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. When it comes to smartphone vs GPS for hiking, it's safe to say that both options are great if you're looking for accurate directional data. Whether you use a standalone GPS or a smartphone's built-in GPS features really depends on what your purpose for a GPS is. Your GPS can be extremely helpful on your hike for three main reasons. These include: Trip planning Most GPS devices come with preloaded trail-plotting software and downloadable maps that'll help you establish waypoints, topographical hurdles, and routes. 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 . Did you know your smartphone is a powerful navigational tool, whether you have cell service or not? Download an app and the world is literally at your fingertips. Read our guide for more info on using your iPhone or Android as a GPS, which apps to use, and how best to keep it charged up. compose Team Work time May 18, 2016 comment 114 o2zXMoM.

can i use my phone gps for hiking