I add the route to my watch as a course, it's usually only breadcrumb but it works in terms of keeping me going in the right direction.
National Parks
- Thread starter Cole
- Start date
I add the route to my watch as a course, it's usually only breadcrumb but it works in terms of keeping me going in the right direction.
Yeah, it’s the solo hikes that i am most concerned about especially in unknown areas with crappy or no cell reception. Right now, I use my phone with downloaded maps from Alltrails with extra battery for the phone. I am a bit paranoid where I like a back option in case something goes wrong. The other option that I am exploring is a smartwatch with dual gps and cellular (use different carrier v/s the one on the phone) that will work with iPhone. The Garmin ones are do not have cellular which leaves Apple Ultra2’s. I need to research the Google/Samsung watches to see if they will work with iPhone and if they have dual gps/cellular support.
I was bit disappointed that Apple did not include dual gps when they release Apple Watch 10.
Which watch do you use. I contacted Garmin today to see if I can upload Alltrails maps to the watch and they said if I am able to export GPX files I can import them using Garmin Connect.
My go to for hiking has been:
-Pick a hiking trail/route on Alltrails. Need to download it to the phone before losing internet access to be able to use it on the trail. It's great for finding routes, great for navigating while hiking, but godawful in the fact that it doesn't save an area nor does it want to give you good information on other trails. So if you're out let's say for too long and want to find a shortcut not on your route, it's not ideal.
-Google Maps. I'll always download the area I'll be in for offline use. Not used as much, but it's a backup.
-Hiking Project. The app isn't as great for finding routes but it works way better offline and easier to figure out individual trails not just a pre-planned loop. The trails often differe from Alltrails which is good and bad. Sometimes a trail won't be on Alltrails or not on Hiking Project so it's a nice backup there.
-Watch - Garmin 245 which doesn't have maps but does have breadcrumbs. And when I upload a course from Alltrails it has saved me a few times as it'll quickly tell me I went off course. You can send the route directly to the Garmin from the Alltrails page if I recall, but haven't done it in awhile.
If I was out solo I would bring an old phone as a mapping device just in case. Obviously depends where. If I'm hiking somewhere in NJ where if it gets dark I can walk through the woods seeing someone's backyard lights, not so much. Out west with no service? Definitely.
I will add the Google maps download and Hiking Project. I rather have more options to fall back on.
I use a Garmin 965 but have used a 945 and Fenix 5 before that. Basically every Garmin should be able to at least on a breadcrumb/basic level.
Typically plan the route using All Trails for inspiration and use GaiaGPS to map it, download GPX, upload to Connect and it syncs to my watch. The Gaia part is so if I do lose the trail I can pull out my phone and the maps are available offline.
Thank you. More information to add to my list and research further.
Hair Face
Well-Known Member
Just discovered Gaia this year and hadn't considered the dual use without extra work benefit. Good idea!
ekuhn
Well-Known Member
Yea. Princess out of Vancouver. They brought the Rangers from the National Park on the boat. Wood recommend.
Sweet, they did the same for NCL Encore. Wish I went on a smaller ship but still had a great week.
ekuhn
Well-Known Member
Going back to do the Denali portion I'd like to do. When...tbd.
krink
Eddie Munster
A great way to do Muir is to start on the Dipsea Trail to the southwest and climb down into the Muir valley from the Western end. Nobody goes that way so you have giant redwood glens to yourself and cool bench cut/stair/switchback hiking down into the valley.