What’s your favourite navigation tool?

Trail Hiking Australia Forums Navigation What’s your favourite navigation tool?

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  • #139117
    Samantha Herald
    Participant

    I generally carry and map and compass but mostly rely on an app with offline maps and gps tracking. What do you use?

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    • #139486
      Darren Edwards
      Keymaster
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      I used to only use a map and compass but these days, I find an app on my phone is a great way to quickly find my location. For the most part, I visually read the terrain to understand where I’m going and where I’ve been. I always have a compass in my pack and take a hard copy topo map on more challenging or remote hikes.

      • #139616
        Samantha Herald
        Participant
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        I’ve gotta get better at visually reading the terrain. I’m ok with it but tend to rely on my devices a lot.

    • #139475
      Darren Bowman
      Participant
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      I’m old school and rely on map and compass. I recently learnt how to upload a gpx file into my Garmin watch, but I don’t like the lack of context the small screen provides, especially without a background map. I guess a gps with maps would be better. I’ve only ever used a basic gps to confirm my position.

      • #139487
        Darren Edwards
        Keymaster
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        I agree with you about the small watch face. I find GPS watches are useful for recording but I never really rely on them for anything else.

    • #139679
      Torsten Bunge
      Participant
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      My phone with the Strava app. I always pre-plan my routes with Strava and download to use offline so can follow the trail even without mobile reception.

      • #139681
        Samantha Herald
        Participant
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        Haven’t used Strava. Is that a free service?

      • #139683
        Torsten Bunge
        Participant
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        There is a free version but really only lets you record your workout and not much else. Around $100/yr gets you the premium features and access to their other services such as Fat Map and Recover. Beacon is another great feature, lets you share your live workout with contacts who can then track you live. Good piece of mind if you’re out on your own and also part of the free version I believe.

      • #139698
        Samantha Herald
        Participant
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        Thank you. I’ll take a look at it this week. I’m not big on subscription services but sounds like you really like it.

      • #139704
        Torsten Bunge
        Participant
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        I’m the same when it comes to subscription but love Strava. Only started using the paid version a few years ago but wouldn’t go back; the features are great, developers reinvest to improve features and services and the platform was integral to my recovery from a serious injury. Wouldn’t be without it,

      • #139705
        Samantha Herald
        Participant
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        Awesome. You’ve convinced me to fork out some cash and take a look. Thank you

      • #139706
        Grant Hollingworth
        Participant
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        It’s well worth the money

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