Navigation Has Come A Long Way Since Paper Maps
Navigation is one of the most-important aspects of off-road travel, and it has never been easier. Technology allows you to plan faster and better than ever before, and then track your route with pinpoint precision. Our team usually does research on a computer and does a variety of Google Searches and then reaches out to local Facebook groups and asks for tips. Once we have the route planned, we use three incredible tools for navigation. We use a Garmin GPS, along with both Gaia GPS and ONX phone apps. This combination provides backup, and each tool has their own advantages and disadvantages.
We use several different Garmin devices and it offers consistent satellite communication. This
also has a feature called InReach that has an SOS feature that connects to an emergency
response coordination center called Garmin Response that is staffed around the clock for
emergencies.
Since most of us use iPhones, we also use Apple and Google maps. This gives us the standard information and even has some off-road routes plotted.
OnX, though, is our preferred app because you can download GPX files to follow and it will show you key points of interest and land ownership, and gives you the ability to create routes. It does require a monthly paid subscription, and it does require cell signal. OnX boasts that its data bank has 650,000 miles of open trails on over 850 million acres of public land. There is a program for off-road, one for hunting, and one for hiking and skiing. OnX memberships start at $30 a month and go up to $100 depending on features.
Meanwhile, Gaia GPS costs about $60 a year. It offers downloadable offline maps, customizable routes, track recording, 3D maps, camping spots, waypoint marking and much more. It’s not as robust as OnX, but we find it very useful.
Use these tools, and your off-road travel will be a lot more fun and you will be much more
confident with your navigation.
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