Best GPS for off roading?

I've paid for the pro version as well. There are some nice overlays I've bought also. Being able to tell if I'm on blm, USFS or private land is useful in more than just offroading. Only thing I wish, would be to download areas by entire state along with selecting it. I understand it may be a space issue but we have over 200gb micro SD cards now.

 

I wonder if that will be available with new app? I agree, a whole state would be great. Use a 7" tablet that needs no data would be the best!

 

I use BCN pro also. I have a Garmin eTrex 20 with maps of the complete US west of Colorado that's really enhanced my backcountry trips... But it is slow as shit. And to plot an unfamiliar route takes hours even running Garmin's companion PC app.

The thing is about BCN; it looks great and works well. But what really makes me want to switch to another topo app is the Raster files that BCN uses takes up a considerable amount of storage.
I have most of AZ north of PHX. All of S. UT. A bit of Colorado and NV. Most of SoCal and the S. Sierras and it's taken most of my 200Gb SD card.
Anyone running a vector based topo app for Android?

 

Wow! I don't think my files are anywhere near that. I'm think 3gb for Colorado

 

Be careful. There are two different USGS topo map layers. One is very large. The other is very small. You might want to check that out.

 

I just use my phone loaded with the Avenza Maps app. You can download (for free) NF maps and OHV/motor vehicle maps. Pretty handy.

I also use Trimble Navigator and an app call MyTrails.

All three are great out of network apps that use yur phone gps.

My only complaint is that my phone's screen is a little small. I'd like to have my ipad, but I don't have gps on the ipad.

EDIT:
I've been using the Avenza app a lot more recently, and while I like it because of it's access to geo'd MVUM's and USGS topo maps, it's cumbersome to create tracks during trip planning and you can't import gpx files without a $130/yr subscription. Last trip I ended up manually creating waypoints and editing the lat/lon to known locations before I set off. There weren't very many points, so it worked, but was time consuming.

Trimble is also not supporting their Navigator app anymore.

For a larger screen, I'm considering a Galaxy Tab4 since they have integrated GPS with either Backcountry Nav or Gaia. For now I'll test out Gaia and BCN on my phone to see which I like better.

 

I used this app for an overlanding trip I took solo. Zero cell service and hours from a town, I did 200 miles of strict off road driving never once seeing paved roads... It kept me on track and it'll show your location on the map and integrate the compass so you can see where you're facing.

 

Hmm. It's all ArcGIS I've downloaded. Do you have a suggestion on the USGS Topo and it's most petite layer?

 

I use a Garmin 60csx for ATV trail riding, works good and has lasted. Broken several others.

 

Yeah thats the one...USA Topo Maps ArcGIS. There is a different took map in there that is much larger. Sounds like you are using the smaller one already however.

 

Sonsofbitches

 

Lots of good info in this thread! I used to do computer mapping (GIS), so it's really interesting seeing all the portable options out there now.

I'm going to go with backcountry nav on a smaller sized (<10") tablet with gps, plugged into the cig outlet, any recommendations?...

 

I picked up this android tablet off Amazon. I've been slowly loading tiles of areas that I play in.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ehI49V-uL._SL1000_.jpg

It was <$125, so if I drop it, I'm not gonna get too worked up. For a 10" tablet, its pretty compact. I would think a 7" would be great for back packing, but his is great for the truck.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0721CC4CS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I don't think anyone here is arguing that. The question was "what is the best GPS app?"

 

This would need some sort of plan in order to get service / reception / hot spot?

Retract this, I overlooked the "built in GPS" nice rig!

 

Correct.

Once you load up while on WIFI, the tiles of the area you plan to be in, you need no data package.

 

A friend of mine is selling his lightly-used Samsung Galaxy SM-T713NZKEXAR Tab S2 8.0, 32GB, has gps,
Seems like a sound purchase to run Backwoods Nav on?...

 

That would store a huge amount of tiles! I see no downside unless it has bad battery.

 

Thanks for the input! He just bought it about a month ago but got a similar tablet to use at work/field sites, hence the sale...

 

Just got backcountry nav pro on the tablet, awesome setup!