
Better Maps – With Gaia GPS on an iPhone, you can download a variety of topo, satellite, and special purpose maps, and import trail data too.Hiker, hunters, offroaders, skiers, and even professional firefighters, rangers, and researchers have adopted smart phones for outdoor recreation and work.

Proponents of smartphones point out that they offer better maps, larger screens, better software, for a fraction of the cost of a standalone GPS unit. But an iPhone has access to better maps, better software, at a price that can’t be beat if you already have the phone.īelow, we’ll discuss why an iPhone or Android is better than a Garmin, and also talk about what Garmin and its proponents will tell you. Both devices allow you to save map data for use out in the field, and track your location using satellites.


We believe Gaia GPS is the best app to use your smartphone as an outdoor GPS, but there are dozens of other apps you will likely find preferable to a Garmin, as well.īoth Garmins and iPhones are suitable for getting GPS information, offline, without cell service. For nearly every purpose, people will find an iPhone or Android performs better than a Garmin or other outdoor GPS unit.
