curiosity brings up a beat to death topic

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MOAK

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Tomorrow morning this time we will be on the road headed west south west for a 6 to 8 week tour. I posted up our itinerary in another section of these forums if interested and once our reservations are completed in Canyonlands we are free to wander anywhere we choose.. If I ever decide to invest in high tech digital maps it would more than likely be the Hema app download. Until then I run in the back country with tried and true, compass and paper maps. On the highway, I've caved in a bit and use paper maps combined with the google map application. Here is my question, ( perhaps a poll ).. What do you overland bound members use and why? I've already proclaimed my preference, why? My method is DEPENDABLE. period.... Thanks all, I look forward to your replies and hopefully a lively discussion.. enlighten me !! Untitled.png
 
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MA_Trooper

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Chris
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I still keep maps of where I am in the Trooper. But I have moved to using my phone with the Motion X app. I can download any map source into it and use only the tiles I have selected for download. This means I can run only the GPS and not the data as my phone doesn't need to collect the new map tiles because there are already loaded into the phones memory. I like USGS and a google hybrid for my tiles. I will usually plan a route in google earth or Garmin base camp and import it into Motion X so I can see an actual line where my planned route is. Doesn't mean I always stay on that route but I like having it there anyway. The only issue I have is the iPhone 5s screen is small. Not a problem with the app but with me not forking over the $$$ for a bigger phone or tablet.
 

Lifestyle Overland

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Hey! Lincoln National Forest map means you'll be in my stomping grounds!

Hard maps are the first thing I purchase when I'm considering a new area for adventure. The GPS is great for recording tracks and getting a fix on current location.
I am currently testing 4 gps methods to determine which one will become my primary GPS source:
Delorme inReach
Garmin Montana
Roam by onXmaps (On Tablet)
Gaia Pro (On Tablet)

None of these have impressed me with their user interface or stability just yet. (With the exception of the Garmin, which has stability but lacks in resolution or screen size for route planning.) I'll post a review after our Death Valley trip.
 

toxicity_27

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I just ordered some DeLorme paper maps, other than that I use Google Earth, and BackCountry Navigator on my tablet.
 

RescueRangers

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For planning I use Google map and have started playing with Google Earth. The wife just got a Garmin and I have been playing with the Basecamp but normally go back to Google Maps when I get the urge to throw the computer out the window.

When we are on our trips I primarily use paper maps. The navigation system I have in the Jeep is used as a backup, primarily to confirm where I am. We will be trying out the wife's Garmin during our spring trip but I have the feeling its going to be the same, paper maps with electronics as a backup.
 
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Laughing Otter

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13973 State Hwy 112, Sekiu, WA, USA
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Ansa
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Langer
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Paper maps and compass...ALWAYS. I do have 2 GPS units in the Rover...For on road travel a TomTom One, simple, basic, no fancy BS...and for off road and hiking backpacking, kayaking, overlanding, etc....a 2004 Handheld Magellan Gold 24 satellite GPS with topo maps downloaded into it, oh and it floats, lol...no color screen, no fancy BS, mounts to my dash and can be used if I have to abandon my vehicle, Works as good or better than modern units or those electronic leashes called cell phones....Oh, lol...and I know how to use my watch as a compass. Most of the time though...I'd say 89 %...I'm overlanding with others...and I'm happy to let them lead :^) I'm just enjoin' the ride!!!
 
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TreXTerra

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Salt Lake City, Utah
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I have both the Moab East and Moab West maps, they are easy to read and highlight the off road routes. I also run the Big Red DeLorme Atlas for Utah - any other maps I need I will get from the local Ranger Station.

For electronics, I have a Garmin Nuvi 400 with topo maps, but I mostly use it to get a GPS fix and see my elevation. I don't much like navigating with electronics in the back country. Paper maps never run out of batteries.
 

shoredreamer

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Santa Cruz
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RRU
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I'm obsessed with obtaining as many paper maps as possible. I have hundreds of them from places I've been and places I've yet to go. On a trip I have my road atlas and state map for directional position heading out. When I leave pavement I have at least one topo map of the area with trails and sites, etc (national geographic) for example. I feel like I'm missing something if I don't have a real map of an area.

If I'm thrown off on the trail or lost I'll pull out my Delorme Earthmate app on my iPad and find my position on the app's topo map to situate myself. It's also good if your leading a group and on the move cuz you can call out turns as they come, pretty easy. I do use my phone too to find drive times and such on the road but that's about it.

I consider myself pretty good at navigation and learned all I know from reading paper maps over the years and applying it out on the road and trail. This all stemmed from mountain biking; trying to find trails, mapping trails that are not on maps and surveying areas for building new trails.