I just use my iPhone with a free map app that lets me download maps so it can work offline.
It's kind of a pain in the butt because it's small, and the screen on my phone is broken. I'd like to get something better, and not sure if I should go with a car stanav, a handheld outdoor GPS, or just get a cheap tablet that has GPS and get a decent offline map app. Just curious what other people use and like.
Money is an issue, so I'm leaning towards the tablet, or car satnav. My only real criteria is that it works out in the bush, and being able to load routes and backroad maps would be nice.
I use a Garmin nuvi (http://www.amazon.ca/Garmin-2597LMT-Bluetooth-Portable-Lifetime/dp/B00AX...)
It works great out of the box, but I also did some digging online and found a torrent with the full north west backroad/logging road topo map. I like it much better than the built in street maps and it works great out in the bush. If you get a garmin unit I could probably give you a copy as well.
I use my Iphone and a program app called Navionics, it is actually a oceanic chart program that I use to track where I catch fish but you can download area sat photos and has all the regular tools for tracking/routes but it also has the ability to attach photos to the tracks and will download the track as a KMZ file to use on google earth.
I would like to get a tablet for a better sized screen but other than that I really like the program.
I use my tablet with "Back Country Nav Pro" app. App cost me $9.99 and quite frankly I wouldn't even bother trying anything else as this app has everything I need plus more. Simple to use, simple to read and fully customizable.
Well it's good to know there are a lot of options, and that people have had good experiences with both the nav computers and tablet/phone apps. Also good that both have really come down in price over the last couple years :)
I'll probably just keep an eye on the flyers and wait for something good to come on sale.
Im running a galaxy tab 10.1 with the same app as beer-n-meat back country navigator pro for the price and the world wide maps you have access to it is a great value. uses mkv format track files for sharing with friends. also has the ability to download the map info for off line travels, just be sure to disconnect your internet and try to see the maps in the detail you will need, make sure you have what you want saved...
gonna work on building a clam shell metal case that will wrap around my gumdrop case and allow me to attach the tab to the rear view mirror for long expeditions...
BeRadical, let me know what you come up with please for the mount, I've been trying to come up with a mount system for my Tab 10.1 I can't seem to find anything that will work for me in the XJ.
Think I am leaning towards a tablet, just mounting it would be the trick. I think in my case I might be able to just get a case, put a hook through the back and just hang it from an air-conditioning vent.
http://www.gumdropcases.com/
been majorly happy with mine. I have dropped my tab from under my arm, probably three times. no visible damage at all what so ever. this takes care of the cradling the tab from the elements.
I broke down and put the $$ in to a Garmin Montana 600 with the bc backroads micro chip. It's not cheap but I have yet to see one perform better or more accurate. A person can get a cheaper handheld GPS unit but just make sure it accepts the micr sd card with the BC Backroads. It really is a good system.
I've had good experience with my iPhone and an app called Maps.Me - You download the area of map ahead of time, so cell service is not required, and the GPS remains active even without cell service. Its got most logging roads and trails, probably 90%, but I also use the Backroads Mapbook for the smaller/newer trails. The Mapbook has saved me a few times when my phone died though... Dont forget your charger folks!