Phone as a GPS

[dwolfbearer]

So I have a Garmin GPS. Works OK, but it is bulky. Since I am carrying a phone (Android) anyhow, can it be used to mark waypoints and do track backs? I see some programs offered. Some free, some not. Any experience with these programs, and would I even need a special program beyond Google Maps? Thanks in advance for your expertise!

I use my phone with Gaia and it's been much better than a dedicated gps for me. Can mark waypoints, download offline maps, etc

 

[Paulyester]

I used to be solely in the camp that you needed to carry a GPS. But after many years, I have no switched and won't look back to using my phone as the GPS. I use Gaia GPS. I also carry a 5000 Mah battery with me because your phone will go through power much faster than the GPS

 

[jimss]

What I find horrible about using GPS is the tiny screen. My Iphone screen is around 2 to 3x bigger than my GPS screen. It's really tough to see detail and only a tiny area at a time on a dinky screen. I can see where a small Ipad would be idea for using in a truck and something a tad smaller in the field. I'm shocked that none of the GPS companies have come out with something like this?

 

[drake2h]

What I find horrible about using GPS is the tiny screen. My Iphone screen is around 2 to 3x bigger than my GPS screen. It's really tough to see detail and only a tiny area at a time on a dinky screen. I can see where a small Ipad would be idea for using in a truck and something a tad smaller in the field. I'm shocked that none of the GPS companies have come out with something like this?

I still prefer my phone, but I think the Garmin Montana might be what you're looking for?

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/garmin-montana-700i-handheld-gps-unit?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CSmart%7CPromo%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CNVol%7CNMT&gclid=CjwKCAiAwc-dBhA7EiwAxPRylKljnvEZS5XEfi2_KLVIPoqP3RDCgckMaUHkTQ-z8N6u_423M7_RcRoCkZ8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[SuperJetr333]

I mostly use my phone as my GPS. With that being said, if I'm going deep into the woods, with the potential to be lost, and zero cell reception, I always take my dedicated handheld Garmin as a backup. It's been worth having several times

 

[dmm08300]

Imo phone is way better than handheld GPS. Get a solar charged battery pack and go!

 

[JungleShooter]

I don't want to pay for specialized maps covering US territory — since I hunt outside the US.....

So, what map devices do you recommend for hunting outside the US?
I am favoring cellphone based apps, rather than buying a separate device.

Thanks,

Matthias