Should I buy a GPS for a backpacking trip?

[Phantom27]

I'm going for a backpacking trip (only 2 day). Should I go out an buy a GPS unit or is there a way to make my Omnia do it? I will be up in the Colorado wilderness and I'll have absolutely no cell signal. Can I just go into google maps and cache the maps I want to use? Is there a program that is similar to hand held GPS units? (waypoints, etc).

[yojoe600]

you have to have a cell signal to use google maps... but i dont think u should go and buy a gps when the omnia has it already. turn location on in settings to get gps if you have flased the new CF03 image

[Phantom27]

I have GPS unlocked but my question is how do I use it without a cell signal?

[BenC]

If you are going in to an area that is a bit on the rough side, a real hand-held unit is something that will provide better service. Specifically, will your cell phone handle a drop on to the rock act? Probably not. A good hand-held GPSr will though. There are bunches out there, some in the area of $100 or so. I have a DeLorme PN-40 which is a bit more than $100 and handles rock drops well. It is also water proof. You also need to consider battery life and spare batteries.

[Phantom27]

I've never been big on GPS in the mountains. I usually just have a map and compass. I'm one of the few that still know how to use them. Anyway, it is still a question of if it can be done.

[blazingwolf]

Originally Posted by Phantom27

I've never been big on GPS in the mountains. I usually just have a map and compass. I'm one of the few that still know how to use them. Anyway, it is still a question of if it can be done.

Of course it can be done. The Omnia has a stand alone GPS chip in it. You just need to get some software that does not depend on the data signal. There was a thread in here a little bit back that talked about it.

[Vudugan]

Originally Posted by Phantom27

I'm going for a backpacking trip (only 2 day). Should I go out an buy a GPS unit or is there a way to make my Omnia do it? I will be up in the Colorado wilderness and I'll have absolutely no cell signal. Can I just go into google maps and cache the maps I want to use? Is there a program that is similar to hand held GPS units? (waypoints, etc).

Lol! I would buy a handheld and save my Omnia battery for phone usage. I'm happy with a gps feature on my phone but for something like long drives, backpacking, hiking etc, I would prefer a stand alone unit.

[phullofphil]

I used my gps in the woods where ther is no cell reception no problem without cell service. Your only issue is having your maps on your phone already cause you can not download that far out. Garmin topography maps worked for me but there not free. Matter of fact they saved my but a couple monthes ago. Ther is options for gps programs that do not use internet to download maps on this sight if you search. or google free gps is what i did and ther is options ther. Moste that are free are such that you have to get your own map from internet and save to memmory. It will take a little work but you can. Saying that ther is a problem with battery life. I find unless you are on a short trip or or have a extra battery or two that having this phone as a gps out in the wild is best if your driving in a 4x4 where you can charge it. For emergencys it might save you on a day hike but a hand held gps is the way to go and should always have in your pack if your serious about hiking. The omnia does have gps but in the wild it is more of a toy.

[clutch]

does basic gps work without cell coverage?

[BenC]

Not to its fullest functionality - no maps are displayed. It does though work in the main screen showing distance to, direction, heading, longitude/latitude, et cetera. I also have Basic GPS.