iPhone for a GPS?

So I have been thinking of using my iPhone on 4x4 trips instead of a dedicated GPS (a la Garmin)... I know that the app I use would have to cache topo maps ahead of time since I can't count on 3G signal. I've played with GPS kit, MotionX and Tracker, but I'm not convinced that these programs would really cut it to replace a dedicated device.

Have any of you tried using the iPhone as you primary off road GPS? What app(s) do you prefer?

 

Dunno about the apps but Tricoma might have used his and for sure Wolfman05 used his when we've gone and it works. Think it was just google maps though?

 

I've got MotionX on my iPhone, but I dont think i'd trust it in a situation where it really mattered. I'd shell out the cash for a dedicated handheld GPS. My $.02

 

i dont know about iphone but my verizon droid x comes with navigation. and a million apps for all types of gps needs. i never use my gps anymore only my phone.

 

Depends on what you want.

If you're happy with a simple Lat/Long - yes I think you can get an app that will provide that even absent signal.

But if you want the device to display maps, best to get a dedicated GPS that downloads its map data. iPhone counts on being able to download data.

 

+1 on the Droid X. The street level GPS is incredible. Not sure about offroad. However, neither of those help you with offroad GPS on an iPhone.

 

MotionX and GPS Kit allow you to download ("cache") the topo maps ahead of time for offline use. You have a choice of like 5 different topo map sources like Google terrain and Open maps - all for free and updated regularly. It burns me that Garmin charges so much for their maps these days... They need to get a clue.

 

I use Gaia GPS and it's not too bad, gives you all the topographic maps but you do need to download the maps prior to heading out, I have yet to use it off roading but the topo maps do match up with the paper maps I have and used for scouting hunting spots.