. The two-way communication of the inReach Mini was invaluable for me when I was thru-hiking the John Muir Trail with Michael when wildfires were burning nearby. But the functionality of the GPS is limited by the size, so you really need to connect it to your phone using the Garmin EarthMate app to really use it for navigation.Ī satellite communicator like the inReach Mini allows two-way communication, meaning you can both send and receive messages on the device. The Garmin inReach Mini is a satellite communicator which also offers a GPS in a truly tiny package. Who will love it: All backcountry adventurers! Type: Satellite communicator w/smartphone GPS app It’s only $40 a year for the Gaia GPS premium membership (and you can use my link for 20% off that), and trust me, it is absolutely worth every penny.
#Hiking gps tracks portable
And always bring a backup portable charger, just in case! It’s a good idea to keep your phone on airplane mode while you’re hiking in the backcountry so you don’t drain the battery. Just keep in mind that even though you don’t need cell service, you do obviously need your smartphone to use Gaia GPS since it’s an app.
#Hiking gps tracks download
The key thing is that y ou can download maps to use offline, so you don’t need cell service to navigate with Gaia GPS. You can do lots of things with Gaia GPS, including recording your tracks, uploading tracks to follow, and so much more. Even if you’re more experienced, it’s still an awesome choice, and it is my go-to GPS option these days. If you’re just getting started exploring outside and aren’t ready to invest in a handheld GPS, this is the way to go. Gaia GPS is definitely one of the best budget GPS for hiking options. Who will love it: Backcountry beginners & adventurers on a budget
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