I've used one of the trail apps and was satisfied, but am looking for something better. What are the features I should focus on for selecting an app? What bells and whistles are really useful on the trail?
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1These rei.com/category/40006518 and rei.com/category/4500525 are really useful on the trail. – Lost Mar 21 '12 at 11:32
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As Rory says, low power consumption is vital, but that's likely not determined by the software, but rather by the hardware and - more importantly - how you use it.
The three key things for me in Smartphone GPS map systems are these.
- Can download maps to the device, rather than stream. (And I wouldn't trust anything claiming to just 'cache' streamed maps, because there's no guarantee that it won't randomly decide to un-cache them again)
- Can work with 'real' maps. In the UK this means Ordnance Survey or Harveys.
- Display current coordinates in grid system of your choice. e.g. OS Grid, not Lat and Long.
(This may just a long-winded way of saying 'Anything except google maps!')
But really, it depends on how you plan to use it. I travel with map, compass and brain as my primary nav. tools, and keep phone as a backup. On longer hikes it's usually switched off in an Aloksak bag, but on day hikes I may keep it running and recording my track.
FWIW, I use ViewRanger on a Motorola Defy, and I'm very pleased with both. Viewranger on iPad3 looks stunning, but you wouldn't normally want to take one with you on a hike...
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Update 2017: Google maps has been able to cache manually selected areas for a couple of years now. The cache still expires quite quickly but you can check that before you set off. That doesn't mean it's the best option though – Chris H Sep 15 '17 at 7:00
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In my opinion, the single best feature would be low battery consumption. You only really need a gps and map, so having a low consumption version of these would win for me, possibly with local maps rather than trying to download each section.
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2I agree. Power is the scarcest resource once away from developed areas. – Russell Steen Apr 30 '12 at 20:40
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Battery consumption is determined by the software, too. Some stuff polls for new data, some takes GPS readings more often then others, etc.
Honestly, I do not consider using a smartphone app for hiking or getting out into the backcountry. For too many of them you need network connectivity, battery life is a real issue (compared to dedicated GPS devices), and they're fragile. I do carry a GPS but I keep it switched off unless I need it (or to mark significant spots, after which it's turned off again). Sometimes I carry a Spot, depending on what I'm doing and where I'm going.
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I looked out for these things:
- Battery life: Look for additional features like Low Power Consumption mode.
- GPS Support (*Usually a common feature in all mobile phones) and accuracy with maps, with maximum support.
- Compass
- Build quality: Compact, sleek and rugged design, Consider weight and frame (Metal or plastic). Should be easy to handle.
- IP Rating: For water resistant index
- Camera (Can be an optional parameter to consider, if you already have a better digital/analog camera). And inbuilt image processing quality and camera features?
My personal observation: Pictures taken on 5 Megapixel camera of Nokia are way better than those taken on 5 Megapixel camera of Motorola (Test case: Nokia X vs Moto E 2nd generation). Also, some of the mobiles have rare features like slow motion camera, which my mobile doesn't have. - Flashlight feature? (Again, almost common in all mobile phones these days)
- Does the touchscreen have support for touch with gloves ON? My Lenovo has a mode which I can enable based on whether I am going to use it with gloves or without gloves.
- Ability to configure gestures? I can flip my cell upside down to lock it. When I bought my mobile phone, I was considering a Windows phone as well, it didn't have that feature, so I went on to purchase my existing phone (Lenovo). This is one of those features that I use a lot.
