Backpacker Magazine - Real GPS Unit vs. Smartphone GPS Apps

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Real GPS Unit vs. Smartphone GPS Apps

Q.} I am wondering how the GPS apps for smartphones compare to a regular GPS? They seem to be the latest thing but are they as reliable?
Submitted by: Steven - Bucyrus, OH

A.} To get the best advice for you, Steven, I consulted with a man who lives, eats, and breathes this stuff: our own map editor, Andrew Matranga. Here’s what he says:

“Reliability in a GPS is an important, but also relative factor considering that even field-grade GPS units suffer battery drain and might not lock-on under dense canopies. Today’s smartphones are evolving rapidly, and the array of navigation apps makes for tough picking, depending on your needs and level of interest.

The most-recent cell phone we tested and thought was a good evolution of the species was the Motorola Defy from T-Mobile. This svelte, 4.1-ounce smart phone packs in a 5MP autofocus cam with a 3.7-inch display area in a package smaller than a deck of cards, but with plenty of real estate for web, map and photo viewing. But don’t judge the Defy by its size—it’s the best-looking, most-functional submersible on the market. Main selling features: the bomber touchscreen made of Corning Gorilla Glass that survived scrapes on rough boulders, and the case that withstood a 30-minute underwater dunking. Best of all, the Defy is backcountry ready for short trips. Cache maps to the SD card on the phone and navigate off the grid. For our test, we went up to Rocky Mountain National Park and fired up the BACKPACKER GPS Trails app. We marked waypoints and geo-tagged photos in half the time it took on a handheld GPS and camera. And stay out all day—hiking in Boulder’s Flatirons, testers held a 7-hour charge running three different processor-intensive apps (navigation/social media/browser); other phones were cooked long before.”

In a nutshell, here are the pros of using a smartphone with a navigation app: great for local hikes, daily activity mapping like runs and bike rides, perfect for snapping and georeferencing photos on the go. Maps are seamless and less expensive that what you will pay for expensive map packages from the standalone GPS dealers.

And here are the cons: Like with most smartphone, you can’t swipe the Defy with gloves; in direct sunlight the screen washes out; and the BLUR social networking software is a bit intrusive. And let’s face it: if you’re going for a week or more on a backcountry jaunt, you’ll want the convenience of replaceable batteries for your handheld GPS. Solar panel chargers need to pick up the pace to match the development of the phones they hope to power.

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ALL READERS COMMENTS

jay

Nov 07, 2012

Backpacker app blows, I can't download any maps just hikes, I want to be able to have a gps that runs like google earth offline out of service DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS??? Thanks for wasting my 5 bucks Backpacker. I really thught you would pull through. What about hiking on trails that aren't popular?? Aka exploring

nottellingu

Jul 28, 2012

The GPS on smartphone occasionally gets drawn to certain wrong addresses miles away and stays stuck there for hours, even when I'm travelling.

Simon

Mar 19, 2012

I use my Android for hunting in New Zealand, side by side with my old Garmin Geko 301 (non high sensistivity Rx)the droid wins handsdown, the Garmin won't get a fix under modest forest canopy whereas the droid will.

Droids come in shock & waterproof models these days (Moto Defy+, Sony Xperia Active), you can replace the lithium ion batteries easily, plenty of good apps on Google Play that cost very little(Locus & Backcountry Navigator to name a couple). I use soley offline topo maps, created free using MOBAC, I turn off all un-needed functionality, cell, wireless, A-GPS, bluetooth, etc when in the bush to save battery life & the GPS is only running when the mapping app is. I have a phone, camera/video, mp3/video player, pdf/ebook reader, ballistics computer & GPS all in the one unit!!

Use offline maps, real-GPS (not A-GPS) in a waterproof Android phone and you can't go far wrong.

As an asside I don't really rate iPhones as a GPS replacement as they aren't waterproof and you can't replace the batteries.

Simon

Mar 19, 2012

George

Feb 26, 2012

A lot of the cell phones today that do have true GPS positioning still get their maps real-time via the cell signal, so if you lose cell signal you'll know where you are (GPS coordinates) but you won't know how to get anywhere (map). If you're using your cell phone for GPS navigation, make sure the maps for the area you'll be in (and a good sized safety margin) are stored on the device - usually via an SD memory card.

Cal 20 Sailor

Feb 25, 2012

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it's based on satellites...period. If you lose your positioning when you lose your phone signal, then you ain't using GPS...period. Positioning based on triangulation from cell towers is NOT GPS. Assisted -GPS--or AGPS--combines triangulation from cell towers and from GPS satellites to determine position.

allen markow

Feb 20, 2012

If you sleep with your smartphone and we all do., Then get the best smartphone holder for the bed. No bolts, no Velcro, no adhesives or anything needed. Simple , stylish and fun.,

www.smartphonesleeper.com

Kevin A. Baskovich

Feb 14, 2012

The cellphones GPS used to be in reality triangulation from cell towers meaning to get any idea where you were you needed direct line of site to 2 towers but now they use actual Satellites to navigate. I just purchased an etrex from Garmin. What a rip off the thing comes with absolutely no maps no terrain features not roads it is just your coordinates. The only plus is it is waterproof. But I paid 140.00 for it. My droid cellphone GPS works just as accurately and for 15.00 I got an app called trimble outdoors it uses google earth and your GPS so you can use a road map view, topo, aerial photo or a hybrid map. You will just need to purchase extra batteries. Get them on ebay and you will save yourself 75% of the cost compared to the cell phone provider. about 10.00 for a 2500mAh

Sue Roberts

Feb 09, 2012

At our Cell Phone repair store (Mobile Madness) we sell gloves with conductive threads in the tips so you can swipe your touchscreen with gloves on!www.dancingcellphone.com

IL_Scouter

Feb 08, 2012

We had a few adults with the smartphone GPS leading our trek one fine day. I'm not sure of the functionality of some phones, but with theirs as soon as they lost cell signal, the GPS stopped working.

There may be a way to change that depending on the phone (I don't know enough about the specific models), but my 60CSX took over and got us through the next 2 passes and toward civilization before their signals picked up again.

I'm fine with having the stand-alone unit and having someone with a smartphone as a backup (to our compass and maps with routes plotted on them). With that being my only experience with them (and the subsequent battery drain), I'll stick to the 60csx and a few rechargable batteries and panel.

Edwin in Alabama

Feb 08, 2012

I don't have a smart phone, but I've got a semi-smart phone that does have a camera, great FM radio and mp3 music so I can take pics, get weather reports and music when I want. I use a DeLorme PN-40 and turn it on only momentarily to check where I am or how far to the next point. I have 4 batteries for the cell phone and 3 sets for the GPS that will easily last me a week or more on the trail (usually the AT).

Chris

Feb 07, 2012

Personally, I prefer a stand alone, dedicated GPS unit as my primary navigation equipment. That way, I have my phone as a backup in case it goes down. I also carry a good lensatic compass and topo map with my survival gear (10 essentials always!) Not to mention the fact that hiking is my favorite way to unplug. Unless something goes sideways with my primary equipment, my phone is turned off and in my pack where it cant bother me!

Chris

Feb 07, 2012

Tim W.

Feb 07, 2012

I have a Motorola DroidX with Backcountry Navigator installed. I took that to the Winds last summer with a downloaded map and that was really all I needed for the 7-day trip which included 2.5 days off trail. When I did switch on the GPS for tagging photos and campsites, it wasn't very accurate.

I brought a Brunton Solaris 4 solar panel and a Solo battery pack. I also brought a spare battery. My phone didn't completely run out of battery life until I was practically in the parking lot ready to go home. Considering I used my phone for navigation, Kindle, Music, diary entries, camera, and numerous texts sent from the tops of peaks, I'm very excited for the future of smartphone technology.

That being said, I agree with the other comments that a good compass and topo map should always be an essential item.

Sporting Clays

Feb 07, 2012

I perfer to hike in locations where there is no cell phone reception. I would highly recomend the DeLorme GPS. I do not have the SPOT locator, but the base model does everything I need it to and more. Primary uses for me include: Hunting - finding my treestand in the dark, Fishing - waypoints in the lake allow me to come back to the same spot and driving - admittidly not the best application, but it does have street names and some directional capability. As of February 2012 - hand held GPS is the way to go.

Jason O

Feb 07, 2012

I have an old iPhone 3GS with the accuterra app. It works flawlessly out in the backcounty, with or without cell service. Even when starting the GPS while the phone says "no service" I can get a fix in under a minute usually.

I was looking into GPS and decided to try out a $10 app before purchasing a dedicated unit, couldn't justify 300+ dollars for a dedicated unit after using the app. It works great. Battery life is decent if I turn off wifi and 3G cell service I can get a couple days out of it as long as I don't spend all day looking at the phone.

Paired with my Goal Zero Guide 10 I'll never worry about running out of batteries. Both app and solar cell only ran about $100 total and the solar cell will charge batteries for my headlamp and flashlight too.

But I ALWAYS have a real old fashioned compass. There is no replacement.

Jason O

Feb 07, 2012

Jason O

Feb 07, 2012

Mark

Feb 07, 2012

There are many areas that do not have cell phone towers. I can not use a cell phone on river trips on the Lower Pecos or the Scenic river portion of the RioGrande. Also, the GPS is waterproof and a cell is not. I use AA batteries in the GPS and have spares if I need it but it does not use batteries all that fast.

Mark

Feb 07, 2012

FredT4

Feb 07, 2012

The newer smartphone phones have better features than a stands alone GPS could ever dream of, but the number one reason to use a smartphone is that you'll be familiar with it's functionality when you need it.
FredT4

cevans

Feb 07, 2012

I don't know where WildernessHikerCali gets his info at on a Delorme GPS as If I don't turn the backscreen lighting on and I can still see it during the daylite, and get up to 3 days battery life on the Delorme PN-60 and Topo 9 software with USGS topo software is very very most excellent. Need to really check it out.

John

Feb 07, 2012

I've compared the Androiod 1, Droid Bionic and Garmin Map60cSx in the Colorado Rockies, Black Hills, Grand Tetons, Hawaii and New England. I found the receiver on the Garmin is far superior to the smartphones. I kept loosing signal on the smartphones, whilt the Garmin maintained satellite lock. I do like the availability of maps using the smarthphone (particularly with Back Country Navigator), however they are usless if you can't get a signal.

ywl

Feb 07, 2012

The key in using the GPS on the iphone is to "LOCK THE SIM CARD". That way, the phone doesnt look for a signal constantly. i can get about 4-5 days of use on my iphone while using a map as my primary navigation tool, and the iphone GPS as a backup. goto "SETTINGS", then "Phone" then "Sim pin" and set it...

Peter

Oct 07, 2011

Comparing my Droid Eris GPS to my Garmin 401 for backpacking, there isn't even a choice here. With the Garmin I'm able to get 3 full days of backpacking without a battery change. Signal reception in deep cover is excellent (can't say that for my smartphone). Combine that with the splashproof design, wrist strap (if you get separated from your pack you have a key navigational tool on your wrist), easy distance, speed, barometric pressure, and navigation features that can be used in any weather with or without gloves on. Sure, you can't put maps on the Garmin 401, but I don't use that feature anyways (I always have a paper map). A GPS should NEVER be your primary source of navigation. I can't take pictures with my Garmin, but I always have my waterproof camera with me anyways that takes much better pictures then any smartphone could ever hope to. If you're going to use a smart phone for a GPS and camera, your're going to run out of battery quickly for serious backpacking. Recharging solutions include solar panels, but then your combined weight is probably about the same as if you had a dedicated GPS and camera. So you're sacrificing quality in both categories without any weight savings. There should always be one cell phone in a backpacking group, as cellphone are your number one survival tool in todays world. Keep that cell phone turned off and full of battery in case you need it.

WildernessHikerCali

Oct 06, 2011

I have the Gaia GPS app on my iPhone 4. It gets a signal lock very fast, shows my progress as I hike (nice to prevent getting lost), works out of cell range if I downloaded the map ahead of time, shows my mileage and elevation, etc. I've noticed, though, that it adds a mile to the mileage total on my dayhikes. I know that is happening because I know the correct mileage for my hikes and my Garmin GPS does not have this problem. But other than that problem, the Gaia GPS app is great. An added bonus is that Gaia GPS map downloads for the iPhone are free, fast, and very easy to do. I want to warn everyone to avoid the DeLorme GPS, which has a tiny screen, extremely slow map downloads that cost extra, battery life of about two hours, and a user interface that is cruel torture to use.

sweeney

Oct 06, 2011

As many have pointed out the main trouble is battery life and screen brightness. This will hopefully improve with time.

What many phones can do, that many dedicated GPSs cannot do, is use network coverage to assist in gaining a GPS fix at time of first fix. This can take up to 15 minutes when you cold boot the device (or if you have been in a cave for a while) but if you happen to have even a weak cell signal, this may get you off the ground and running almost immediately, at which point you should be able to disable cell service and rely solely on the GPS antenna.

Additionally, many phones have much more powerful processors (1 gig dual core on some devices!) than dedicated GPS devices. This lends itself to faster and more sophisticated trip meta-data computations.

Derek

Oct 06, 2011

I have a Samsung Galaxy Fascinate S and a GPS app that should work without a cell signal, but as a previous comment stated it needs a cell signal to obtain the first coordinates fix and then it will continue to track without it. That being the case you can't turn the phone off unless you have a cell signal when you turn it back on. Hiking in Western NC, there is almost never a cell signal so I would have to leave the phone on all the time and then my battery would die within 48 hours even if I put the phone in airplane mode and disable everything else. I would rather carry a Foretrex 401 and a paper map just to be sure that I can get a fix, I think that extra layer of safety justifies the extra 3-4 oz of weight (including extra batteries.)

Derek

Oct 06, 2011

Derek

Oct 06, 2011

Horace

Oct 06, 2011

Reader question: Would you do a general comparison between handheld GPS and smartphone GPS. What about reliability?

Backpacker answer: Check out the Motorola Defy from T-Mobile! It has all these nifty features that are absolutely not related to your question... oh, right, your question. Ok, here's a throw-away 'pro and con', but thanks for allowing us to talk about the Motorola Defy from T-Mobile.

Pathetic.

IL_Scouter

Oct 06, 2011

Cell phone GPS doesn't really compare to a dedicated unit. Most of them rely on a cell signal as well, so if you lose signal (the whole idea of getting away) there's a strong chance you won't have GPS. As we travelled in caravan to a backpacking trip, we came to a screaching halt at a fork in the road. The two lead vehicles were using cell phone GPS and had lost signals in the rough terrain and couldn't figure out which way to go. My son had a road map riding shotgun and I had my Magellan, so we took the lead and got the group there. While it's convenient and a multi-use tool, I wouldn't trust the cell phone to navigate for me. A topo and a handheld unit has been working fine for many years now.

Mike

Aug 23, 2011

Using an Iphone and the TopoMaps application (written by Phil Endicott)is an accurate, inexpensive backcounty solution. High quality USGS topos are downloaded FREE prior to your trip, and seemlessly stitch together when viewed.

This is my only GPS. I don't use a smartphone; but $7.99 for the app, $100 for a used 3G, and I have a great backcounty GPS. Virtually any 1:24000 topo in the US can be downloaded for free. Apple's battery life is always an issue; but there are several inexpensive, lightweight recharging solutions available.

Quyen

Aug 23, 2011

iPhone 4 in a Defender Otter Case: 6.9oz
New Trent 5000mAh charger and cable: 5.9oz

Accessing Motion-X approx a dozen times during the hike to mark waypoints and check my position on pre-downloaded topo maps, plus about a dozen photos and a couple of short videos leaves me with ~75% charge remaining by the end of the day. On a three-day hike, I used less than 20% of the New Trent battery to recharge the phone each night.

Phone settings:
1. Turn off all unnecessary location services (everything but Motion-X and camera).
2. Turn off push notifications, wifi, bluetooth, 3G, Cellular Data (note: GPS works w/o cell coverage just fine).
3. Close all running apps (especially if I launch them while hiking).
4. Switch Motion-X to manual mode GPS.

I still tend to use a good topo map and compass, but the iPhone gives peace of mind when I wander off-trail. The GPS Altimeter is generally accurate within 50-75ft. Even in valleys under forest canopy it picked up GPS signals fairly quickly. I don't have a dedicated GPS, so I can't compare, but even when only using coordinates, it makes a nice addition to a paper topo. It makes a great still and video camera, lets me carry digital books (both audio and "print"). The only thing lacking is a barometer. It's a lot of weight, but after this last excursion it moved from "luxury" item to "essential".

revckd

Aug 23, 2011

Cellphone GPS's are pretty acurate. we had an incident where a person was lost & cell phone was tracked by calling 911. they told us a map point and when we got there the person wasn't there, but we saw the tracks of the person and cought up with them... JM2CWorth

revckd

Aug 23, 2011

revckd

Aug 23, 2011

Lawrence Cooper

Aug 23, 2011

I spent a week in the Rockies with my Droid2 -- I kept a backup battery and also took my POwer Monkey Extreme, which cam charge my phone 4 times before I have to use the included solar cell to recharge the Power Monkey's 9000 a-hr battery.

Also, smartphones generally have a chip that is just as accurate as a dedicated gps handheld. The differences in nav capabiity depend on which software you pick.

Mark

Aug 23, 2011

I use my iPhone for spot checking my position, but primarily use my Garmin for tracking and logging my position. The Garmin's batteries (two AA) last 4 times longer (if not more so) than my iPhone's batteries would with the GPS on, but it can also easily be dropped into a backpack or jacket pocket and still maintain it's lock. The iPhone, however, seems to need to be outside of pockets otherwise it looses signal.

My other concern woul be in valleys where I lost signal even with previous Garmin units. While hiking in the rainforests of southern Puerto Rico I lost signal several times until I upgraded to the High sensitivity unit. I would not want to rely on the iPhone alone in this kind of situation for this reason alone.

So, in conclusion, battery life is the primary reason I don't use my phone exclusively. But when serious hiking, I wouldn't want to rely on it at all because I'm not sure it would maintain a lock. And I too would like Backpacker to do extensive testing on phone & GPS devices and applications.

Tom in Idaho

Aug 23, 2011

I love my iPhone 4, but it is no match for a dedicated GPS. The biggest drawbacks are that it continuously searches for a cell tower as soon as you leave cell phone range. This depletes the battery rapidly. (If you put the iPhone in airplane mode to conserve battery life, it shuts off the GPS function as well as the cell service.) Also, it is nowhere near as rugged as a dedicated GPS, and it's not weatherproof at all. I've tried adding a weatherproof case and an external charger to my gear, but by the time you have the iPhone, the charger, and the case, you've got something which is much heavier and much bulkier than a standard GPS (for me, a Garmin GPSmap 60csx). That said, I love the Motion-X GPS for iPhone app.

Leko

Aug 23, 2011

The rash array of comments show how incomplete this article is. I have two htc phones (incredible 2 and eris), and neither need cell coverage for maps or gps (assuming I download the maps first). With sense, all of the network stuff can be shut off. Both phones have replaceable batteries and durable/waterproof case options. You can easily update the maps but, most maps sources (especially the Backpacker app) have outdated maps, and are hogs on resources which keep them targeted for the casual hiker. You must know the limitations of an electronic device before relying on it in the backcountry. This is true with standalone gps as well as any tablet/phone. This is why we crave an honest, accurate, and unbiased article on the subject of which this article is lacking. Thanks for the attempt.

Kenny

Aug 23, 2011

As a guide in Yosemite, I use my iPhone for three day tours to a full seven day tour!! I found it works as well as my Garmin and better at times. I use a Goal 0 Elite solar panel to charge it. Now even my SPOT tracker works on my iPhone!! Smartphones are taking over the backcountry!!

Kenny

Aug 23, 2011

mtncwru

Jul 09, 2011

While I can't speak for all phones, the GPS on my HTC Incredible will function with the phone in airplane mode. This means that the phone isn't constantly searching for a cell tower that it's not going to find. My extended battery lasted three full days of boulder hunting in Joshua Tree National Park without difficulty in February. As an added bonus, I found that Google's Sky Map app is completely self contained, and doesn't require a data connection. So you can use it even if you have no hope of finding a cell signal.

James Bailey

Mar 17, 2011

I use my iPhone 3GS with a couple of different topo maps programs. I have used it alongside my friends garmin 400t in Death Hollow, Ecalante Utah with 400' walls on either side of us. It matched exactly where his gps showed we were the entire trip. I also bring along a NewTrent charger that will recharge my iPhone, camera and anything else that is USB. I have used my iPhone on weeklong excursions and will continue to do so. I have a case on my iphone and have dropped it at least 10 feet with no problems.

Fred

Mar 14, 2011

My previous Windows Mobile 6.2 required a cell tower for the GPS to start functioning, then one could go without thd towers.
OK, as long as one didn't turn off the phone, which had a very short battery life. Hence it was not fuctional for backpacking, but great around city parks, ect.
My new android 2.2 phone doesn't have those limitations when combined with "My Maps" from Google Maps.

Rob

Mar 05, 2011

I encourage Backpacker to do an article on using smartphones vs dedicated GPS units in the backcountry.
As an aside, my experience with my iPhone is the same as Glen's: if you do a continuous track, your battery is depleted in 6 hours. Better to use it just to locate your position intermittently on your paper map.

Glen

Mar 04, 2011

Some phones use true GPS, and some calculate a position by triangulation from cell towers. Hence some need cell coverage to work and some don't. Know what you are buying.

Accuracy - most of the time the phone/GPS is more accurate than the map image. Maybe the 'map' you are viewing is inaccurate and the displayed position is correct? Think about it. If the map image and position are within 20-30 feet of each other, I'd like to think the average hiker/backpacker's needs would be met.

Battery life - I only get 5-6 hours in tracking mode, which isn't much. Much like I use different packs, I also use my map app and GPS selectively, as they have different uses. And I use a compass, paper map and pencil to note my progress and predict my next waypoints as I go.

Best application of GPS - finding the trail head.

Rob Lambert

Mar 03, 2011

Not true that cell coverage is needed, at least for the iPhone; it has separate and quite accurate GPS circuitry.
Contrary to Stephen's report, I find the iPhone screen is much more visible in bright daylight than my Garmin Oregon GPS and easier to manipulate maps. And much less bulky.
Power consumption is an issue with both my iPhone and Garmin. I carry a Tekkeon TekCharge which uses 2 or 4 AA batteries to charge the iPhone in the backcountry.
Most GPS units are weatherproof; most cell phones aren't. DryPak makes a nice lightweight carrier for phones.
Another "pro" for smartphones is that you can save weight by carrying only one multi-functional gadget. Even if I'm beyond cell coverage and don't have phone or internet access, I occasionally listen to the MP3 player and use the phone camera. The camera on the last iPhone version (4) is quite good and takes high-def video as well.
The Gaia GPS app for iPhone is excellent. The downloaded maps are from USGS topos so that I locate my position on my paper map instantly.

Dale

Mar 03, 2011

Cell phones for this use are something of a Swiss army knife--offering several potentially useful features in one small package, but not the robustness of a specialized product like a full GPS. For a couple of days backpacking, they'd probably be fine. For a major trek with cross country navigation, probably not.

Luke

Mar 03, 2011

I'm curious what happens when you drop your smart-phone or your tablet on a granite slab from 10 or 15 feet or flip your kayak.

Mark

Mar 03, 2011

I have a Archos 5 Internet Tablet. Runs Android, did not want phone capability as that is a huge battery drain. Can get 10 hrs on a charge with GPS using Orux or Maverick. Maps can be made from the Mobile Atlas Creator or Map to Map application. Can hook up an adapter that recharges the batteries from AA's. This and many other reasons is why handheld GPS's are on the way out.

Luke

Mar 03, 2011

Then there's the question of getting a good signal. My HTC Hero can use up to 8 satellites. My Garmin Oregon 450t uses 13.

Mr. T

Mar 03, 2011

My cell phone (Droid X) does not need a cell tower signal to function as a stand alone GPS. It does need cell service to access maps if they have not already been downloaded to memory.

Personally I don't think cell phones are quite up to the task for any serious navigation in the back country. I believe someday they will, and be very good at it, but for now I will stick with a dedicated GPS and a map and compass backup.

Reid

Mar 03, 2011

Sorry I mayt be confused. Is SPOT have a screen with TOPO info to nav from? I thought it just sent messages? Also, dont some smart phones have true GPS capabilities via satalites not cell towers? I'm not certain on either of these points.

Autoeng

Mar 03, 2011

Quote: The other con with a cell phone GPS is that they need a cell tower to help the GPS location. No Cell coverage = no GPS.

Not so with an iPhone. My GPS functions independently of cell tower coverage.

Autoeng

Kevin Rey

Mar 03, 2011

Many new smart phones do not need a cell tower to get a GPS location. It simply takes a bit longer to acquire your location. However, I am still a bit suspect as to the accuracy of GPS chips in smart phones when compared to a dedicated GPS receiver. I think that people need to exercise caution if they intend to rely only on their smart phone as their GPS device.

Nate

Mar 03, 2011

I should also say that it depends on what application you are using. Google maps uses cell service to download map data as you move. There are other apps that have locally stored maps for true out of coverage navigation.

Nate

Mar 03, 2011

Mark McCormack said above that phone GPS doesn't work without cell service, this is false. It depends on what hardware your phone has. Cheap phones use AGPS, assisted GPS, which does need service. However, higher end phones have true stand alone GPS, like my nexus one. In areas of cell coverage, it will use towers for faster locating, but in dead zones is does lock on and track with true GPS.

Just wanted to clarify.

Slowpoke

Mar 03, 2011

I wish this article did more to answer the question rather than being mostly a review of one particular smartphone.

Mark McCormack

Mar 03, 2011

The other con with a cell phone GPS is that they need a cell tower to help the GPS location. No Cell coverage = no GPS. Most places you go you aren't going to have full coverage so you can't geo-tag your pictures or get trail mapping or a location from your GPS. Stick to the regular GPS.

Cheryl

Feb 20, 2011

It was stated above, that if you were going for more than a week you'll want to to bring replacement batteries. Not so. I was out for 11 days ... never turned my SPOT GPS off .. at all. When SPOT is used with 2 lithium batteries the unit works pretty great! When tracking or SPOTcasting the unit battery life is approximately 14 days. In this mode a message is sent every 10 minutes. When the 911 mode is active batteries should last up to 7 consecutive days. There is a message sent every 5 minutes in 911 mode. I would rather rely on the SPOT than a phone, hands down.

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What steps can I take to make a 28°F sleeping bag stretch into colder temps than it is designed for? Looking like low 20s is a possibility!
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I have an Osprey Ariel 55 backpack and am going on an eight-day trip where hard side bear vaults are required. Will I be able to get everything including the BV in my pack, and if so, how do I carry the BV?
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I have a down parka that says "dry clean only". Do you think it would be fine to wash it as I do my down bag (on delicate) with proper down wash, then dry with tennis balls on low heat?
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I recently purchased a new pair of hiking boots (Salewa Alp Trainer Mid), I am noticing a hotspot forming on my heels, particularly when traveling uphill. Is there anything in particular I can do to ease the pain?
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I need to fit a week’s amount of equipment for a scouting trip not including cooking stuffs, food and a tent in my 35 litre bag. Can you help?
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Is there any special way I should wash my boots or can I just treat them like any other shoe?
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What is the best way to find a slow leak in a self-inflating sleeping pad?
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I tied my tent and mattress perpendicular at the bottom of my pack to save space. On my practice hike, it seemed like I was bouncing. If I keep these items on the outside of my pack, where and how is the best place to attach them? OR, should I go with a larger pack?
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Can bears and other critters be a problem at night even if all our group has for food are, say Clif Bars - or any other similar kind of energy/protein bars?
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Can sleeping bag liners be used as ultralight sleeping bags, or do they require the insulation of a bag in order to be effective?
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I’m new to backpacking, should I buy all my gear then buy my pack? Or, should I buy my pack first? I will be doing some long distant hikes and some weekend hikes too.
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Are there any "tricks" to keeping water liquid on an extended winter outing? I've had issues with both bladders and Nalgenes. A friend had to slice open his hydration bladder to avoid carrying 2 lbs. of ice!
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Is my sleeping bag's performance affected by what I wear when I sleep?
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After testing out backpacks I found the Osprey Ariel to fit really well, but am concerned about the thin hipbelt padding. My ultimate question: If a bag fits you really well, does thin padding make a big difference? If so, is there a way to improve it?
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I occasionally go backpacking alone, but have trouble bear bagging. The issue is not knowledge of how to bearbag - it's the throwing! I have no arm and no aim. Tricks? Suggestions? Thanks!
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I have a narrow foot and a size 13 1/2. No one makes a 13 1/2 in a narrow. In a 14 the lacing pulls together and in a 13 my toes hit the end and turn black. Any suggestions? I've tried several brands, hoping to find a longer boot, but so for no luck.
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I've been told that O rings on the WhisperLite International Stove may crack when the temp reaches -10. Do you have any suggestions for operating the stove at temps below -10, or a way to keep the O rings from cracking?
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I want to take my 10-year-old (80 lbs.) boy backpacking. How much weight should he carry? I want him to enjoy it!
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I hear a lot about storing sleeping bags in cotton sacks for breathability purposes. I store all my gear in large plastic containers. My containers are large enough so there is no compression, but now I'm worried about breathability?
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How do I bend the stays in my backpack?
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What's the difference between titanium and aluminum cookware? Can you explain the pros/cons of each?
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Hi, can you suggest any ways for me to keep pebbles from getting in my running shoes while I run? Thanks!
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Next summer I will be transporting 4 people (2 adults, 1 toddler, and 1 infant) and 2 dogs (50 pounds each) into the great outdoors. What carries more gear? A roof basket like the Thule MOAB, or a roof box?
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I am going to start backpacking again after many years and wanted to know about internal frame packs. How do you determine the correct size of the pack (I am 5' 10" in height)?
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I am comparing the Kelty Gunnison 2.1, sold everywhere ($189.99) with the Kelty Zenith, sold at Target ($59.99). The basic dimensions are the same and there are a few obvious differences, but how can the price be so different?
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Can a woman comfortably use a man's backpack? How much of a difference does it make?
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My boyfriend always gets annoyed that I load our heavier items into his pack. I think that since he weighs 30% more than me, his pack can be about 40% heavier, adding 10% for M/F differences in hematocrit, VO2 max, etc. Do you think this is reasonable?
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When camping in the alpine environment, above tree line, what is the best way to store food to keep it way from critters (ie. pikas and marmots)?
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I have a Snowpeak stove that uses those small pressurized fuel canisters. Is there a good way to estimate the burn time left in a partially used canister?
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I've heard that DEET is bad for sleeping bag fabrics and can even melt some materials. Since I use DEET on my body on most camping trips, should I always wash my sleeping bag after every trip? And if not, how often should I wash it to protect it from DEET?
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What are the best quick-dry pants to use in cooler temperatures? I will be in Alaska in late August and will be out in the backcountry for 11 days. I wanted to find a good multi-purpose pant that will keep heat in and is also quick to dry.
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Is Gore-Tex still the #1 all-time best waterproof material you can buy? Or are other brands' waterproofing just the same with a different name? Just wondering if it's worth paying the extra money for the Gore-Tex brand? Thanks!
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I am new to backpacking and have only made a few serious trips. Everyone I hike with always carries a gun. Do you carry a firearm when in the United States? Or am I just paranoid?
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My friend and I have a debate going about how to pack a tent: He says stuffing it is better, but I say folding and rolling is better. His thought is that folding and rolling creates seams that will eventually let in water. Who's right?
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How can I be sure my water treatment equipment is doing it job. Is there a way to test this?
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Tents have warnings to "maintain adequate ventilation. Death by suffocation is possible!" My tent has lots of mesh. What's the story here?
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I am planning a thru-hike on the AT. Can you give me insight into the pros & cons of ultralight poles vs the old standbys? How necessary are shock absorbing poles for the AT?
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If a rain fly has a few areas of mildew will it still work to repel rain, or do I need to get a new fly? Is there anywhere to purchase just the rain fly, or do I have to go all in and get a new tent?
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For a summer trek at Philmont, which is better, a wool sweater or a fleece garment?
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Dear Kristen, I have a down sleeping bag that I forgot to place in my "storage" bag. I left it in my "stuff sack" for about 2 years. How will this affect its performance, and how do I remedy this situation? Do I just "air it out" for a few days?
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I have been away from backpacking for a while, why the shift away from external frame backpacks?
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What's the best way to patch a tear in a siliconized Cordura pack cover?
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I need prescription sunglasses, but can't afford them. I've had to cut snowshoeing trips short before because I couldn't cross any open meadow due to the sun. Do you have any cheap sunglass solutions that won't make me look like a geriatric?
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Is there a rectangular sleeping bag that can compress as small as a mummy bag?
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What is the best way to clean your hydration pack and tube? I sometimes get a moldy smell in my hydration bladder if I don't air it out thoroughly.
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The instructions on my gravity filter say you should "backwash"–reverse the flow–whenever the filtration rate slows. My question: What do you do with the water that is "backwashed" into the "dirty" bag? Discard the water or re-filter?
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I've noticed that the label on all of my baselayers say to not use fabric softeners. Do you know if this is just referring to liquid softeners or does this also mean dryer sheets? No dryer sheet = major static.
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Can rechargeable batteries be used in LED and non-LED headlamps and flashlights?
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I am wondering how the GPS apps for smartphones compare to a regular GPS? They seem to be the latest thing but are they as reliable?
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Dear Kristin, I'm in the military; for deployments and long field ops, I am unable to wash my sleeping bag. I have adopted the practice of spraying the inside of my bag with Lysol and drying it in the sun. Do you see this ruining the bag in any way?
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The rubber from the sole of my boots is starting to separate from the leather. Is there something I can do to mend this or are my boots toast? (I LOVE these boots...)
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My GPS works great in the Walmart parking lot, but in a steep valley, next to a mountain, or in the woods it can't get an adequate signal. How can I solve this problem?
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Does campfire smoke degrade the properties of DWR or breathable laminates?
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With chemical water purification tablets, almost all of them give instructions for a full quart or liter. If I want to clean just 8 ounces, could I divide the dose by breaking tablets into quarters (or cut the number of drops by 1/4), and would the treatments still be effective?
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Any suggestions for small, leakproof containers for carrying cooking supplies such as oil, syrup, sauces etc.?

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What is the best way to repair a tear in my fleece?

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What is the best way to add down to areas of a sleeping bag?
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Does a down sleeping bag go bad? I have an old The North Face expedition down bag. It has been in storage for 35 years. It looks good still, but will it fall apart?
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I am looking for a hydration pack for day ski trips this winter–need to attach skis, shovel, probe, food, and a few pieces of clothes. What are your favorites?
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I am considering retrofitting my old Kelty external frame backpack with new shoulder straps. Should I also replace the hipbelt?
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Is it best to put gaiters on over or under rainpants?
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If I spray a DWR finish on clothing, will that also increase its wind resistance? Specifically I'm thinking of a pair of light gloves and a headband that I use to meet an early morning chill, but are not much help in a cold wind. I find most windproof items too bulky.
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What are the pros & cons of a single-wall tent to a double-wall?
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Are there standards tents must meet to be designated "3 season"/"4 season?" A pole on my new Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 snapped after a full night of strong winds below Longs Peak, plus there was a punctured rain fly and snapped shock cords. A defect or design limits exceeded?
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Do you know of a good pair of beginner crampons for use in the Rockies? What's the price range?
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What's the low-down on rain gear? I'm a novice who's weary of spending his cash in the wrong places. Should I go with a softshell jacket or something with a sturdier outer shell?
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Hi Kristin, I was wondering if wearing two pairs of socks really helps prevent blisters/toe damage? If so, what do you recommend for the second sock? I usually use a merino wool blend, heavy cushion sock with my boots, and occasionally will get some blisters.
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I've been doing more hiking in sandals vs. my hiking boots. I have found hiking in the sandals good because I can also use them as camp shoes, they dry fast, and they're so much lighter than my boots. Do you see any safety issues with do this?
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Kristin, do you ever bring "backups" of your important items? On one hand it seems logical to bring an extra compass, flashlight, knife etc., but on the other it usually just turns out to be dead weight. What's your take on it?
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What is the earliest age at which we can start tent camping with a child? We were hoping to start thru-hiking the AT when our child reaches age two and half, but is that too young?
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Which should be applied to clothing and gear first? Waterproofing or Permethrin bug spray?
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How can I stop the elastic on my underwear from chafing me under my hipbelt?
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How can I recycle old polyester fiberfill sleeping bags to keep them out of the landfill?
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I have high arches so bad that the top of my right foot hurts. Is there any one brand of hiking boots that you recommend that has excellent arch support? Currently I use an insole in my hiking boot which helps but I still have issues.
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How can you tell if your water filter is still working properly?
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Can you wash a tent?
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When water comes over the top of Gore-Tex boots it can't seep out again like in regular boots, right?
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While rummaging around my basement I found a can of stove fuel. Does this stuff go bad like regular gasoline?
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We are taking our loaded backpacks on an airplane and are looking for protective sacks that we can put the backpacks in so they don't get destroyed during baggage handling. Where do I find this type of protection?
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I’m getting ready for summer and have been really interested in the soda can stoves. The only concern I have is whether the alcohol fuel can stand up to the South Carolina heat. Any thoughts?
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Stupid question time, what is the best way to wash camp dishes without hauling extra gear and wasting water? Do you have to boil/filter the water used for cleaning? Are dishes detergents bad for the environment? How do you dispose of dirty dish water?
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My wife and I are going to take our baby (born in December last year) hiking and camping with us and our dog this summer. Do you have gear recommendations for the main gear: baby carrier, baby sleeping gear, dirty diaper containment, etc?
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I am having a very hard time finding the right pair of trail pants. I've searched online and found what seems to be a thousand pairs and none are the right pair. Do you have a favorite?
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I love my sleeping bag/pad combo, except for one thing. I can't stop sliding off the pad! Is there anything that I can do to my pad to cut down on the sliding
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I am confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With particular regards to daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20% higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives? And how many cubic inches do I need for a daypack or a week-long pack?
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My friends are getting married in a month and I want to give them a piece of gear specifically for couples. I looked into couples sleeping bags, my first choice, but I can't spend more than $200. Can you suggest something thoughtful and high quality?
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I need a new winter sleeping bag. Should I choose a sleeping bag with or without a waterproof laminate? Can you explain the difference?
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Dear Kristin, What is the ideal way to rig your 4-season tent for cold weather? My tent has zip in/out panels and I'm not sure what the right balance is between keeping the heat in and getting the condensation out.
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Kristin, do you have any tips for winter cooking? How should I set my backcountry kitchen up differently? Can I cook in my tent?
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When walking around the neighborhood or out walking the dogs usually duringwinter the streets are most times icy. Are there any shoes or hiking boots that are studded or ones that would be best for ice?
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Dear Kristin,
I love being outside when it's cold, especially hiking, and I wear glasses.
I have a hard time wearing face masks or balaclavas because my warm breath fogs up my glasses as I breathe out into whatever is covering my face. Any suggestions on being fog free?

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I am going on a week-long trip at around 10,500 feet elevation and we'll be using mules to carry our gear. Any suggestions on how to keep our food cold so we can carry perishables such as steak/chicken etc?
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How do I get rid of cold feet while in my sleeping bag in the middle of the night? The rest of my body is fine but my feet are freezing.
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Hats: Is there a secret to finding/wearing a great one as it gets colder out there? Synthetic? Wool? Is there one that's better than the other?
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I'm a sweaty sleeper. Any tips?
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I'm a cold sleeper. How do I sleep warmer?
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What's your method for storing and hauling your trash on a multi-day trip? I usually just use plastic bags but there's got to be a more packable way.
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Kristin, can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?
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What's the proper teeth brushing procedure in the woods? Is there one?

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It's getting cold out there--when do I need a hardshell and when do I need a softshell? I've never really understood the difference and when to use which jacket. Help!
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What's a good set of on trail eating utensils--fork, spoon, etc?
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Hey Kristin, this doesn’t seem to come up very often but should I be wearing a different kind of underwear in the backcountry than I do every day? Any recommendations?
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I'm having trouble deciding upon an insulating layer. I can't decide to go with fleece or PrimaLoft. What are the downs and ups of the two?

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How should my daypack fit? Should it fit differently from my weekend or week-long pack?
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Hey Kristin, I've got a great sleeping bag but I can't sleep without a pillow. Do you have a recommendation for a lightweight pillow or so kind of trick for making one with my gear?
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I've read many outdoor books to get up to speed on camping, cooking, hiking, etc. I would like to hear what your choices of books might be in the outdoor education area. One of my complaints is that they all start to sound the same.
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Going to the bathroom in the wild. What do I need? Do I need to pack out my waste? How? I'm going on a multi-day trip and am not sure what I need.

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How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?
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I love hiking and camping, but not alone. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness?
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Hey Kristin, I'm a navigation newbie. Basically, I just head to the trailhead, look at the map there, and go. Is there essential, basic navigation equipment that I should have at all times, even on a dayhike?
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Dear Kristin,
Time and miles have taken their toll on the knees with one total knee replacement recently. I am getting back to limited hiking and some of the folks I pass on the trail are very high on the use of trekking poles. I would value your advice as to tips on how to adjust them to the proper length and techniques for most advantageous use of the poles to both reduce stress on the knees and ensure stability (twisting artificial knees is very painful!). I sure hope these poles are a benefit and not just an equipment fad?
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Kristin,
My wife and I are becoming more serious backpackers and l am shopping around to replace the tent that I've been using since childhood. Could you explain what “minimum weight,” “packaged weight,” and similar terms mean? Thanks, Rick

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I know I'm supposed to use a bear canister all the time in bear country but they can be bulky. If I'm going on an overnight trip, do I really need one? And if I do, is there a sealable bag option that might work?
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What's the best way to keep pack contents dry. Pack covers and pack liners have failed repeatedly. Should I just rely on zip lock bags?
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Baselayers. I need a good one. I know wool is great but frankly, I itch and get pretty hot when I'm mid hike. Any suggestions?
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How do I get the campfire stench out of my gear? I tried washing it but no-go.
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What can I feed my dog throughout the day while we are hiking to keep his energy up?

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Can a water purifier purify pee?
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Alas, pain in my shoulders and hips is destroying my ability to camp. I can no longer sleep on the ground, even with a thin mattress underneath. What is the best, most cushioned, and lightweight pad that might help solve this problem?
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I commute by bicycle to work 15 miles one way. Where can I find a backpack for clothing and hydration that is visible to vehicles?
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Is it really necessary to have big hiking boots with really sturdy ankle support? I've always used trail runners on multi-day trips without a problem.
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Times are rough, and I don't have the spare cash to blow on top-dollar gear for every essential. If I have to skimp on one, which one should I cut corners: tent, sleeping bag, pack, or boots?
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What would you suggest for a windproof lighter that is simple and dependable?
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I am going to summit Kilimanjaro, but I only have summer weight sleeping bags good to 40 degrees. Given the high cost of lightweight, warm bags and that I don't winter camp, would it be effective to double bag a couple of my summer bags?
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How should a shell fit? I can't decide between a large or an extra large. Is it best to have ample layering room or should it be tight and form fitting? I can't decide whether to go up or down.
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Does Talc powder block the GoreTex Membrane of my boots? And what is the best odor killers for GoreTex Boots?

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Do campfires deter bears?

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I have been backpacking for 15 years and I have not been able to find a way to stop black toenails. I have changed my lacing especially going downhill, always trim toenails and had several different types of boots. Help!
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On a recent backpacking trip, the sole of one of my hiking boots came loose. I was able to use a tent cord to tie it on and hike back to the trailhead. How do you repair loose soles on hiking boots?
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I'm an extremely heavy sweater no matter what the weather. Should I really trust my hi-tech clothing to be absolutely dried by my body heat? Or is it better to carry extra clothing to change? I can't imagine risking the chance of sleeping damp.
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What is the best way to clean my down bag? Should it be dry-cleaned or can I just throw it in the wash?
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I have been backpacking for a little over a year and would like to try some cold weather backpacking. I am wondering how to keep warm in the tent at night. Is there a such thing as a backpacker tent heater? Any suggestions are appreciated.
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How do you remove poison oak or ivy sap from boots?

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I am tired of iodine for water purification and I am considering a filter (like the Hyperflow), but I see that it doesn't filter viruses. If I only backpack in America, do I have to get a filter with a purifier, or will a filter for bacteria only suffice? Going to Big Bend in 3 weeks and I'm clueless...
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Kristin, I was wondering about your thoughts on waterproofing your own
clothes, particularly pants. I have never used any sprayon or wash in
waterproofing product. Would something like that work to waterproof your
pants or would that be a waste of time?

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Is steel better than aluminum when choosing crampons?
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When camping in subzero temperatures whats the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it and whats a good way to clean the pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
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My favorite trail is snowed over now but I still want to get out there. Should I use snowshoes or crampons? Or is there something in between?

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I'm an amateur hiker/backpacker and I'm wondering how much gear I should pack. I don't want to bring too little, and I don't want to be overexerting myself with too much. What's in the ideal pack?
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What are the best products for re-waterproofing Gore-Tex rain jackets?
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Is it safe or advisable to use Febreeze or other "fabric refreshers" on my down sleeping bag?
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Dear Kristin, I just started hiking through mountain trails in the last year or so. I'm ready to take on full weekend backpacking trips. My main concern is food. What are some important tools to take along for good food prep?
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Dear Kristin,
How do I prevent chafing? I have been on many long distance hikes in the last year and seem plagued by raw spots. I have tried talc, shaving and even gone commando to the summit of the South Sister. What's the deal and what really works?
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Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
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Dear Kristin
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
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Dear Kristin, How can you carry on trekking poles when flying a commercial airline?
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I take long dayhikes (20-30 miles) and am looking for an emergency shelter to use in case I don't make it out before nightfall. I don't want to carry a tent. I have been considering a bivy sack - something just to keep me warm and dry. Will a waterproof bivy sack on its own be sufficient in case of rain?
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Is it okay to keep your backpack in your tent at night? There seems to be two opposing camps (no pun intended, or maybe it was)on this issue.
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I wear size 11 EE boots. I have tried to get hiking boots via mail order without success because they are always far narrower than marked. Do you know of a boot maker who makes really wide boots that are true to size? Thanks.
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Canister backpacking stoves are becoming so popular, but I have a concern about them that I can't find much info about. Are the canisters refillable or recyclable? Or are we just creating more waste when we purchase these stoves in the quest of lightness?
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Is there a multipurpose helmet out there I can use for skiing, climbing etc. or should I just plan on getting one for each season/sport?
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I'm confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20 percent higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives?
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Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
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When camping in frigid temperatures, what's the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it? And how can I clean my pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
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Dear Kristin,
I plan on backpacking Europe for about a month. What is the most suitable backpack for me to use?
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I do a bit of camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I am looking for a 3-person tent that can withstand the howls and gusts of the winds without collapsing or flapping so loud it keeps me awake. No $3,000 tents please.
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What is the best way to wash my fleece so that I get longer use out of it?
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I just returned from a trip to the High Sierra and found a 1/2 inch tear in the bottom of my Big Agnes tent. The fabric is silicone treated nylon. How do I fix it?
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My wife and I have decided we want to hit the trail and take some overnight and weekend trips.

The trouble is, I'm a big guy: 6 feet tall and 325 lbs. Big. Since no amount of vertical stripes and black cloth can conceal that fact, I'm not going to wait for the flab to fall off so I can enjoy nature, so I've already begun to accumulate equipment. Unfortunately, I've come to an impasse; that being the distance between the clips on the hipbelt of every pack I've tried. My question is, are there any companies that make packs for bigger guys, and a 54" waist? I'll avoid going for a Krispy Kreme while I await your suggestions.

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