GPS using Verizon HTC Thunderbolt with Backcountry Navigator software

[Eliteoomph]

I wanted to talk a little bit about the new HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon and how wonderful it was to have on my last hike/trek/tramp in the sipsey wilderness.

Before I left for the Sipsey I installed some software on my new smartphone called Backcountry Navigator.  BackCountry Navigator is software for your Android phone that turns it into a capable outdoor gps device. Using your Android gps, the app can show your location on topographical (topo) maps, that you can preload for offline use. 

So before I left I predownloaded topo maps of the sipsey and marked all the trails/trailheads/waterfalls and other points of interest that I wanted to have in case I happened to hike close to those areas.

Once I arrived at the sipsey I turned on the GPS tracker and immediately noticed the great accuracy.  The tracking keep me on trail and also the phone has a built in compass so the arrow actually turns with you to tell you the direction you are facing even while standing still.

Once I reached the sipsey river I noticed the water was up pretty high and had the idea to try out my phones built in HD camcorder.   You can check out the video here.  http://m.youtube.com/inde...l=US#/watch?v=B929xcjDWM0

The phone also has a built in 8MP camera. 

While hiking deep within the canyons under heavy tree coverage my GPS never lost coverage and performed much better then expected.  I marked points of interest while I was hiking such as campsites and different landmarks.  And that evening I used my phone to watch a few video's and listen to some music.  The battery started to die close to bedtime which wasn't a problem because I had bought 4 extra batteries off of eBay for only around 20 bucks and they weigh practically nothing.

I have an equal love of both nature and technology and while sometimes I prefer the rough it without the added luxuries of today's new toys at other times it is great to enjoy the advances in modern technology. 

I'm headed off the New Zealand next week and already have my maps downloaded for the trip...  Can't wait to see how it goes and will share the pics when I get back!

[squidbilly]

Nice that you can have everything you might need in one device. Good to know the GPS app works as advertised too. Thanks for the report.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Good to hear it worked so well for you. Cell phones can do some cool stuff nowadays!

My only caution would be that I would be very hesitant to *rely* on cell phone navigation if the device in question requires a cell signal to navigate, which is basically every cell phone with navigation features. Quite a few places do not have cell coverage still these days, such as Big South Fork NRRA, so you might be unable to use your device for navigation, and if it loads maps on the fly, they might not we available, but it sounds like your device can preload, which is good. I guess my point is, cell navigation is not ideal for remote areas unless the phone and software can operate without a cell signal. I still recommend a dedicated GPS unit for anything off trail, backed up with a good map and compass, no matter what a phone can go.

That said, it looks like the Thunderbolt has a real GPS receiver, not just the one channel A-GPS that most phones have, so you should be good without cell reception. That is a really good thing, because that A-GPS crud is useless out of civilization.

[Eliteoomph]

Yes it uses a deticated GPS with no cell signal required.   Just the same as standalone GPS systems.

[squidbilly]

Yes it uses a deticated GPS with no cell signal required.   Just the same as standalone GPS systems.

That's good. It seems like a major selling point for those of us shopping for a smartphone who venture out of the coverage areas.

[Eliteoomph]

Definitely.... And another strong selling point is HD video and a 8MP camera...  You should see my pics from New Zealand... And I took everyone from my phone...  I'll post the link to some pics shortly

Actually here is a post I made over at hammock forums
http://www.hammockforums....um/showthread.php?t=34303

Enjoy