GPS App (Android)

I use Backcountry Navigator and think it works great. There are numerous maps, including CalTopo, mapquest street and aerial photos, that can be downloaded. I think it's $12, but when I got mine, you could use a fully functional version for a couple weeks for free.

I'm impressed with Backcountry Navigator also. Works great for me so far, including in airplane mode (which probably also has a lot to do with the quality of your phone's GPS and not the app).

So far I like Gaia, but would be interested to know what the differences are between it and Backcountry Navigator.

I've been using Backcountry Navigator Pro for years. Great app. I first used it for offroading since having good maps pre-cached when you are out of cell range was great. I use it a lot now on my hiking trips to create tracks. The only other android app I've used for maps is PDF maps, and It's not as seamless as BCN is.

I use Viewranger

Gaia GPS is very popular. It has of the functionality that you could ever want.

I wrote a blog a while ago on why I think Gaia GPS is superior to BCN: http://blog.gaiagps.com/gaia-gps-vs-backcountry-navigator/ I'll also offer – if there are any BCN users on the forum, you can send a note to support@gaiagps.com for a free copy of Gaia GPS for Android so you can compare yourself. I'd be interested to here any opinions/comparisons. Make sure to tell support you want the Android version, referencing this forum. My two cents…

I know I'm derailing a little but while Andrew was here from Gaia I wanted to ask if there are any plans to port his software to the Windows Phone platform. The new lumia phones look pretty tempting, but the lack of a quality topo map program is a huge drawback for me. If not, I think I'll be sticking with Android for a while longer.

Thank you very much everyone!

Andrew, I think I'll take you up on your offer for a free copy of Gaia. I'll send an email.

Try the free version of Locus Map. http://www.locusmap.eu/

No plans to do Windows for Gaia GPS. The mobile market for windows just isn't there, maybe someday. We have tons of work planned for iOS, Android, and website though. Those end up being 3 mostly separate codebases already.