Im a paper map and compass person. However, because I carry my phone with me it seems silly not have a backup. I want something that can download maps [usgs pref] and upload gpx files. After looking over the apps mentioned on bpl forums [gaia, motions...] I really don't know what to go with. I feel like gaia is the right call but wanted to see what people here thought because many of the threads are about a year old.

Best,

Brad

Gaia GPS is my favorite for all around GPS use. It takes a little bit of playing around with to get the hang of everything, but it ends up being the simplest and most fully featured. I think it's around 20 bucks

Topo Maps (not iTopoMaps, mind you) is great for $8. Not as slick as Gaia, but you can make waypoints, download USGS quads, follow your location, and it's super simple.

MotionX GPS is cheap and relatively easy, but I find its interface is much more cluttered than Gaia's. Otherwise, it's very similar.

brad, If you happen to be hiking the PCT you shouldn't do with out Guthooks PCT app..

right ryan?

Haha. Yes, that is right, Brad :)

For general use, though, I use Gaia and Topo Maps. They're pretty much the top of the line for fully functional GPS apps. I consider my apps more like a guidebook than GPS tool.

I know it's not what you're asking for, but I've also made a habbit of scanning printed maps and guidebook entries (either via actual copier/scanner or screenshots from my computer or whatever) into PDF format and saving them onto the phone. I've done this with various users manuals for equipment that I carry with me too, so it's always there to reference. Can't hurt to load in emergency numbers and fast escape directions too. The phone makes it pretty much free to carry with you any information that might be helpful.

. . . that I sold my dedicated GPS. The new release that just came out a few days ago adds some nice features, including my top ask: multiple tracks in different colors shown at same time.

I'm about ready to purchase Gaia for an upcoming trip, but there is also a new smartphone in my future this spring. Can the app be transferred to the new phone?

I don't know about android devices but apple allows you to download apps onto a number of devices once purchased.

A big thank you to everyone that commented. I decided to go with Gaia. I have only been able to fool around with it for a little bit and am already impressed with how powerful it is [especially considering its price]. Also it is really easy to load gpx files using iTunes [drag and drop].

Best wishes,

Brad

Can you use Gaia to download OpenCycleMaps to a phone? I have some thin routes I want to follow that are not on the paper maps but have been uploaded to OpenCycle Maps.

gaia is on sale for iphones right now, 50% off so its only $10

John, you can indeed get opencyclemap topos on Gaia (and download them for offline use. I think you can choose between that, USGS topos, and OpenStreetMap maps. I like the cycle map best myself.

After using almost everyone that is out there, I have personally settled on four that work best for me depending on what I want. I also use these as planning tools while at work. These are in no particular order:

1. ITopomaps - Very basic, cache able mapsets, user friendly, but NO tracking. Getting .gpx files is a little bit of a pain, but still doable.

2. Topo Maps - Same as ITopomaps, but much easier to download .gpx files. Resolution on the mapset tiles seem to be crisper in detail. Has tracking ability, but I haven't played with it much.

3. Backpacker GPS Trails Pro - I use this to download the pro user maps with trails. You can get these online or through the app. I really only use this with these downloaded trails for exploration to where I haven't really been. Lots of features including quick pics that will mark a waypoint as well. People have complained of crashing, but I haven't had any issues whatsoever.

4.NatGeo Trail Maps - This has all of the great features you would expect from NatGeo, but no tracking. I am waiting for the day when they enable to download trails or mapsets with marked trails just like the printed maps...

I hope this helps. Lots more to each of these and the other apps out there. It really comes down to what kind of features you want or need. Support for the app from the developer is also nice when questions arise. I for one don't need Facebook, Twitter, heartrate monitors, geocaching and all the other stuff that goes into other apps. I just want good looking and accurate offline maps with an easy to use interface that I can reference my printed maps to when needed. YMMV.

Edit: Sorry, just realized you already made a choice! Best of luck.

Edited by djaaronreed on 04/05/2012 13:28:10 MDT.

I have been having good luck with GPS Kit recently. Even works outside the US with map caching. It can use all the major map providers.

My favorite apps are these three, worth getting all three IMHO:
1. Gaia GPS (Satellite imagery, Open Cycle Maps, USGS, NRCan, LINZ, and others)
2. Topo Maps (only for US and Canada, and no Open Cycle Maps or Satellite imagery, but so beautiful you ought to get it.
3. Maplets (so many great maps you should just get it and you won't be disappointed).

I'm trying to stay current with new apps and revisions to old apps. I have recently updated the two documents that Alan Dixon and I are maintaining. I've now used Gaia GPS on three international trips of six weeks each, and I'm really pleased with how well it's working and how consistently they add useful features (and don't add clutter/junk features). Alan has been using Topo Maps on his US trips and has switched from his Garmin to the iPhone.

Also, if you haven't already read it, then you need to read the article about selecting an app and preserving battery life:
Instructions for using iPhone as Backpacking GPS/Mapping device.

Here is a list of all the iPhone mapping/gps apps I've evaluated. When I learn about an app I've missed I put it on my list to evaluate, and try to get to it when I have a chunk of time (it's not a fast process).

GPS Kit used to be one of my favored app, but the two most recent releases introduced the battery-drain-while-app-is-in-foreground bug (see the above mentioned document) and is no longer viable for backpacking.

Good luck, AmyL

Edited by drongobird on 05/30/2012 17:58:13 MDT.

Now that I own an iPhone 5, my "old" iPhone 4 has now become my de facto hiking camera/GPS/emergency phone.

While my 5 is on Verizon, my 4 was an ATT phone, allowing me to have the GPS chip enabled and cellular off (per the great instructions above).

I am going to buy a cheap prepaid SIM to put in my unlocked 4, that way, in a pinch, I can make a call or even update a map.
Sure it's not the lightest device ever, but it offers the benefits and attributes of many devices, in one device.

Or I could just go out without a nerd device... no I can't do it ;).

Edited by DJSTWO on 05/10/2013 22:56:58 MDT.