IPhone for GPS...?

[SarcasmPhD]

When I fly, I use an app that provides real time data using my iPad's GPS. I usually lose service around 4000', but the GPS works wonderfully allowing me to track my flight, get weather/radar info. My question: if I purchase the Hunting maps for smartphones, will my iPhone be good enough to use instead of buying a Garmin? Or would I be better off getting a handheld GPS?

Thank you in advance.

[gogriz]

I have used both successfully. The garmin seems more dependable. If hunting for multiple days batteries become an issue with the smartphone.

[JimKirk]

based on an earlier post on here i downloaded trimble outdoors navigator http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ to my iphone. I actually purchased the elite subscription @ 39.99/yr so that I could use my home computer to view and print maps as well. I used it this past weekend on a scouting trip and it worked well. I turned my phone on airplane mode and it still navigates to saved waypoints. I like the fact you can switch between topo maps and aerial views. with the subscription you can download hunt unit maps to your gps to use for navigation or overlay hunt unit boundries over the map. I was able to take pictures of my waypoints for later viewing when i refer to a waypoint on my screen.
I replaced my outdated national geographic topo mapping program which i used to connect my garmin to sync waypoints. I was unable to sync the waypoints from trimble to my handheld gps which is possible but I was getting some sort of error. my gps is a garmin etrex which may not be compatiable since its a fairly low end model. But I found I didn't really need it. The weak point in the equation may be my iphone battery life if you want to leave it on all the time. I have a rechargable power supply that will recharge my phone several times but it weighs about the same as my gps.
For me this mapping software / iphone combination will work as a substitute for my handheld gps. I need a little further time using it to see if I can deal with my iphone battery life and can give you a more detailed evaluation.

[Luckyman]

Also looking into this and thought a solar charger/source may solve it. 6.8 ounces
http://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Solar-Po ... B00Q5Y6EW8

[Raghorn_Reaper]

I looked into this but I am not buying all of the good reviews you see. As one poster pointed out, most of the 5 star reviews are from one time reviewers. Sounds like more China junk to me. I wanted to like this. I f you get it let us know how it works out. Maybe you will get lucky, Luckyman.

[pd]

To the OP, I use my iPhone 5 exclusively. I bought a Garmin 62STC new last year from REI, but returned it (the software is embarrassingly bad). I keep the iPhone on airplane mode, and only check location or save waypoints. It will last me all day (usually back to a charging source at night). I can go 3 days like this if need be. Bottom line: Apple's software with many types of topo apps is a much better combination than a Garmin. No need to carry two units. $0.02.

Edit: With iOS of 8.4 or higher, you can still use the GPS function even in airplane mode. Slow learner, sorry.

[chiledog]

I have the iPhone 6 but have not used it where I hunt. Use an etrex.
There is no signal at all except in one tiny place for miles.
Another area I hunt has a signal unless you drop into a canyon.
Thought you needed a signal or am I missing something?

[CliffDweller]

I use my iPhone exclusively along with a solar charger and they work great for trips into the backcountry. The app I use is View Ranger (i think it's $14.99) and I go into the woods without it. The solar charger works good as long as it's charged before you head out. It will take about 16 hours of full sunlight to charge the back up battery in the charger. The solar charger I purchased was around $30. No need to spend any more.

[erle1139]

I have the iPhone 6 but have not used it where I hunt. Use an etrex.
There is no signal at all except in one tiny place for miles.
Another area I hunt has a signal unless you drop into a canyon.
Thought you needed a signal or am I missing something?

Chiledog,

no you do not need a "signal", in the traditional sense, to use an iPhone as a GPS. Modern smart phones receive several different types of signals, whether it be cellular, data, GPS, etc to perform different tasks. I took my Garmin Oregon and my iPhone last year and ended up using my iPhone more than my Garmin. The phone screen is bigger and its just easier for me to use. There was no cellular or data service where I was. When you're in an area with no service, your phone will constantly be searching for it, causing it to eat a lot of battery. Putting it in airplane mode keeps it from searching for service, thereby conserving the battery.

[Brendan]

This year I am trying out a switch. I'll be leaving my Montana 650 in the car and using a combination of my iPhone 6 and a Garmin Epix watch. I'll use the Garmin for point to point navigation, waypoints, etc., as well as a normal wristwatch. I'll use the iPhone for topo maps, satellite imagery, and land ownership maps. There is no cell signal where I hunt.

[SarcasmPhD]

This is great to know. Thanks to you all for your input. I may end up trying both the garmin and iPhone. Redundancy. It could be a good thing.

[Vanish]

For iPhone users, here's a big tip for battery saving while using a GPS. SIM LOCK your phone. This allows you to use your GPS without any other signals (may not be necessary on newer models?). This increases battery life by a ton.

I posted how on this forum a couple years ago in the middle of this post: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=503

[Passin Thru]

I'm still stuck on my Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. It has color screen and cheaper if I lose it. works faithfully in deep canyons and is reliable.