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..
One comment about using a phone on the bike. May not be an issue for you as I hear the GS is pretty smooth, but if you have a bike with a lot of vibration (like my Versys 650) that can mess up the optical image stabilization in the smart phone camera. My iPhone 11s takes blurry pictures about 50% of the time due to this. I now use an old phone for Nav & keep my good phone in a pocket.
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.
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 :) !!
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.
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.
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...
Tried that for a year and I came to the conclusion that It's not a good idea in the end. I stay with separate GPS because it's single function device that can last me 10 years because not much needs to change there. When I went with Montana I sold my Zumo from 2008 (after 10 years of usage) and it still kept around 20% of it's original value. My phone on the other hand - I change it every 2 years, and the main purpose of it is to be "my office" + make photos on the trip and those rugged phones have usually shitty camera. I thint that the better idea of how to make your phone dual purpose is to actually buy decent flagship device and use for taking pictures.
Hmmm, just went to look at this. The XP7 is outdated at this point but the XP8 looks great. This matters because of android version, and apps that it will run. The XP8 looks really good but i dont see anything about waterproof charging. Thats one of the biggest problems with phones as nav. That and glove usage. It seems that the XP8 can be used with any glove (I’ll have to see that to believe it) but the regular USB charging seems to be an issue. I use an iPhone daily, and if i got this i would use it as a nav only with WiFi.
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
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
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.
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.
Adding... after all of the time and effort figuring out a good solution, I’ve found that the most enjoyable trips are the ones where I avoid looking at the iPhone and try to use the app between my ears to navigate and record the experience.
Jim Woolfrey as an FYI I have never had a tracking issue with any iPhone including my 4s. In fact many situations my phone has done better than my dedicated GPS. Thanks for sharing your learning. I will check out the apps you mentioned
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I also like the OSMand+ app. it has very reliable maps for remote areas and on may occasions include usefull POIs like gas stations that actually work, decent hostels and hotels and even speed cameras. It saved me many dollars and proved to be reliable. I also like interface and the ease at which is sets out routes. The only downside is that they don't have a motorcycle profile for interface. I wish they had that to make buttons bigger so that they can be touched with gloves on. They also update maps quite often. Overall it is the best navigation that I have ever used.
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 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.
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.
Just an addition to your response => I like Galileo (Guru) maps as well on my adventure trips. Besides what you wrote above is another amazing thing here => you can set different color for each stage/route - so in my case different color for on-road/offroad/tracked...AND you can show/hide as many as planned/tracked stages/routes from your bookmark group (so you know what you can expect during one day and all the rest planned routes/stages could be hidden.) VERY VERY Usefull!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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
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.
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.
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.
I use maps.me in Joshua Tree Nat. Park with great success offline. The tracking part is frustrating only because they can't be saved but will help you find your way out of an unmarked area. I have never had any trouble with the app locating me within a few seconds. The compass app on my iPhone does give lat/long and altitude.
Highly recommended Osmand. I use it for all types of navigation, from hiking to street riding to forest service roads. I don't find I need anything else. Can download hill shade and topographic layers as well as create GPX files.
I just don't like how poorly labelled things are.. but maybe i don't have the right layers or something. I do like that it will navigate you on your custom route. that seems to be a hard feature to find.
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
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!!
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!
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 ☺️
Interesting info I didn't know about. What's the difference between kml and kmz? Don't have GPS yet. Do have some topos, forestry maps, county maps, state map. There's a GPS or GPS app that allows you to text out in an emergency. Current Google maps/earth is a child's paint by number map, doesn't show topography/geography from true satellite or aerial views, can't leave place markers with text boxes, coordinates, etc. like you use to. Looking into OnXhunt. Would liked to have seen a list of products, apps, etc. mentioned in your video. I hate doing the stop/go/back up/restart routine.
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?
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
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
Les Ramirez the Rotopax i have (4 of them) are now 7 years old and work perfectly for secured fuel. Even on days that go from freezing to +100 degrees I’ve never had a leak. The safety fillers are terrible so I use one from the water containers (some as the original fuel bottles) or just pour without one. Recommended... Cameltanks work well to. Never witnessed or had and issue with one.
@@BretTkacs Rotopax are from kriega right? I have the Kriega support plates on my ktm 790 adventure and I'll buy one day Kriega luggages to go with. Rotopax I'm not sure yet, unsure I'll need that much fuel :)
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.
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/ )
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.
Yup. Always carry a paper map with you. That way, instead of just following a dumb arrow without even knowing where you are, the maps gets you the "big picture". ;-)
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.
I've been using OsmAnd app for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and adv riding. My main problem with this is that it uses my smartphone. Its fragile, not waterproof, overheats easily when using it on a sunny day and the battery doesn't last long so it's always hooked up to the charger.
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.
I am looking to buy an additional GPS to my actual GPS Motorrad IV, so I can take unpavement routes in Mexico or the USA, driving my motorcycle BMW ( R1200GS ). ¿With your experience which GPS are you believe could be better to use: The Garmin Montana 680 or Garmin GSMap66i? because the Garmin Navigator VI doesn't work on unpavement road and I am looking to use these when driving and not find any signal on cellular o do not have enough battery on my cellular.
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.
Why? Without a map all you get from a compass is your cardinal directions and an azimuth. You don’t need a compass to figure out with direction is which, and you don’t need to shoot an azimuth to ride in a straight-ish line, so...may as well just bring a map.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
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..
Bret Tkacs Try osmand+ maps..
One comment about using a phone on the bike. May not be an issue for you as I hear the GS is pretty smooth, but if you have a bike with a lot of vibration (like my Versys 650) that can mess up the optical image stabilization in the smart phone camera. My iPhone 11s takes blurry pictures about 50% of the time due to this. I now use an old phone for Nav & keep my good phone in a pocket.
Only one suggestion, lose the music.
You have some great vids, & I would sub, but for the music.
All we want is the facts, man!
@@savage22bolt32 Bret Tkacs stopped making content for MOTOTREK loong time ago :)))
@@kloppskalli 👍tks
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.
100%
YES YES YES this - l am lost without them.
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 :) !!
John Roethel you are very welcome. I will keep them coming as long as I can afford too.
Hope you are now fully recovered. Can I ask what happened? Was the accident on a bike?
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.
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.
An app that you can upload your gpx files into? Awesome!
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.
Always an informative and very helpful channel as usual Bret, also a shout out to Tim for production and editing.Cheers from Australia
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...
Tried that for a year and I came to the conclusion that It's not a good idea in the end. I stay with separate GPS because it's single function device that can last me 10 years because not much needs to change there. When I went with Montana I sold my Zumo from 2008 (after 10 years of usage) and it still kept around 20% of it's original value. My phone on the other hand - I change it every 2 years, and the main purpose of it is to be "my office" + make photos on the trip and those rugged phones have usually shitty camera. I thint that the better idea of how to make your phone dual purpose is to actually buy decent flagship device and use for taking pictures.
Hmmm, just went to look at this. The XP7 is outdated at this point but the XP8 looks great. This matters because of android version, and apps that it will run. The XP8 looks really good but i dont see anything about waterproof charging. Thats one of the biggest problems with phones as nav. That and glove usage. It seems that the XP8 can be used with any glove (I’ll have to see that to believe it) but the regular USB charging seems to be an issue. I use an iPhone daily, and if i got this i would use it as a nav only with WiFi.
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
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
David Hathaway I used SPOT for many many years and have used the inreach device as well. Both were used for communication but never navigation
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.
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.
Great info, Jim. Thanks!
Adding... after all of the time and effort figuring out a good solution, I’ve found that the most enjoyable trips are the ones where I avoid looking at the iPhone and try to use the app between my ears to navigate and record the experience.
Jim Woolfrey as an FYI I have never had a tracking issue with any iPhone including my 4s. In fact many situations my phone has done better than my dedicated GPS.
Thanks for sharing your learning. I will check out the apps you mentioned
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!
Great! Agreed that all the comments have been awesome!
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.
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.
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.
Without a doubt, you have the most informative videos for adventure riders! Thank you!
Dave Reinhart thanks
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.
I also like the OSMand+ app. it has very reliable maps for remote areas and on may occasions include usefull POIs like gas stations that actually work, decent hostels and hotels and even speed cameras. It saved me many dollars and proved to be reliable. I also like interface and the ease at which is sets out routes. The only downside is that they don't have a motorcycle profile for interface. I wish they had that to make buttons bigger so that they can be touched with gloves on. They also update maps quite often. Overall it is the best navigation that I have ever used.
Your content is just getting better and better....
Glad you're enjoying them!
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 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.
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.
+1 for Galileo (guru) maps. I use it all the time.
Just an addition to your response => I like Galileo (Guru) maps as well on my adventure trips. Besides what you wrote above is another amazing thing here => you can set different color for each stage/route - so in my case different color for on-road/offroad/tracked...AND you can show/hide as many as planned/tracked stages/routes from your bookmark group (so you know what you can expect during one day and all the rest planned routes/stages could be hidden.) VERY VERY Usefull!
What's best smartphone mount. Used a few but so far break or rattle loose
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.
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.
Don't forget about the stars, old, old, school...
Great info by the way
Sadly we don't see stars very often here in WA state :( Too many clouds.
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.
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.
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
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.
Or keep a PLB on you
Great thinking there never thought of that. Hurt my back about a year ago and couldn't get off the floor. Had my phone on me.
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.
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.
Thai you very much for this valuable information. Vids just keep getting better and better. Congratulations.
Great video, love the drums on ending! Bought a Garmin 660, wish id stuck to paper!!
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.
Hector Cardona downloading it now
downloading it now, too ...oh, it doesnt exist anymore :))
Very informative. And nice of your to share you PIN for your iPhone if we ever need to use your map apps ;-P
Thanks, David.
I agree with previous comment -the quad lock system for all devices is a great investment and can be transferable.
i use Locus in my phone, it can install different type of map and it can export log data waypoint and track
yeah locus maps is the best offroad capable navigation app for android.
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..
Superb. New World ! 🙏💥😎
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
Hi Bret! You can try GPSies to plan your next trip :) It is very helpful. I use GPSies to plan and Scenic to navigate
Delorme atlas books are my fave. Here in the states
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.
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.
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.
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.
I use maps.me in Joshua Tree Nat. Park with great success offline. The tracking part is frustrating only because they can't be saved but will help you find your way out of an unmarked area. I have never had any trouble with the app locating me within a few seconds. The compass app on my iPhone does give lat/long and altitude.
Always Good practical valuable advice
Thank You
Great video & ideas.
Locus maps will give you most of what you want!
Oren B downloaded... checking it out
Remember to use MapSeal on your paper maps. You will also need an Orienteering style Compass.
REVER is a good app option too, history, share and community
OSMAND is my preferable app and is just amazing. Try it out.
Highly recommended Osmand. I use it for all types of navigation, from hiking to street riding to forest service roads. I don't find I need anything else. Can download hill shade and topographic layers as well as create GPX files.
But only available on Android
I just don't like how poorly labelled things are.. but maybe i don't have the right layers or something. I do like that it will navigate you on your custom route. that seems to be a hard feature to find.
Not free
@@klausrtmr There's an iOS version, too. Though that one is not developed by the same team and doesn't have all the features (yet).
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.
Make sure to also try "Scenic" (iOS) and/or "Kurviger" (Android and Website).
It's tortuous , routes you through city suburbs
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
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
Appreciate the app info! You're the GO-TO !
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!!
MapsMe is just aweeeesome!
Thanks for the feedback.
Great video as always. Great to see how you have grown. Was wondering about your opinion on the zumo 396lmt,
I use Oruxmaps App and allows you to record a track on the go and gives you maps with elevation, etc
The best thing about this video is first the info on the video and second the info in the comments. In other words very informative.
Glad you like it!
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!
Den Dec ruclips.net/video/TZTRVLwO51Q/видео.html
I’m a fan...
Oh yeah, ha its been a minute since I watched that one.
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 ☺️
Interesting info I didn't know about. What's the difference between kml and kmz? Don't have GPS yet. Do have some topos, forestry maps, county maps, state map. There's a GPS or GPS app that allows you to text out in an emergency. Current Google maps/earth is a child's paint by number map, doesn't show topography/geography from true satellite or aerial views, can't leave place markers with text boxes, coordinates, etc. like you use to. Looking into OnXhunt. Would liked to have seen a list of products, apps, etc. mentioned in your video. I hate doing the stop/go/back up/restart routine.
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?
Great informative video! On a side note what model is your Shoei helmet?
Try Gaia. Does tracks well. Off road the best.
Good advice, Trevor. Thx.
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
as an aviator getting into ADV im thinking a knee board is a good idea for them paper maps.
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
Les Ramirez the Rotopax i have (4 of them) are now 7 years old and work perfectly for secured fuel. Even on days that go from freezing to +100 degrees I’ve never had a leak.
The safety fillers are terrible so I use one from the water containers (some as the original fuel bottles) or just pour without one.
Recommended...
Cameltanks work well to. Never witnessed or had and issue with one.
@@BretTkacs Rotopax are from kriega right? I have the Kriega support plates on my ktm 790 adventure and I'll buy one day Kriega luggages to go with. Rotopax I'm not sure yet, unsure I'll need that much fuel :)
A very nice app is "Scenic", which allows to make very nice curvy tours.
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.
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/ )
Best one yet!
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.
try oruxmaps its got topography and route tracking as well
John Borg Jacob looks like that is not an iPhone app but I will put it on one of my other devices
hi bret, do you have an updated version of this episode?
googlemap now are accurate now. maybe you can share the video?
Thanks for the great informative video!
Yup. Always carry a paper map with you. That way, instead of just following a dumb arrow without even knowing where you are, the maps gets you the "big picture". ;-)
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.
Do you really prefer the Garmin Montana over the Zumo 395 or 595? If so, can you please comment why you prefer the Montana over the Zumo? Thanks!!
VERY helpful information for a navigation newbie! Thanks for putting this out. Subscribed.
You're welcome.
OsmAnd, beat that :)
Hey Bret, you're a natural at this. :-)
Aspiring is something I know well . Thanks for showing me your maps . -)
Very well done! Thank you.
I've been using OsmAnd app for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and adv riding. My main problem with this is that it uses my smartphone. Its fragile, not waterproof, overheats easily when using it on a sunny day and the battery doesn't last long so it's always hooked up to the charger.
thanks for the VDO, helps a lot
Great video!
2:40 exactly how does your paper map track weather?
If the map is wet, it's precipitating. If the map is unstable, it's windy.
Thank you! I really need to learn to navigate.
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.
Are things as bad there as we're hearing?
I am looking to buy an additional GPS to my actual GPS Motorrad IV, so I can take unpavement routes in Mexico or the USA, driving my motorcycle BMW ( R1200GS ). ¿With your experience which GPS are you believe could be better to use: The Garmin Montana 680 or Garmin GSMap66i? because the Garmin Navigator VI doesn't work on unpavement road and I am looking to use these when driving and not find any signal on cellular o do not have enough battery on my cellular.
Another great video.
Some great info.
I'm in Thailand and download Maps.Me and it doesn't give the option to travel by motorcycle... is this correct? What should I do?
Is that capital forest in Washington state? Or is there another capital forest
Yes it is.
@@MOTOTREK it's a beautiful place..been a long time since I rode there..I was 14 and now in my 50s
Killer video brother, 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.
What about a compass?
Philun Arlo I ALWAYS carry a compass
Attach a small one to the top of the brake fluid reservoir!
Why? Without a map all you get from a compass is your cardinal directions and an azimuth. You don’t need a compass to figure out with direction is which, and you don’t need to shoot an azimuth to ride in a straight-ish line, so...may as well just bring a map.