The Backpacking Light Masterclass How to Use Gaia GPS provides a trusted and methodical framework that gives hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts the confidence to use Gaia GPS to plan their own adventures.
Learning how to plan and track hiking and backpacking trips is challenging because so much information and education has been developed by those who lack deep trip planning and expedition experience or expertise. In this masterclass, expert instruction combined with methodical, intuitive education simplifies and enhances the process of learning.
Hands-on, step-by-step video tutorials featuring both the Gaia GPS desktop and mobile apps combined with comprehensive field case studies are used to solidify key concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
This course is targeted primarily to adventurers pursuing human-powered outdoor sports: hiking, backpacking, trail running, packrafting, mountain biking, bikepacking, mountaineering, canoe & kayak tripping, river-running, backcountry ski touring, snowshoeing, and more. The focus is on backcountry exploration.
This online, self-paced video course provides more than 4 hours of video content in 19 modules (see below for curriculum).
Example screenshots:
Course Curriculum
Module 1
Introduction to Gaia GPS for hiking and backcountry travel
Module 2
User interface / product tour of the Gaia GPS website app
Module 3
User interface / product tour of the Gaia GPS mobile app
Module 4
How to study the Gaia GPS map for trip and route planning
Module 5
How to show or hide map elements in Gaia GPS with overlay vs visibility toggles
Module 6
How to build your personal map library in Gaia GPS
Module 7
What maps should I add to my library for planning backpacking trips in Gaia GPS?
Module 8
How to access your saved data in Gaia GPS – using the map vs. your data library
Module 9
How and why to personalize key settings in Gaia GPS
Module 10
How to download maps to your device in Gaia GPS
Module 11
How does Gaia GPS sync work?
Module 12
How to create, edit, and manage waypoints in Gaia GPS
Module 13
How to create, edit, and manage routes in Gaia GPS
Module 14
How to setup a folder hierarchy and manage your data in Gaia GPS
Module 15
Considerations for sharing geo-tagged routes, tracks, and photos
Module 16
How to print maps in Gaia GPS
Module 17
How to use Gaia GPS to plan, track, and organize day hikes
Module 18
Case Study: How to use Gaia GPS to plan, track, and organize a multi-day backpacking trip
Module 19
Live Q&A with Gaia GPS
Meet Your Instructor
Instructor
Ryan Jordan
Ryan Jordan is the publisher and founder of Backpacking Light. Ryan teaches ultralight mountain hiking seminars and guides clients on treks and expeditions worldwide. He has trained Scout leaders, search and rescue personnel, land management agency staff, the media, outdoor educators and program leaders, wilderness guides, and adventure travelers. Seminars and field outings focus on self-sufficiency and solo travel, skills for managing ultralight gear in inclement conditions, increasing navigation and travel efficiency in complex terrain environments, and long-distance ultralight hiking without resupply.
Reviews
Backpacking Light's Gaia GPS Masterclass walks you through everything you need to know to plan and navigate the best backcountry routes using Gaia GPS. From map selection to creating custom routes, Ryan's expert tips will help you get the most out of Gaia GPS's robust features.
- Brian Riordan, Vice President of Gaia GPS
I've used Gaia GPS for many years, but I had no idea of the numerous features that I learned by watching your masterclass ... your presentation was clear, easy to understand, and super informative. I learned so much that I decided to join Backpacking Light.
- Lynne D.
The Gaia GPS Masterclass was a fantastic class. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anybody who uses Gaia to travel in the woods. Even though I have used Gaia for years now, I never fully grasped the benefits that you presented in your class. Your thorough understanding of the product and your brilliant way of tracking information was illuminating. It was one of your best masterclasses.
- William M.
The Masterclass was great. I appreciate the great detail in all of your Masterclasses. It is a wealth of information that you cannot obtain anywhere else. This helps to improve my route planning well in advance of a trip. It allows me comfort in selecting a route that is within our abilities and gives me confidence that we can execute it safely.
- Howie G.
Enrollment Info
Learn how to use Gaia GPS for trip and route discovery, research, planning, tracking, and data archiving.
This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership.
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