Multipurpose GPS Recommendations

[subPar 0]

I’ve been looking for a GPS unit for the Jeep for a little bit now. Being that I’m new here, the biggest thing I want is breadcrumbs for when I get turned around on a trail. SOS functionality would be nice and I’m just learning about Geocaching which sounds like a lot of fun, so if someone can recommend something good for all of the above it would be much appreciated.

[gearhead 33]

One option is an android tablet with a gps (https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/galaxy-tab-a/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-7-0-8gb-wi-fi-black-sm-t280nzkaxar/ is one of many) and the GPS app AlpineQuest, https://www.alpinequest.net/ (the full version is under $10 on the google play store).

 

You can download free off line maps to your heart's content with Mobile Atlas Creator, https://mobac.sourceforge.io/

 

Hope this helps.

[subPar 0]

One option is an android tablet with a gps (https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/galaxy-tab-a/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-7-0-8gb-wi-fi-black-sm-t280nzkaxar/ is one of many) and the GPS app AlpineQuest, https://www.alpinequest.net/ (the full version is under $10 on the google play store).

 

You can download free off line maps to your heart's content with Mobile Atlas Creator, https://mobac.sourceforge.io/

 

Hope this helps.

 

Do the tablets with GPS work pretty well without WiFi or LTE? I have an iPad with cell service, I’ve just never tried it in a dead zone for only GPS functionality. And if so, do you happen to know of any iPad equivalent apps?

[gearhead 33]

Here is a good thread: https://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2710&highlight=gps+ipad

[Curly 32]

I use an Android tablet with alpine quest. Works great for trails, not so good for Geocaching. I use a Garmin 64s for caching, it works great but was a bit pricey. A used unit might be a better choice. I used to use SPOT for emergency SOS but found it was too expensive for how little I used it. I rarely go off road alone, if I do, I make sure someone knows where I went and when I will return.

[mbuckner 7]

I use a Samsung Tab A, Wifi only, 10.1" screen for the Jeep and a Samsung phone for hiking; both have 256 gig of expanded memory and they will automatically sync up when they find a hot spot.

 

Best regards

[subPar 0]

Thank you all for the replies. I’m going to go out this weekend with just the iPad and see how well it does without LTE/WiFi and take it from there.

[theksmith 253]

Thank you all for the replies. I’m going to go out this weekend with just the iPad and see how well it does without LTE/WiFi and take it from there.

 

 

let us know how it goes!

 

maybe grab MotionX HD and download some maps before you go - it's probably still the #2 GPS/topo app for iOS and it's cheap, even with the upgraded maps in-app purchase.

 

Gaia is the top dog i think still, but my understanding is that it's not really useful without the $20/year subscription.

 

FYI - GPS should work fine off-grid on all fairly recent iPads. the early WiFi-only models lacked a real GPS chip, but that was years ago and you have a mobile-data version anyway. if you find that the initial lock is slow or you get spotty reception inside the vehicle, check out the DUAL GPS or Bad Elf products for iPad.

[AZRNintheJeep242 27]

I played around with GAIA for a month or so before jumping on the premium side of it, and I am glad I did. If you're interested in buying a subscription to it, one of the two overlanding peeps I follow on YouTube and Patreon have discount codes on subscriptions that I could share since I already have one.