iphone service and guthook gps for Sobo PCT

Hey someguy. You can definitely use the Guthook Apps without a data plan– all it really requires is a GPS signal, which doesn't require cell service, and to download the maps you could just use a wifi signal when you're in town. I would recommend using the iPhone sparingly, since the eTrex's batteries would last longer and be easily replaceable in the field, but if all you need is a spot check and a quick satellite fix, you could get several days of use out of the iPhone while leaving it in airplane mode most of the time. Just make sure to charge it when you get to town.

I'm not familiar with SPOT's iPhone app, so it might be worth sending their tech support people an email with the question.

Good luck on the trail!

Just in case you didn't already know this…

The Spot app only works with the Spot Connect. It doesn't work with the regular Spot messenger.

As long as you are only doing the occasional location/coordinate checks on the GPS in your phone and sending the occasional message with the Spot Connect (or turning on the Spot tracking), the phone would last a long time because you can shut it off after a brief period of use. If you want to collect tracks with the GPS in your phone (leave it on with the GPS collecting tracks) then it's going to die pretty quickly).

So depends on how you plan to use it.

Before using your iPhone on your PCT hike, it’s important to read the battery conservation section in the article: Instructions for using iPhone as Backpacking GPS/Mapping device.