You also have the option of turning off GPS temporarily to save battery, which is definitely useful if you’re out in the backcountry. This app from REI is a living database that offers over 35,000 trails to the eager hiker … Gaia … Unlock Gaia GPS's potential with a Gaia GPS Membership or Premium Membership. Recording a route is easy as pie – simply click the big Record button in the top left. The app is also … If it wants you to choose Elements vs Elevate, I like Elements better, though they are VERY similar, and you can switch back and for at any time. eabyrd1506. Moral of the story: don’t rely exclusively on your smartphone as a navigation device. On a warmer day, you might get super sweaty and if your phone is in your pocket it could get wet. صفحه اصلی gaia gps vs backcountry navigator Gaia GPS: Topo Maps and Trails 6.0.6 for Android +4.0 در تاریخ: ۱۰ اسفند ۱۳۹۴ - ۱۲:۴۶ در: مکان یاب بدون نظر Views: I never felt BN was this user friendly. If you commit to a longer membership you’ll get a pretty good discount too. Many have … -Backcountry Navigator-Gaia GPS-ViewRanger-Wikiloc-Locus Map. 2020 Specialty Maps. The two GPS mapping and tracking apps that we’re going to look at today are Backcountry Navigator Pro and Gaia GPS. Yes, Gaia GPS works offline. There looks to be a new version of Backcountry Navigator Pro called Backcountry Navigator XE coming out sometime soon that will be available on iOS, but it isn’t yet available. Follow the prompt to install. There is also the risk of impact in a crash damaging your phone. This isn’t very likely if you’ve packed it safely, but it could still happen. Dynafit Hoji Free MSRP: $899.95Weight: 1550 grams (sz 27)Last width: 102 mm Buy Now: Backcountry.com, evo.com, REI.com, Dynafit.com… Read More Read More Gaia GPS is already used by thousands of guides and avid hikers all over the world, and their recently released hiking app offers maps complete contour lines and hill shading. I previously wrote about Gaia GPS vs. BCN, and it’s clear that Atlogis is a distant third.In this case, it comes down to the maps. Try this DEMO to see if it is right … I’m here to share a Gaia GPS tutorial on what I have learned, so you can get the most out of your membership as well. I tested Backcountry, Gaia, and Viewranger at the same time on a 3 day hike. You can then see the elevation and coordinates of the point, customize the icon, and give it a name. The basic app is free, but you are somewhat limited in what you can do. Any ideas. The Essential Outdoor Mobile App . I've had Gaia and Backcountry Navigator for a while, but trimble blows them away. Backcountry Navigator has been my go to for some time. Let your smartphone become your handheld outdoor GPS to guide you to the backcountry. There is an online repository of maps and routes that people have shared, and it’s very easy to share your own routes from the app. Or road and Mountain bicycles in the summer ? BackCountry Navigator XE is my vision for the future of mobile outdoor navigation software and the help and feedback from users . I have experienced the initial wait times to lock onto GPS signal as well, but have found that it locks on pretty quick if you open up Google Maps simultaneously just to get … Subscribe for in-depth reviews, first impressions, industry news, and pro DIY tips. When it comes to backcountry navigation is a dedicated GPS unit or your Smartphone the best device for the task? Being able to use your smartphone to see exactly where you are, plan routes, and track your progress is nothing short of amazing. Same deal if you move the map – it feels a bit laggy. Although Backcountry Navigator Pro has all the features you would want in a GPS navigation app, it’s starting to feel a bit dated. We’ve rounded up the best offline GPS apps for tracking, hiking, hunting, traveling, and everything in between. I can now say Gaia GPS is competitive with BackCountry Navigator in many ways, and overall, the best outdoor GPS app for Android. If you have to make the choice, buy both. You can even download maps for offline use, which is great for backcountry travel since you often lose signal in the mountains. Garmin vs. BackCountry Navigator App Thread starter 1FZj80; Start date Jan 7, 2016; Watchers 4 1FZj80. With the latest release of Gaia GPS, things have changed. Aside from the navigation and topo features, it has an integrated compass that uses your phone’s hardware, so the reliability is somewhat questionable. This article looks at the pros and cons of using a dedicated GPS vs a Smartphone for backcountry navigation to help you select the best device for your next hunt. Don’t get sidetracked with comparing them right now, you can easily do that later. This shows you where satellites are in the sky relative to your position, so if you aren’t getting a good signal, you can move to the right spot to acquire one. Maps have 15 layers of zoom, which in most cases is plenty to see the relevant topo features. Neat! For example, Gaia includes MapBox cloudless aerial and up-to-date road maps, which we license for use in GaiaPro. As long as you don’t push BackCountry Navigator Pro beyond its download limits, it’sa good app. The platform offers many layers and a deep level of functionality—clearly the most user-friendly phone app. Best Cheap Price – Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator For Backcountry. You can check a box to ignore them later. I generally ignore them unless I can’t figure something out. Comparison: Gaia GPS vs. Backcountry Navigator Pro. As a camping app, Gaia GPS delivers public land data to help you stay legal, maps with campsites, parks, and forests, as well as weather overlays. Topographic maps for North America are plentiful and switching the map source is quite painless. Website: Gaia GPS The Gaia GPS hiking app impressed us with live data while we were hiking – no other app in this review shows you so much information about your hike (speed graph, elevation graph, … The crowdfunding campaign is a project to bring the app to iOS and the Web and to improve certain functions based on customer feedback. There are a bunch of things that can happen that can cause your phone to fail. Gaia GPS (for ios, android) You only have access to the default map source (Gaia Topo) and you cannot download maps for offline use. Also would like to read a review about Sygic if possible, Your email address will not be published. iTunes: n/a. This Android version is more flexible, featured, and fun. And yes Gaia has some really cool layers but I use BN more. There are also multi-year deals through the indiegogo page linked above. Lead Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry Navigator, Gaia, and Trimble Gear nerds, this one’s for you. They have to fund the server farm they created for the app and the price seems reasonable to me. If you need an affordable GPS tracker device that can still keep your map intact while n outdoors, this right here is the perfect option to acquire.. You can learn more about that device and other options in our article about the Best PLBs and Satellite Messengers. I am about to hike the CDT for 30 days and want to ditch the … The first thing you’ll see when you visit their website is a live map, which is handy for trip planning. Dynafit Hoji Free MSRP: $899.95Weight: 1550 grams (sz 27)Last width: 102 mm Buy Now: Backcountry.com, evo.com, REI.com, Dynafit.com… Read More Read More I haven’t used it much yet, but it definitely looks a heck of a lot better than BCNav Pro. The free AllTrails app offers a few good features for doing day hikes, especially if you can access the internet. After installing Gaia, if you wait a day or two you might see an email with discounted membership options. From all appearances, it seems that development work has really slowed down on this app. BackCountry Navigator has been previously available on WM devices and preloaded on the Trimble Nomad outdoor rugged device. Carrying and holding this GPS device is easy and comfortable … In terms of basic features, Gaia GPS covers pretty much all of the same bases as Backcountry Navigator Pro, but does some things a bit better. This will be available on iOS as well as Android, which is a first for this app. Eg: Going up to Watersprite lake via the creek canyon, the Samsung Galaxy maintained a continuous track log, whereas my Garmin … Gaia GPS helps you find a campsite on the road, or deep in the backcountry. I heard backcountry navigator is a better option but not sure as you have to buy the subscription to find out. To try it out, you can opt in using this link. Conclusion – Gaia GPS vs AllTrails. Thread starter #1 I lost my Garmin Montana (that was a very bad day) and decided to try phone/tablet based GPS app to see if it … That said, Backcountry Navigator gives you access to a huge number of maps at a lower price point than Gaia GPS. It isn’t quite ready to fully replace Backcountry Navigator Pro yet (it’s still a beta after all), but it’s getting closer. Gaia puts more info on the main map page and If you put them in a folder, not Gaia has a plethora of features and there is a learning curve when using it to its full potential. The new version of BackCountry will allow web based planning, which has been something I wanted for a long time and one of the reasons I keep using NatGeo topo on my laptop. Website: Gaia GPS. Both offer a slew of downloadable map sources, including maps from CalTopo , which is designed for search and rescue. The Essential Outdoor Mobile App . Use your Android as an offroad topo mapping GPS with the bestselling outdoor navigation app for Android! But you have to consider the price point of these 2 apps. They are both available on Android and Gaia GPS is available on iOS (Apple devices) as well. The developer behind the app took his long experience on Windows and translated that to the new Android platform, and BackCountry Navigator was the best for a long while. Carry a compass and map(s) if you aren’t sure where you’re going. If the user interface has been improved and the existing functionality is maintained, it could be a good purchase if the price is right. In Gaia, you can share any object, route, I’m especially impressed with all the information it has about speed. Any ideas. Compact and lightweight. In this video, I show you how to turn your phone or tablet into an offline GPS and trail mapping device using Backcountry Navigator. Gaia is the only app. Data is easily exported to and imported from Google Earth, and the UI continues to improve with updates. One thing to note before reading on is that mobile phones are not something that should be considered 100% reliable in the backcountry. Users can see trips they create in XE on bcanavxe.com, and there are many more improvements to come in terms of stability and functionality. I did a bit of digging and found a Kickstarter campaign that has been fully funded for a new app – Backcountry Navigator XE. How to Download an Entire State Map with... How to Save Phone Battery Life in the Backcountry, Gaia GPS and Apple CarPlay Bring Outdoor Maps to Your Dashboard, Easy to Read, Tiny to Download: The All New Gaia Topo. It has taken me months to learn how to use Gaia GPS, but I have become a better hiking and climbing partner by using maps to prepare for my trips. Other mapping apps do NOT exhibit this problem in the car. Price: $11.99 USD Thanks.) Beside Google Maps, I’m now mainly rely on Gaia GPS. But make sure you have a cell signal where you’re going. You can also subscribe to the XE List to get notified of status, updates, and deals. GPS locks on just as fast as Backcountry Navigator Pro and there is also the option to make the map full screen which is handy when you’re looking at finer details on topographic maps. I pulled my phone out, and the screen was a bit damp and it wouldn’t boot up! If you run on Android, Backcountry Navigator Pro is better than Gaia (much better). These libraries include National Geographic Trails Illustrated, US Hunting maps, additional specialized overlays, and more European maps. Take a close look at what is offered before deciding. Available for: Android and iOS. I use Gaia GPS ($19.99) and BackCountry Navigator Topo GPS ($9.99). Original Series. Not sure how useful this is, but if you want a bunch of small, separate map tiles you can do that. Gaia GPS. One interesting feature is the GPS Satellite View. (Don't doubt you, just curious. BackCountry Navigator has been previously available on WM devices and preloaded on the Trimble Nomad outdoor rugged device. As a camping app, Gaia GPS delivers public land data to help you stay legal, maps with campsites, parks, and forests, as well as weather overlays. Additions of specialty maps like Cell Phone coverage Maps (to see if you’ll have service where you’re going) and Apple CarPlay Maps (to guide you to hiking trailheads) are likely the biggest recent improvements for 2020.. 2020 International Maps. If you’re a casual backcountry traveler, this might be enough. Welcome to the next generation of a product for exploring the outdoors on your own terms, using offline topo maps and GPS on your smartphone.
You can also download maps for offline use and print them as backups. What makes BNP a better app? Available for: Android and iOS. But GAIA is a great company with a great product and I will support the move by buying a subscription. Backcountry Navigator has been my go to for some time. Garmin vs. BackCountry Navigator App Thread starter 1FZj80; Start date Jan 7, 2016; Watchers 4 1FZj80. Read on to find out why. BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS PRO has the current market position #45141 by number of ratings. When you zoom in or out on a map, white blocks appear – briefly in most cases, but it isn’t a smooth transition. Condition Based vs. The website for Backcountry Navigator Pro doesn’t have any activity on it since August of 2015. Scroll down to the Elevate 4 section and click the button for BackCountry Navigator. Also, while you have to purchase map packs like “Alaska Public Land” from BackCountry Navigator, Gaia conveniently makes all of this public data available to you without a hassle. The biggest feature difference that sets Gaia GPS aside from BackCountry Navigator is that Gaia GPS works across all … Another good alternative is something like the Garmin InReach Explorer+, which has topo maps and real-time GPS navigation as well as satellite messaging. Current Version: 6.7.9 Your email address will not be published. Mammut Ultimate V Tour SO Softshell Review, Mammut Spindrift 32 Ski Touring Pack Review, The Best Climbing Skins for Backcountry Skiing in 2018. FWIW, in 2019 I installed both Gaia GPS (basic subscription) and Backcountry Navigator (Pro) and tested both in Big Sur (using off-line stored maps) and elsewhere (using on-line maps).For my Samsung android 8 (oreo), Gaia kept producing very spikey, essentially unusable, tracks () whereas Backcountry Navigator worked well. Here’s a comparison of two popular Android hiking apps – Backcountry Navigator and Atlogis US Topo Maps Pro. Sync, Share, and Backup with GaiaCloud. And GAIA’s list of international maps like Span, France, … Here’s a comparison of two popular Android hiking apps – Backcountry Navigator and Atlogis US Topo Maps Pro. Here’s a comparison of two popular Android hiking apps – Backcountry Navigator and Atlogis US Topo Maps Pro. BackCountry Navigator’s developer will have a hard time matching the smooth, openGL-based maps Gaia now offers. If you run on Android, Backcountry Navigator Pro is better than Gaia (much better). Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13: The Ultimate Resort/Touring Binding? Note this for concept only and the data may look different on mobile Downloading maps for offline use is possible but isn’t the most intuitive process. Gaia GPS. BackCountry Navigator XE is my vision for the future of mobile outdoor navigation software and the help and feedback from users . If you already have an iPhone, then you’ll get a better system by getting a Gaia GPS Membership ($9.99/year or $29.99/year), maps included. Note that for most of these you’ll at least need the Membership level subscription. I previously wrote about Gaia GPS vs. BCN, and it’s clear that… Read more 2. One other interesting feature is the ability to take a picture with your device and tag it to a geographic location. Those work hours mostly come from an engineer who last worked at Google for 4 years (CTO and Founder Anna) and our lead developer Jesse, who besides being a great programmer, thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Are both useful for snowmobiles in extreme backcountry? It has taken me months to learn how to use Gaia GPS, but I have become a better hiking and climbing partner by using maps to prepare for my trips. So the choice is yours…new, polished, but on the expensive side (Gaia GPS) or a bit older but still very useful (Backcountry Navigator Pro). I have tried Google Maps, Google Earth, Backcountry Navigator, Motion X. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A sample of the market history data for BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS PRO can be found below. For a one time fee, this a great addition to the outdoor gear you bought at Cabelas, REI, or another outdoor store. Downloading is fast, so that’s cool. The only thing harder is uploading the raster maps - the GPS sensitivity seems equal. Gaia GPS. Gaia GPS’s pricing is a bit different from Backcountry Navigator Pro. This seems to be the only app that is going haywire. The community around Gaia GPS seems to have a lot more support. I could list a bunch of other features, like weather overlays and heads-up display that you won’t find in BackCountry Navigator either, but it’s really the core mapping and data capabilities that will make Gaia GPS better than BackCountry Navigator over the long haul. I find this map to be by far the most used because it is too much work to always be downloading an area you are going to. If you already know you want this app, use the promo code EARLYFOR25 for 25% off through the website (try AUGUST20 if that one doesn’t work). Subscribe for in-depth reviews, first impressions, industry news, and pro DIY tips. This Android version is more flexible, featured, and fun. ... For example, the classic DCF vs silnylon vs silpoly for shelter, hybrid DCF vs Xpac vs Dyneema for packs, canister vs alcohol vs Esbit vs no cook/cold soak, down vs synth sleeping bags/quilts, rain jackets vs … Designed for today’s tech-smart outdoor adventurers, BackCountry Navigator XE will turn your ordinary smartphone into a full-featured outdoors GPS navigation device. The GPS quickly locks onto your current position, and recording a track is a breeze. Thanks.) If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You should buy Gaia GPS if you want to go backpacking, or do work outdoors. Follow the prompt to install. Overall, Gaia GPS is a much more polished app that feels like a modern smartphone application. Similar to DropBox, you can share a short link to any track, waypoint, or photo, and browse your data online at cloud.gaiagps.com. I could take some fun jabs at the usability and performance of these apps relative to one … Would this fact make the iPhone 6 an unreliable GPS mapping unit in the backcountry? Adding waypoints is really easy – you hold your finger on the map and it drops a point. Both offer a slew of downloadable map sources, including maps from CalTopo , which is designed for search and rescue. Tracking a route is also really easy – two taps and the app will start tracking your progress and save it to be viewed on the map later. eabyrd1506. Well the title kind of gives it away, but since using Gaia GPS for a few trips last winter I don’t think I’ll be going back to Backcountry Navigator Pro. Andrew founded Gaia GPS. Any time, any where. Gaia GPS has many map sources that you cannot get in BackCountry Navigator. Don’t get sidetracked with comparing them right now, you can … Whether your route takes you through busy city streets or to remote mountain peaks, you will always be able to see your current location in the Gaia GPS app.. 1. There are no little black boxes to wait for while the map is loading like you see in Backcountry Navigator. What makes BNP a better app? Google Play Store: Download Link There are now several apps on the market that are starting to get better and better (notably Gaia GPS and onX), and I'm happy to say that the good folks over at BCN aren't sitting idly by - they are hard at work on the next version - Backcountry Navigator XE (BCNavXE). Here’s a comparison of two popular Android hiking apps – Backcountry Navigator and Atlogis US Topo Maps Pro. The Best Winter Backcountry Tips from Search and…, Courtney Dauwalter: From Science Teacher to Endurance Superstar, 2020 Fastest Known Time Round-Up with Buzz Burrell, Introducing Grizzly Bear 399 and Her Four Cubs,…, Trails, Trials, and The Trek with Zach “Badger”…, Her Odyssey: An Adventure Across the Americas, view all of the maps we make and license online for free. Rating: 4.3/5 Scroll down to the Elevate 4 section and click the button for BackCountry Navigator. I have tried Google Maps, Google Earth, Backcountry Navigator, Motion X. I previously wrote about Gaia GPS vs. BCN, and it’s clear that Atlogis is a distant third. LAUNCH DAY VIP SUPER EARLY BIRD: Join the ‘BackCountry VIP Community’ and get 5 full years of premium access to BackCountry Navigator XE, Thunderforest Maps, Caltopo Maps and Accuterra Maps, plus $50 In-App Credit and a copy of the original BackCountry Navigator PRO (for Android) for you or a … LAUNCH DAY VIP SUPER EARLY BIRD: Join the ‘BackCountry VIP Community’ and get 5 full years of premium access to BackCountry Navigator XE, Thunderforest Maps, Caltopo Maps and Accuterra Maps, plus $50 In-App Credit and a copy of the original BackCountry Navigator PRO (for Android) for you or a friend * Save $125 * ***AMAZING VALUE*** Includes: The addition of NatGeo Trails Illustrated maps as another layer is huge, to me. With membership, sync your trips … The developer is an experienced Windows developer, and used those skills to build a very useful and fully featured Android GPS navigation app. So far the new version of the app is looking very promising and I’ll post a full review and updated comparison when it is officially released. He writes code and manages the business. Although $19.99 might seem like a lot for a navigation tool, the year-long subscription offers features and improvements that make it one of the best … Ideally you’ll have a physical map (in a waterproof sleeve or laminated) and a compass as a backup or at least know exactly where you are going. The only thing harder is uploading the raster maps - the GPS sensitivity seems equal. Website: http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/ This is very useful if you’re sharing routes with friends. Backcountry has more map source options than Gaia, and that may substantiate theconsiderable price difference. For years I’ve used and tested a number of different apps (Gaia GPS, Backcountry navigator, Caltopo app, Viewranger) on a variety of phones (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc) against Suunto and Garmin watches, Garmin handhelds. Apple fanboys need not apply. ... press the icon twice and then go again. Use your Android as an offroad topo mapping GPS with the bestselling outdoor navigation app for Android! Gaia GPS has many advantages over BackCountry Navigator now, both with regards to speed and performance, and features. Most importantly: The most obvious difference between the two apps is that Gaia GPS displays maps smoothly and beautifully, while BackCountry Navigator flashes black and white as you move the map, which creates a jarring and unsatisfying map experience. You select the layers button, tap Select Areas for Download and then drag to create a rectangle (or a few of them) with your finger. Joined Apr 16, 2006 Messages 1,115 Location Cardiff BTS & Tahoe Jan 7, 2016. If you have a Premium membership, there is a plethora of additional layers you can overlay on the maps and the selection of maps is almost overwhelming. Data is easily exported to and imported from Google Earth, and the UI continues to improve with updates. As long as you’ve downloaded maps either would work, but make sure you have a backup plan (paper maps or another GPS mapping device). Recording routes, adding waypoints, downloading maps for offline use, and sharing routes are all supported features. In my opinion, Backcountry Navigator had a fairly roundabout way of downloading and installing map tiles. I’m here to share a Gaia GPS tutorial on what I have learned, … Dropping a waypoint is equally painless – simply tap and hold on the map and a waypoint will appear. As of May, we brought Android development in-house, and we made it our #1 priority. 2. The other big complaint about BackCountry Navigator was the interface is clunky and it does have a learning curve, this is supposed to … Google Play Store: Download Link Here are some of the highlights of new backcountry gear for the 2019/2020 season. Gaia is a membership subscription based pricing model, where you will send them some hard-earned money every year. Click the download icon, and you then select the level of zoom you want to download (this determines the file size). trimble outdoor navigator, it doesn't get any better in my opinion. If you start looking into what outdoor GPS app your should buy for your Android, you’ll see several choices come up on Google, including Gaia GPS and BackCountry Navigator. Choose Gaia GPS if you want the best app, and choose BackCountry Navigator if you want the old leader. Create a memory with maps. Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk I use Gaia (for Android) and really like it. In this video, I show you how to turn your phone or tablet into an offline GPS and trail mapping device using Backcountry Navigator. The Best Winter Backcountry Tips from Search and... Satellite Communication Device Review Plus a Special Offer... Find Phone Signal With Cell Phone Coverage Maps. Though there are many capabilities that Gaia GPS has that BackCountry does not, it is this basic map display disparity that makes Gaia GPS obviously better on launch. Gaia is the only app. Avalanche Safety: Terrain Management – Slope Angle. They can be helpful, but are pretty wordy. There are 3 Map Package options…what these do is either store the downloaded ’tiles’ (section of map) with the online maps or separately. In very cold weather, batteries tend not to last very long, especially batteries that are a few years old. Joined Apr 16, 2006 Messages 1,115 Location Cardiff BTS & Tahoe Jan 7, 2016. You can also drop waypoints anywhere you like and even customize the icon and label. Moving the map around is smooth, and zooming in and out is lag free. You run the danger of running out of battery or the phone breaking. - the phone programs such as Backcountry Navigator and Gaia are much easier to manage, and more powerful. Use your device's GPS chip to navigate without an internet connection.. 1. But of those 3 any would be a good choice. And if you enable GaiaCloud, getting a new Android phone or dropping your smartphone in a river doesn’t wreck your tracks. More expensive, Gaia GPS is nevertheless one of the better options. Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk I use Gaia (for Android) and really like it. GPS used to require expensive devices but now the power can be found in our pocket. Tags gps, gpsd, … For years I’ve used and tested a number of different apps (Gaia GPS, Backcountry navigator, Caltopo app, Viewranger) on a variety of phones (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc) against Suunto and Garmin watches, Garmin handhelds. Walking off the War on the Appalachian Trail, Track Snow Depth Across the U.S. and Canada. Alltrails started treating these as waypoints to a route. Backcountry Navigator Pro gets the job done, but feels like it hasn’t aged very gracefully. Here are some of the highlights of new backcountry gear for the 2019/2020 season. Start Free Trial. Very good comparison, even though most of the time I use my Garmin GPS for hiking I do use Gaia GPS app and found it very useful. I’ve used Gaia numerous times and it is a high quality app, and is what I would recommend for iPhone users. If it wants you to choose Elements vs Elevate, I like Elements better, though they are VERY similar, and you can switch back and for at any time. While we did that, we outsourced the Android development. I wouldn’t recommend using a phone app as your only form of navigation in the extreme backcountry. ... Gaia, Geo-Pak Hunt and onX maps … As a GPS navigation app, Backcountry Navigator Pro is great. In my opinion, Backcountry Navigator had a fairly roundabout way of downloading and installing map tiles. Download Maps. Unless you need a GPS app right now, you may want to wait and see what Backcountry Navigator XE brings to the table. We have a system of map overlays that allow Bivouac roads, trails, mountains and huts to show up on the maps. I use Gaia GPS ($19.99) and BackCountry Navigator Topo GPS ($9.99). The differences are remarkable. Overall, Gaia GPS is a much more polished app that feels like a modern smartphone application. (Don't doubt you, just curious. If you are having trouble accessing your membership, downloading maps, or other membership questions, see the FAQs below. This seems to be the only app that is going haywire. Reasons to Use a Garmin Proponents of Garmin and other standalone devices may cite the battery life, accuracy, and ruggedness as reasons to prefer these units. Connect to the internet to download maps to your device. I’ll post a link once the iOS beta is live. I pay $3/month for the unlimited features, and it's definitely worth it for me. Update 2: the beta for Android users is live! Apple fanboys need not apply. I previously wrote about Gaia GPS vs. BCN, and it’s clear that Atlogis is a distant third.In this case, it comes down to the maps. Current Version: 7.0.7 Backcountry Navigator has the ability to use openandroidmaps.org. You can always view all of the maps we make and license online for free, use them in the apps, and you can view them in layered fashion with a GaiaPro subscription. 2. The Gaia GPS hiking app impressed us with live data while we were hiking – no other app in this review shows you so much information about your hike (speed graph, elevation graph, highest point and all other kinds of important information). Designed for today’s tech-smart outdoor adventurers, BackCountry Navigator XE will turn your ordinary smartphone into a full-featured outdoors GPS navigation … The biggest feature difference that sets Gaia GPS aside from BackCountry Navigator is that Gaia GPS works across all of your devices (Android, iOS, and computer). BackCountry Navigator will work even when there isn’t any cell coverage. Reviews: 6,172 It's awesome for planning trips, photo-tagging waypoints, and everything else you use a GPS … If you think I’m wrong, send an email to andrew@gaiagps.com, and I will personally give you a refund. Gaia GPS offers the best solution for the backcountry. It’s like a 15 year old Tacoma – it’ll get you there, but not in the most convenient or fashionable way. For the truly committed, a Premium Membership at $39.99 per year gets you access to even more map libraries. Like I said, I love the graphics and size using Gaia on the … We put nearly 1,000 work hours into Android since then, and we’re not slowing down. At present, Backcountry Navigator is still my preferred app for Android, because of a few critical things such as custom symbol support. Update: there has been some progress on Backcountry Navigator XE development! Once you complete your trip you’ll have access to all kinds of stats like distance, speed, and time, as well as export and sharing options. Gaia GPS helps you find a campsite on the road, or deep in the backcountry. I could take some fun jabs at the usability and performance of these apps relative to one another, but maps make the rest moot. iTunes: Download Link. There will be a beta for Android and an iOS Testflight (a beta for iOS devices I’m assuming) sometime very soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
, Number of installs: 100,000+ 3. 2. Mark waypoints to create custom camping maps, plus reference road maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps … It offers a multitude of great options with a user friendly interface. The development team is working toward the iOS (Apple) beta release and improving the existing features. This gets you access to an extensive map catalog that spans worldwide topo, road, and satellite. Hiking Project. Price: Free – $39.99/year With pre-downloaded maps, it works offline as an alternative to a traditional GPS: displaying topo charts, logging waypoints and routes, and much more. There was an update posted to their IndieGoGo page on June 29th. Never tried BNP. Lead Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry Navigator, Gaia, and Trimble Gear nerds, this one’s for you. If you spend much time in the backcountry, you have probably considered getting an app with GPS tracking and topographic maps. For many years, the best GPS Navigation app for Android was far and away Backcountry Navigator Pro, which is called Backcountry Navigator Topo GPS in Google’s app store. According to the campaign, XE will be released sometime in the very near future – the estimated delivery date is May, 2018 (it’s June 4, 2018 as I write this). Never tried BNP. And, since my tablets (a 2012 Nexus 7) and phone (Pixel 2) are both Android, I can use the phone as a backup to the tablet for … Building a route with Gaia GPS. Play music, road navigation, radar weather (with internet connection), store trip documents, store useful pdf's and images (such as backcountry permits), control ham radio, control GoPros, etc. Fast enough that I can swap out maps at-will before a trip to save memory if needed. I am going to go with Viewranger because it is free. BackCountry Navigator’s developer will have a hard time matching the smooth, openGL-based maps Gaia now offers. Website: https://www.gaiagps.com/ Learn about the added features and maps that come with each membership level below. BackCountry Navigator has been on WM devices and preloaded on the Trimble Nomad outdoor rugged device. This Android version is more flexible, featured, and fun. I run https://Bivouac.com (Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia) and I have spent hundreds of hours working with the developers of Gaia and Backcountry Navigator to add features to their Android version. With GAIA I had everything I needed saved (all of Angeles National Forest) in a minute. Bottom line, Gaia GPS performs better than BackCountry Navigator today because we put more effort into Gaia GPS than Crittermap does into BackCountry Navigator. Eg: Going up to Watersprite lake via the creek canyon, the Samsung Galaxy maintained a continuous track log, whereas my Garmin Oregon had a gap. Gaia files are automatically backed up to the web, so if your device craps, all your routes are still available. I never felt BN was this user friendly. About . Android application Gaia GPS: Hiking, Offroad Maps developed by TrailBehind Inc. is listed under category Maps & Navigation. So you can get a vector topo for an entire state and not have to worry about downloading tiles. Gaia offers the largest online resource of consciousness-expanding videos—over 8,000 informative and enlightening films, original shows, yoga and meditation classes, and more that you won’t find anywhere else. At the end of the [figurative] day they were all essentially very very similar. Nothing can replace paper maps in terms of reliability (as long as you keep them dry), but GPS apps have come a long way. Rating: 4.5/5 I understand from the Gaia site that GPS needs to get locked before activating airplane mode on an iPhone 6 using iOS 9.1. The differences are remarkable. Here is a screenshot from the beta version of the app. Required fields are marked *, GPS Navigation Apps: Gaia GPS vs Backcountry Navigator Pro. - the phone programs such as Backcountry Navigator and Gaia are much easier to manage, and more powerful. Reviews: 1,745 What phone apps (other that Gaia, Backcountry Navigator, etc) do you all put on your phone to make it more useful in the backcountry? This actually happened to me a few years ago – I had a blackberry (old school) in my shell pants pocket, and by the time I got to the top I had worked up quite a sweat. Backcountry Navigator (for Android) Among the best hiking apps Android offers, Backcountry Navigator operates on both smartphones and tablets. The next level up is called a Membership, and it’s $19.99/year. There is a huge number of different map sources that you can choose from for different areas of the world. In this article, we’ll look at and compare two of the premier backcountry GPS apps: Gaia GPS vs Backcountry Navigator Pro. We are always working to add more public land, charts, boundaries, and other professional map sources to our catalog. There are also a TON of help screens that pop up the first time you do anything in the app. With GAIA I had everything I needed saved (all of Angeles National Forest) in a minute. Get terrain contours, turn-by-turn directions and points of interest for hiking and hunting. With BackCountry Navigator, your Android phone becomes a complete outdoor topo mapping GPS device. Gaia also includes Inland River Charts, Geology Maps, and National Park visitor maps. Other mapping apps do NOT exhibit this problem in the car. Or, if you can afford it, a dedicated GPS device with maps is pretty amazing. There is a lot of extra content with a Premium membership, but it won’t be useful for everyone. Backcountry Navigator Pro, on the other hand, is a one-time fee for access to a huge number of maps. Backcountry Navigator Pro gets the job done, but feels like it hasn’t aged very gracefully. Fast enough that I can swap out maps at-will before a trip to save memory if needed. Once in a while you’ll see a grid until the map loads, but it isn’t nearly as prevalent as the competing app. The map interface for Gaia GPS is head and shoulders above Backcountry Navigator Pro. If you navigate to the ‘Trips’ section, you’ll see all of the routes that people have shared and you can easily download these to your Gaia repository. Since the dawn of Android, BackCountry Navigator has been the market-leading outdoor app. Self-created open source Mobile Atlas Creator maps can be imported, andmaking one of those could be a fun project. Tam McTavish. Beside Google Maps, I’m now mainly rely on Gaia GPS. iOS 9.1 w/Gaia GPS on an iPhone 6. This is a great way to mark that secret hut that you found. Number of installs: 100,000+ We started out on iPhone, and we focused on making the best iPhone GPS app for years. I also have a smartphone app called Gaia GPS that works well but I don't rely on it as it uses up a lot of juice on the phone. There is also a ‘trip database’ where you can see your recent trips, export GPX files and share them via text message, email, whatsapp, etc. The original Backcountry Navigator app was only available on Android, where it has received more than 4,300 five-star reviews and has held the #1 place in its category for six years. If you aren’t sure you want to purchase this app, there is a free 21-day trial that is supported by ads. But all that is changing - and in a big way.