For the last few years, I've used my Android phone as a GPS on backpacking trips. With the right (cheap) app and a few key settings, I can record tracks and use as little as 1% battery life per hour in GPS mode. There are many ways to do this, but this post describes one that works for me. Garmin GPSMAP 64st is one of the best GPS Trackers for Hiking, Backpacking, and Geocaching. It comes with the all features you may need during your mountain exploration. It comes with the dual Navigation System: American Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russian GLONASS systems. Can I use my phone GPS for hiking? Yes… to an extent. You can use your phone to track your GPS position, even when you lose service as long as you have the map downloaded. This can be done through Google Maps, but it works better with AllTrails Pro or Gaia GPS. That said, an app is no substitute for navigation skills. The quick answer here is, yes. Although many hikers rely on their smartphones as an emergency device and source of information (more on that later), a GPS is the most reliable way to stay safe, stay connected, and stay on track when backpacking. Read on to find out 5 ways to use your smartphones as a GPS app while hiking or backpacking. Because of the high price on GPS devices, we've never invested in one so we've always used Google Maps which is totally free and easy to use. The first decision to make is whether you want to use a smartphone GPS app or get a standalone GPS device for hiking. Smartphone apps are convenient and cheaper than standalone devices, so they make the best budget GPS for hiking options and are awesome for beginner backpackers . Introduction With the advent of the modern smartphone, identifying and navigating a hiking trail has gotten easier and simpler. No longer tied to a physical map, both hikers and campers can identify and navigate their given trail with ease and can review the trail before even embarking on the trip. 3. Can I use my phone GPS for hiking? Absolutely! Your phone's GPS will work even while in airplane mode. You can see your precise location on any of the applications we listed here that have offline functionality. This article discusses choosing and using handheld units for the outdoors. GPS units for vehicle navigation and fitness tracking are not covered here, nor are GPS-enabled satellite messengers that offer navigation features. This article does not cover phone apps and maps. Innovation in phone technology is rapidly mimicking traditional GPS Can you use Google Maps as hiking GPS? Yes, you can use Google Maps as a hiking GPS. It is an effective tool for navigating your way through the wilderness and provides accurate directions to help keep you on track. lKcM.