Navigation

Getting lost is not an adventure — it is a safety issue. GPS devices, compasses, maps, and altimeters keep you on track and help others find you if things go wrong. We track weights on navigation tools so you can balance capability with what you carry.

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Weight

A phone with an offline map app can replace a dedicated GPS unit and weighs nothing extra. But battery life and durability matter. A compass weighs under an ounce and never runs out of battery.

GPS vs Phone vs Paper Map

Dedicated GPS devices (Garmin inReach) have better battery life and satellite communication. Phones with apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails work great but drain battery. Paper maps are ultralight backup that never fails.

Satellite Communication

Devices like the Garmin inReach Mini provide SOS capability and two-way messaging anywhere on earth. If you hike solo or in remote areas, satellite communication could save your life.

Battery Life

GPS devices last 20-100+ hours. Phones in airplane mode with GPS last 8-15 hours. Carry a power bank for multi-day trips. Plan your power budget before you leave the trailhead.

Reliability

Electronics fail — screens crack, batteries die, water gets in. Always carry a basic backup: a compass and the knowledge to use it. Redundancy in navigation is cheap and potentially life-saving.

For most day hikes and well-marked trails, a phone with offline maps is enough. For remote backcountry, solo trips, or areas without cell service, a dedicated GPS with satellite communication (like the Garmin inReach) adds a critical safety layer.

Gaia GPS, AllTrails, and CalTopo are all popular. Gaia GPS offers the most map layers and offline capability. AllTrails has the largest trail database. CalTopo is best for route planning. Download offline maps before you go.

Yes, at least as a backup on longer or more remote trips. Paper maps weigh almost nothing and never run out of battery. Learn basic map and compass skills — they are lightweight insurance.