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Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 21 Jan 2017
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For your purposes I'd suggest a smartphone of your preferred flavour, although I would suggest you look for something waterproof and durable. Others have suggested good map applications. Pair it with a solar charger and a good sized portable battery pack.

Use the solar charger to keep the battery pack topped up, you can even bodge that onto the top of your backpack so the battery charges while you walk. Top it up every time you have access to mains electricity. Charge the phone from the battery. I would suggest you find the battery capacity of your phone (measured in mAh, milliamp hours) and multiply it by 4 to choose a battery pack.

If you get a dedicated device (perhaps as a back up in case of phone failure?) wait for the next generation of Garmin / Delorme tech, for your purposes it's the only thing that has any advantage over a phone as it give you SOS and satellite comms, could save your skin in a really bad situation. For every other purpose on your trip a smartphone will do. I say the next generation because Garmin's first Delorme device since buying the company doesn't seem very well received, but I've not done a lot of research.
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Old 22 Jan 2017
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Originally Posted by Arma View Post
For your purposes I'd suggest a smartphone of your preferred flavour, although I would suggest you look for something waterproof and durable. Others have suggested good map applications.
People keep suggesting smartphones, but I am not so keen squinting at a small screen or forever zooming in and out. I once saw a guy in a cafe with maps on his tablet and it was great. It was just like looking at an atlas.
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Old 23 Jan 2017
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Originally Posted by chilswelluk View Post
People keep suggesting smartphones, but I am not so keen squinting at a small screen or forever zooming in and out. I once saw a guy in a cafe with maps on his tablet and it was great. It was just like looking at an atlas.
I only suggest a smartphone because they fit in your pocket and most people have one, tablets are just as good. The only difference between phones and tablets is size, so that's just a matter of personal preference.
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Old 23 Jan 2017
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Originally Posted by chilswelluk View Post
People keep suggesting smartphones, but I am not so keen squinting at a small screen or forever zooming in and out. I once saw a guy in a cafe with maps on his tablet and it was great. It was just like looking at an atlas.
Wait. You were looking for an electronic device. The screen on a smartphone is way better than a dedicated gps. The screen is also way more responsive. Besides. You don't need to scroll your whole route if you're trying to work out how to ride your next 2 turn offs.

Just fiddle with your current phone.

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Old 23 Jan 2017
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Wait. You were looking for an electronic device. The screen on a smartphone is way better than a dedicated gps. The screen is also way more responsive. Besides. You don't need to scroll your whole route if you're trying to work out how to ride your next 2 turn offs.

Just fiddle with your current phone.

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You are right I was originally thinking about dedicated gps, but on further reflection I think I would like something a little bigger. I like the ability to a look at something like a real atlas without constantly scrolling. This is useful when planning a trip whilst on the road, as I often change my mind - even with regards to different countries! Having a large screen makes things so much easier.

Plus I don't see battery life as a big worry. If I am cycling a particular stretch, I can fire it up every so often to make sure I am on course. I don't think it will have to be on all the time. I am also looking into solar chargers, which should also mitigate some of the power worries.
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