An essential tool in the Arizona Backcountry
I also have the app installed on my smartphone as a backup if my tablet gets lost, broken, or stolen. Plus, a smartphone is a much more compact set up for a backpacking or hiking adventure. I'm able to plan, prepare, and execute my adventures using Backcountry Navigator Pro.
Map sources
These categories include Caltopo, AccuTerra, USGS, ArcGIS, USTopo, US Forest Service, National Map Imagery, Virtual Earth, MapQuest, ENC Online, NOAA RNC, as well as several hybrid maps.
Map overlays
You can add your custom overlays, or you can purchase one from Backcountry Navigator Pro. The overlays are quite exciting and become very helpful. I use the BLM land boundary overlay every time I'm on the trail, looking for a campsite, or planning a route. Available map overlays that I use every weekend include the following...
Land boundaries overlay shows boundaries of private, state, BLM, USFS, Indian, and other land management. Wildlife refuges, national parks, and state parks are also included. Available by state.
Fun Treks Trails overlay shows all GPS tracks related to the Funtreks 4x4 Trail books. If you have the book, then you defiantly need the trail tracks.
USFS motor vehicle use map overlay shows all current motor vehicle use maps in the US. It's your standard MVUM provided directly from USFS.
Offline use
It's best to save each downloaded in a separate map folder unless two downloads are in the same geographic area. You can choose any available map source to download. To view your downloaded map, you must select your map layer. You can choose from online & cached, saved map folder, or pre-built map. If you saved your download in a map folder, you will find your map under the corresponding map folder.
Pre-built maps
Cheaper than the competition
The thing that sets Backcountry Navigator apart from the rest is the price. You can purchase the app in the Google Play store for only $24. Combined with a Samsung Tab A, 128-gigabyte micro SD card, CalTopo subscription, and map overlays, I spent around $140.
The app can be installed on multiple devices with only one membership. It's connected to your Google Play account and can be installed on any device that contains your Google account.
Other cool features
Import and export - Import or export tracks or waypoints as GPX, KML, KMZ along with all recorded GPS data. Effectively serves as a GPS file converter.
Tracks and waypoints - Attach photos or record audio for each waypoint—view graphs based on the elevation and speed of each GPS track. Records moving time, total time, distance, average moving speed, max speed, altitude gain, maximum/ minimum altitude, maximum/ minimum grade, and area covered.
Coordinate formats - Use various coordinate formats including DDD.DDDDD, DDD MM.MMMMM, DDD MM SS.SSSSS, UTM, MGRS, OSRef (Numeric), OSRef (6 Figure), OSRef (XX EEEEE NNNNN) and NZTM2000.
Search for locations - Use the search bar to find mountain peaks, towns, rivers, and many other places.
Backup and restore - Automatically save all your data to Dropbox or Google drive.
Compass - Avery accurate compass is included in the app.
Screenshots - Easily take screenshots inside the app and print or share it with your friends. Use your phones "print to PDF" option to render a .PDF file.
Search for trails - Use GPSies Trips to find and download new trails right in the app.
Not very user-friendly
The only downfall to Backcountry Navigator. It's not very user-friendly. This almost made me consider something else. Things are kind of all over the place, unorganized and hard to understand. To select a waypoint or track, you must center the object on the cross in the middle of your screen and press a separate button. Not to mention, Backcountry Navigator Pro is not available for iPhone.
Although it's a little confusing and takes multiple steps to complete a task, the developers did a great job with the "help" section. The documentation is detailed, straight to the point, and gives step by step direction.