Reliable Maps, Apps and GPS Navigation (Proven Advice) 

Thanks for all the suggestions... I now have a plethora of new navigation apps to try out this year while training. I am trying something this summer and your suggestions are helpful in my experiments..

I am an architect and mountaineer and I would like to add a comment of another significant advantage of hard copy (paper) maps. It's the ability to see on a very big "screen" in one view. Not easy with little devices like gps devices. The ability to understand the characteristics of a big area in a single glance. On the hard copy you discuss strategy, not on the gps little screen. The gps will guide you in the route after the plan has been decided.

Always an informative and very helpful channel as usual Bret, also a shout out to Tim for production and editing.Cheers from Australia

Your videos are full of great information, delivered without a bunch of unnecessary chatter. Definitely my trusted, go to spot for off-road info.

Great navigation information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us Adventure Rider viewers. Muchly appreciated.

As usual a great video . I have enjoyed your videos ever since I saw the one about U-turns. This navigation one, very interesting and informative.I'll be at the Overland Expo West this year and I'm planning to go to one of the navigation classes they have, we'll see how it goes. Thanks for the info and keep bringing those videos.

Thai you very much for this valuable information. Vids just keep getting better and better. Congratulations.

How perfectly timed! I am right in the middle of trying to nail down my nav system. The suggestions in your vid, and those of the commeners are indispensable to me right now. Thanks so much!

For me, the best solution turned out to be one I accidentally discovered, OsmAnd. It's offline (and online), you can load a GPX file and navigate it, record a trail, and so on. It also has very complete information on road types and POI's. It's free with limitations (7 offline countries and no "plugins") but it is very, very useful. You can also choose map styles, like touring view, which is perfect.

Borch makes some excellent laminated folding maps with large easy to read information. I have several of them one each for each quarter of the U. S., but they make maps for Europe and other parts of the world. Survivable in questionable weather, and can be folded over multiple ways. so you can present them easily on the clear part of a tank bag for simple navigation. I've had GPS fail due to lack of signal strength before (Sand storm/ dust storm conditions), and I've been in whole countries before where I had no cell signal.

Again, another real world explanation! After a serious accident three and a half years ago, having to learn to walk again and finally getting back on bikes these videos have been helping me regain my confidence and new knowledge. I am extremely grateful for your efforts :) !!

Great video, love the drums on ending! Bought a Garmin 660, wish id stuck to paper!!

Very well articulated overview. I have stayed on the known path and plan to deviate to fire roads and some off-road, and your detail bridges the gap with the (GPS and [especially] phone) tools. I'll be back for more. I'm on the hunt for more detail on the ideal CC for mostly off-road (but street-legal) bike - but that's my task. I have a Yamaha FJR.

Without a doubt, you have the most informative videos for adventure riders! Thank you!

Thanks I have downloaded on my iPad Pro as well as iPhone. This is really helpful. South Africa has many large open spaces where these apps are essential for the adventure biker

Good video. I think I've been a little too reliant on phone apps for navigating and am definitely taking both my GPS and paper maps to France this summer. Phone charging is occasionally an issue, so it's good to have a dedicated GPS that isn't doing background work like my phone does. And of course, nothing can beat the big picture that paper maps provide.

Appreciate the app info! You're the GO-TO !

Another sort of map that I find very important is a satellite tracker. I can mark important activities like visiting scenic overlooks, but most important is that my loved ones can see on a map where I am. That gives them great peace of mind, but also allows me to use them as a resource to inform me of impending weather like hail, or even book hotel rooms for me. And of course, the send help feature could be a life saver

Great video as always. Great to see how you have grown. Was wondering about your opinion on the zumo 396lmt,

Thanks for another great video. I also like the REVER apps and website, combined with Butler (paper) maps to help me find the most interesting motorcycle routes.

One of those channels, where I put "like" before starting to watch. 😊 I have the same attitude towards paper maps - sometimes they are priceless and really helps to get out of nowhere.

Just found this vid. Great job! Subscribed! Think I'll be using it for a resource for some time to come!

Great info - I wish you had listed the map tools in the notes as you said the names so fast I had trouble picking them up. Thanks

Excellent ideas. I eternally need to add to my paper map stash - as I like the topographical, detailed one but I keep venturing further... "wonder what's down there?" - you know... I only have google maps on my phone and only on-line, it has lead me astray more times than I remember and it was always fun... BUT - it is Australia, it is vast and Wifey says I'm not allowed to die out there... so - I'll be looking into some of these :) Cheers man, always valuable watching, many thanks.

Thanks for the great informative video!

Always great info. Thank you

Always Good practical valuable advice Thank You

Relatively new to off-road adventure travel, I did a bunch of research on this a year ago, and settled on a solution that has worked great for me. I wanted to use my iPhone as my primary navigation device, given the variety of good apps available, but worried about its “off grid” capabilities to pinpoint my location. I also didn’t want on spend a lot of money on new technology. So, after some looking for options and reading reviews, I bought a small GPS “puck” device (roughly the size/shape of an old school stop watch) by a company called Bad Elf that doesn’t do much other than receive GPS info, but it’s capable of pairing with other devices via Bluetooth (up to six at a time). Paired with my iPhone (or iPad mini), Google Maps and other navigation/map apps use the GPS coordinates provided by the “puck” for pinpointing location. That part of it solved, I looked into a variety of apps and settled on one that has been pretty good called Gaia GPS (they have a free version, a version you pay for up front, and a subscription version). Gaia GPS is great in that (a) you can load a huge variety of maps from different sources (USFS, Nat Geo, and others) including street, trail, topographical and nautical - depending on your planned adventure, and (b) after setting up your account, you can do a lot of pre-trip planning and draw out a planned track using the large screen of your desktop computer. Once ready to roll, you can download the maps to your smartphone, then while underway you can record your track and save and/or export later. I also use the Google Maps app extensively, especially the “download for offline use” feature. I always have a downloaded map of the area within a few hundred miles of home for spontaneous day trips. For longer time/distance travels - the kind that are more planned ahead - I’ll download detailed Google maps specific to where I’m headed. With Google Maps downloaded and the Bad Elf GPS thingy, I know exactly where I am, even when I’m way out of range, navigating trails deep in a canyon or valley far from civilization. I’ve found that Google Maps has remarkably good detail on tiny little trails that don’t show up on other Maps. All said, I highly recommend looking for a (cheap?) GPS device that you can pair with your smartphone, then explore Gaia GPS apps, as well as Google Maps’ “download for offline use” feature. The only caution is the time it takes to download the maps to your device: do it when you have a good Wi-Fi connection, and do it a few days before your trip so you have all the maps downloaded before you depart. Happy trails.

Killer video brother, thank you!

Thank you! I really need to learn to navigate.

Aspiring is something I know well . Thanks for showing me your maps . -)

I have a Quadlockcase Mount and Case on my iPhone. Really good case and mount, secures the phone reliable to the bike and the case is really slim. I only use this case since I got it.

I am not an adventurous person but the only thing I might add is to show the viewers how to orient the map to where they are in the woods if they become disoriented and can't see the mountain or lake for a reference point. Informative video.

I suggest MotionX GPS for iOS which does everything you've mentioned for $2.99 one time purchase. This comes with topo, road, satellite & hybrid maps and then for a few dollars more they give you the option to import maps from other sources including USGS Topo, aviation sectionals, etc. Been using this for years, great app. Also easy to share your tracks with others via email.

thanks for the VDO, helps a lot

Yes. I use maps me for 3 or 4yrs now. All you need is to enable your gps or as long as your data is on even without load, it will work. Best off line free app. You can add your own tracks and save them. Very2x useful and very user friendly..

Some GPS devices can be paired to your phone so you can get more accurate GPS coordinates on your phone. I use InReach. It doubles as a communication device and backup navigation.

Hi Bret! You can try GPSies to plan your next trip :) It is very helpful. I use GPSies to plan and Scenic to navigate

Don't forget about the stars, old, old, school... Great info by the way

I agree with previous comment -the quad lock system for all devices is a great investment and can be transferable.

Best one yet!

Your content is just getting better and better....

Great video & ideas. Locus maps will give you most of what you want!

Hey Bret, you're a natural at this. :-)

Excellent video, ty a need to know before you go.. very helpful..

I've used Calimoto. It can create voice guided randomised roundtrip from the faster route or curvy route. It also allows you to upload GPX tracks and guides you through the route telling you when to turn.

I used a Garmin 660 for years and purchased a 595 last year. I use Rever Pro as a backup; as I can import files into it, as well as the Garmin of course. I use Basecamp for route creation. Good advice to have paper maps with you.

Informative as usual.

The cutting edge in moto nav is the DuraforcePro loaded with OsomAnd+ and LocusPro mounted in a Perfect Squeeze mount. They're IP68 submersible, MIL-STD 805G hardened, glove mode touch screen and run all day on a single charge. No need for a lap top and Basecamp and no need for cell service either. You do it all right on the device. Hop on over to ADV and hit the search button. Like you I also dig redundancy. Roll chart on the bars, paper map in the tank bag and a garmin, flip phone and compass in the emergency bag.

Very well done! Thank you.

Superb. New World ! 🙏💥😎

I remember the days of using a UK map. I had a book of the UK and using it was a nightmare when I took a wrong turn off a motorway in Bristol and couldn't find any signs for miles, to tell me where I was. Satnavs are a Godsend.

Another great video.

Great information

Thank you for this detailed talk-through!

Remember to use MapSeal on your paper maps. You will also need an Orienteering style Compass.

3:30 when I listened to this, I checked the date when this video was published - I thought it was back in 2013 or so. 2018 : There are a choice of outdoor smartphones for many years now which are just as durable and have very good battery life. I.e. the Sonim XP7 which I bought in 2014 for a comparable price to the Montana 680. Its even more rugged (IP68 instead of IPX7), its less heavy, less bulky, and has a great battery life. It has a massive loudspeaker, you can hear the phone ringing even when riding or inside the bag. It has a good screen and you can use the choice (or several choices) of navigation apps. I use Locus Pro with topographic maps for tracks and Waze for routes. And you can use it as a phone...

Really, really appreciate this post, I don't see many riders talk about nav, often turning to hikers for info I'm using garmin inreach (because that second battery is now a sat com in an emergency) and Motion-X offline in my phone If you haven't already i'd love a deep dive on this. Going through e2e Starting with planning offline with your computer, to accessing & using them in the field. Maybe a 2 parter

Thank you for your work. I prefer the Guru Maps instead of maps me - for offline map browsing, search and navigation as it also allows to add custom map sources as well. I would be interested in your opinion ☺️

HERE We Go is a great navigation app too. You can set it to be offline, although obviously you need to download the given country's or regions map for that option. I havent tried it for off-road use, but otherwise it is pretty good. I dont remember if it gives you any traffic information, but i think it lets you know of traffic jams.

Bret, like you, I found an app like Maps.me to be very helpful for planning trips. However, another found an app that I like even better is Galileo. It allows you to download maps, download KML/KMZ tracks, displays speed and elevation, and does a very good job displaying general topographical data. If you want to create a track in Google My Maps you can then select your choice of background maps, one of which is Terrain, which provides elevation contours. For trips, I like to make a track and then just follow the line....easy peasy. Also, the track line in Galileo is more bold so easier to see on your smartphone.

Fantastic Info thanks

Again helpful hints I did not know yet. I prefer "Calimoto" on my tours. Find the curvy trails and d tour planning is very easy.

Thanks a lot for this usefull information

Great video!

Great episode (as always). I don't use to comment, but I would like to recommend you to try ( in case you haven't yet) an APP: it's called ViewRanger, and it's the one I use when trecking or mountain biking. With it you can do almost everything: follow routes, create track, download maps and navigate off line, and even share you position with fellow riders.

VERY helpful information for a navigation newbie! Thanks for putting this out. Subscribed.

OsmAnd, beat that :)

Good information. Cell online maps don't always find me. I've used paper maps all my life, especially off road in National Parks. I like those apps.

Great video. Thanks! Here in South Africa, we have a product called Tracks4Africa which are maps that load onto the Garmin GPS's. They have Southern Africa well covered and include things like farm gates, hazards, camp sites and so forth. Really useful. A lot of the information they have comes from the 4x4 and adventure bike community.

Thank you for a great video! I have recently gotten into adventure riding and have been learning how to use Gaia. It has all the things that you described in one platform. I live in the south sound and was wondering if you organize group riding or know of other groups that go riding in the area? Thanks much for your help

Very informative. And nice of your to share you PIN for your iPhone if we ever need to use your map apps ;-P

Delorme atlas books are my fave. Here in the states

Great video Bret! I noticed you have the Mosko Moto Scout Panniers...what are your thoughts on the Mosko bags? I enjoy my Wolfman soft luggage, but was seriously considering the Mosko soft luggage as well. Thanks for the great videos!

Hey Bret, Excellent episode. I'm trying to navigate a route with a lot of tuns in a short amount of time. Do you know of an app that I can set a crazy route ahead of time and have it work off-line?

thank you so much

The GPS on my phone crapped out driving out of NYC from JFK. Only my 2nd time doing so in rush hour. I had to print a detailed map to get back to the airport. Spent 2 hrs trying to make sure the directions were right. They were wrong because there was a lot of construction in Queens. Made it tho.

Thanks for this valuable information! And I would like to know where can I buy the same paper map you used on this video?

Hi Bret and thanks for this. I bought Ritwick's GSA and am loving it. I might get a tablet, tether it and use Google Maps. What size would you say would be optimal for a tablet sir? Thanks again Bret.

i have a bubble compass mounted at the tip of the front fender on my wr250. the headlight illuminates it in the dark too. haha

REVER is a good app option too, history, share and community

Thank you.

A very nice combo that is steered towards the Moto crowd is Butler Maps (paper) (www.butlermaps.com ) in which they actually have people on motorcycles diving around checking the roads and then rating them according to type, (pavement, dirt, etc) and difficulty. They also have a mobile app and website that uses the data called Rever.com. (BTW - Pretty fascinating conversation with the founder of Butler here: horizon.bmwmoa.org/episode-18-court-butler/ )

Thank you!

I'm really surprised ViewRanger wasn't mentioned. I've been using it for a couple years, it works fantastically and has nearly all the features of all the apps he mentioned. It also supports Google Wear OS (Android Wear). I just ordered a smartwatch mount for my handlebar so I can get track arrow directional guidance while I keep my smartphone in my pocket or tucked in my tail bag on a charger.

Very useful!

Love your videos!! Just to throw in the mix....if you should be "separated" from your bike (say, in an accident), it is wise to keep your phone on you and not attached to the bike. May need it to call for help. Just a thought.

MapsMe is just aweeeesome!

Good work

Great informative video! On a side note what model is your Shoei helmet?

I use Oruxmaps App and allows you to record a track on the go and gives you maps with elevation, etc

Printed map + Maps.me + Calimoto work out just fine. BTW - it would be quite useful if you could add the names of the clothing/helmets/panniers et.al that you are using in the different movies. Thanks!

Thanks. The place I usually go in the summer has no data at all and I'm there for a week, so any app that won't work offline is totally useless to me there.

Have you heard of or tried 'what 3 words' location app ...uses 3 words to identify any 3m (10ft) square on the planet... my friends and I use it for meeting at places, but very handy when needing assistance

Can you please comment on why you prefer the Montana over the Zumo 395/6 or 595? What can the Montana do that the Zumos cannot? I don't know enough about these and I am in the process of selecting one of these. (I have a Zumo 550 and it is just too old to be useful anymore.) Please comment. Thanks!!

Why is the corner cut out of your map? It would be really nice if you did a route planning episode. Who whole process from finding a place you want to ride to looking for .gpx and or making your own to so sort of way points and notes you save for next time. For instance, when you where riding around hood did you just know where the pretty spot to go is because you have lived around here? Did you get a tip? Did you look at google maps and think that looked like a good place? Did you just ride out and ride around until you found a cool spot? I would like to know how to find and navigate to these beautiful day trip destinations.

Go to Caltopo.com and you can produce Georefernced PDF's to load maps into Avenza maps or the same custom map into your Garmin. Just be aware the Garmin will only allow like 8 or 9 custom maps. It's what I do for the areas i venture into. Just another option.

i use Locus in my phone, it can install different type of map and it can export log data waypoint and track

I see you got a fuel ⛽️ tank hooked to your back, please talk about that one day... thanks... Also what's your input on those camel tanks extension for the GS's

Great planning tool, Furkot.com. set how far, how long, how many days, fuel range points out nearby gas stations, hiking trails and all kinds of attractions. I would then export my route or track and use Osmand for turn by turn navigation in my helmet. Haven't done it for awhile so i'm not sure how Osmand is now, it kind of had a weird interface. Maybe there's something better now that will still do turn by turn navigation?