What's your favorite app for off grid navigation?

So, I'm sure this has been discussed, but searching didn't really give me what I needed.

I've been trying to find an app that does what I need it to do, and so far have only found some that do a bit of what I want.

I really like the Avenza app, as it gives you (free) georeferenced Forrest Service MVUM's and usgs and other topo maps. This is great, but you cant upload gpx files unless you but the $130/yr subscription (seriously?!).

The Trimble outdoor Navigator is able to import gpx files, but I wish it had the mvum's available. It does have various other maps, however...

The Gaia app is what I'm leaning towards next, but I'd like some incite before committing. Does it have MVUM maps?

So, I'm interested to see what y'all use. I have a smart phone (android), currently, but would like the option of moving to a bigger screen with a gps enabled tablet at some point since the screen on my phone is pretty small and hard to navigate while I'm pounding dirt and rocks.

 

So I did find this about Gaia's MVUM maps:

Mvums are available, but only with the premium subscription.

https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/115007324367-MVUM-Motor-Vehicle-Use-Map-Issues

IMO, it seem pretty lame if Gaia claims it has MVUM maps, it should actually have the maps, not vectorized versions, with different symbology, and incomplete data, as this reviewer discovered.

I know it's just one review, so I'd like to get a take from some other real world users (you guys!).

 

i been using HEMA, and then u can TOPO map so far has been very accurate, including showing which trails closed, some are outdated as well. but overall pretty good. I run my setup like this.

 

Is that an aftermarket stereo with a weather map?

BTW, your tire pressure is low.

 

nope thats default navigational feature of tacoma 2016 to pull weather map, and the ipad runs HEMA US map with topo 7.5 map

 

Is that from the Entune feature where it links to your phone for data? I've got a '17 4Runner with that - but never really explored it much.

 

yeap, though it gets it via HD signal thats one big drawback is that if u in middle of true no where, and no HD radio signal it gets no weather data.

 

What about lotus? Anyone use that? Any good?

 

Yeah, I just look out my window for the weather when I'm in the boonies, or wait for my knees to hurt... I also have a handheld radio with weather stations if I'm feeling saucy.

I'll have to futz with that on the way home.

 

I also just found out tonight that Trimble will no longer be supportig the Navigator app, and since that's what I used to upload my route planning via gpx (Avenza sucks for that), I'll definitely need a new app that can do that.

 

I tried the Android demo versions of most of the nav apps, including Gaia, and didn't like any of them. Then I watched a buddy using the paid Gaia version and was sold. Bought it last week and downloaded all the USFS map tiles for offline use in the Naches/Manashtash, Liberty, and Rimrock areas. Very easy to do. Used it it wheeling over the weekend and liked it. Battery use was reasonable too. Still need to play around with it a bit but so far I think it's definitely a keeper.

Edit - I also imported several GPX tracks. That was also very easy.

 

I have been using ViewRangerGPS with my Galaxy Tab4 for just over 2 years now. All of my areas are downloaded for offline use. I can create routes on the desktop version and then synch it to my phone and tablet. I also can also record a track while on the trail make it into a route. I can also synch the tracks from the Tablet to the desktop version to modify the tracks into routes and what not. Also importing/exporting .gpx files is a snap

here's my ViewRanger profile that has some of the routes I have created from the desktop version or from recorded tracks while on the trail made into routes ready to download for to use
http://my.viewranger.com/user/details/1543933

 

Nice, thanks. I kinda felt like a stalker looking through your routes.

That Tab 4 has an integrated GPS, correct? Is that the 10"

 

Thank you for this.

Downloaded, now to play with it.

 

@MonkeyProof did you download the US premium maps? - $20.

 

Has an integrated GPS, this is the 7". I believe anything bigger would be to big for my needs ahem

Yes, well worth since it will also upgrades a feature when making a route called autmatic route making or something like that. Makes it much faster and way easier instead of click little segments at a time in order to create the dang route.

 

Most of my routes are now set to private, with in the last year and a half I have seen a lot of the lesser known trails getting popular and over used because of social media posts and the stupid "overlander" fad

 

Yeah, you want your hobby to be popular and have people to run with, but not SO popular that every yahoo gets in on the game, and your area gets flooded with squids.

However, my biggest pet peeve is the yahoos who don't police their brass. Been that way for decades. Nothing better than running up on a pile of shells and a rusted out washing machine with 1000 holes in it when you're 20 miles from the nearest paved road.

 

I hear yah on people leaving brass behind. But that problem has been around for eons. What Im seeing now is at camp sites. Rather it be a primitive spot or a established site. For example, last weekend at our last nite where we were at there was in plain site a pile of poo and toilet paper covered only with a rock right next to the streams edge and just a few feet from the fire ring. Or another example, last month at the Trona Pinnacles that had 4-5 large trash bags dumped inside the bathroom after the holiday weekend. Wasnt ever like this...