Finding your way in the backcountry may be as simple as paying attention to the natural world around you. Raging rIvers, prevailing winds, and moss growing on tress can help you stay on course. Learn these top natural navigation clues to stay found even when you don’t have a compass handy.
How-To
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Overlanding upgrades often include expensive add-ons like lockers, a winch, or a new suspension. But there is a simple upgrade that will improve your vehicle’s traction, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny. Try airing down your tires. In this article, you’ll learn how to gauge tire pressure, the different methods for airing down, tools to make it easy, and how to air back up when you hit the pavement.
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Sunny spring days make us eager to hit the trails. But warm, dry conditions at the parking lot do not necessarily indicate that all the snow has melted out on the high mountain passes and deep into the woods up ahead. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the FreshSat, Snow Depth, Snow Stations (Daily), and Weather Forecast layers in conjunction with other trusted resources to get a good sense of how much snow to expect on your next trip. Use these tools to help inform your route choice, as well as what gear, traction, and layers to bring.
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Looking for a peaceful (and free) escape to the outdoors? Many National Forests across the United States allow free dispersed camping. Use Gaia GPS to find those free camping spots before heading out and navigate when you get there.
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If you’ve ever wondered why your pack felt so heavy, it might be time to re-examine what you’ve stuffed in it. In this deep dive, our in-house expert walks you through how to plan your multi-day backpacking trip from scratch. Review how to choose a location, understand the history of your destination, plan your route, manage hazards, and find resources for planning food and gear. Plus, get a detailed three-season gear list to help you pack.
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From following snow-swept trails to keeping an eye on avalanche conditions, Gaia GPS proves even more valuable during winter. But you can’t use your phone if it dies in the cold. Learn how to preserve your phone battery when the temperature drops, plus get a special discount on an insulating phone case from Cold Case Gear.
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On a high avalanche danger day last February, two parties sought out safer, low angle-terrain in Utah’s Wasatch mountains. A colossal avalanche swept through the zone. Four of eight people died. Avalanche Forecaster Nikki Champion of the Utah Avalanche Center, who investigated this tragic accident, gives the low down on what went wrong and what we can learn.
We sat down with Brad and Regena Kowitz of the wildly popular YouTube channel TrailRecon to get an exclusive look into their lives and perspectives as overlanders. Learn how they started documenting their adventures, how they’re expanding TrailRecon in new directions, and how you can join them on an overlanding trip this year.
Gaia GPS has the perfect map for every adventure. Whether you’re snowshoeing up a mountain, backpacking off trail, or overlanding across multiple states, we’ve got you covered. To help you figure out which map is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most popular maps. Learn why these maps are so beloved, and how you can use them on your next outing.
Nothing ruins an adventure quite like getting lost. Say goodbye to that stress, panic, and wasted time by locating yourself with Gaia GPS. Learn how to quickly and easily find your way, even when you can’t get cell signal.