A buddy postulated that it might be possible to use an iPhone in Quetico (not for making calls/texts, obviously) but as a way to type trip notes (and make voice recordings/take audio) as we go along as well as use the camera and video functionality. He has a solar charger that can recharge the device pretty well he thinks (given that there's sunlight, which on some trips has been dicey!).

What I am wondering is can you use the GPS/mapping function on it? I know it won't be on a cellular network or anything, but I know apps like OnX hunt say that they work even when you don't have cell service. Does anyone know how this works? The device is small and light and if you put it in a LifeProof case, it might be able to be an asset.

Mad Birdman,

I have installed GAIA, a GPS mapping service on my IPhone last year. Before your trip and while you are ONLINE you download a map of the area you will be canoeing on to your cell. Then when you are up north you put your cell in Airplane mode and turn off any APPS that are unnecessary so you do not use up your battery for unecessary apps.

Your GPS on your IPhone will always be on and when you open GAIA APP you wil get your location on the lake or portage trail you are on. All the lakes in BWCA and Quetico (in fact all roads, mountains, lakes are available in the US and Canada and most of the world I believe).

You will use some of your cells storage capacity to download maps to your phone. Again you have to download Gaia Maps ( there other mapping apps for cell phones) when you are ONLINE. Your iPhone cell has Assisted GPS built into it...but since you will be outside of cell phone tower service, you have to download the maps in the area you will be paddling in on your cell ONLINE so they are available to you when you are in Quetico.

You can go into Settings on your iPhone, Privacy, then Location Services. You can see all the apps where you are using your Phones GPS. I have Compass Set as ALWAYS and GAIA as Always.

You can mark waypoints, see your speed as you paddle, set a paddle plan etc, I really like it. Most hikers use GAIA for Mapping with their cell phones.

Google Maps also provides a mapping service for your cell and its “free” ... but I really like Gaia. I didn’t sign up for the Premium mapping as GAIA’s Regular Mapping Program does everything I need.

I use a Suntastic 5 Solar Charger to keep my cell and my Anker Power Bank charged up.

Google GAIA and look it over. Check out Google Maps too.

I still bring McKenzie or Ficher Maps when I go up to Quetico each year.

I have a lot more to learn on the use of a cell phone for Quetico tripping ...like routing, waypoints etc, I just have to play with it more. I only used the Gaia Map APP for the 1st time last year.

I hooked Jimbo up with an InReach device to replace his SPOT. You can send and receive texts and emails when up north and I like this communication that you cant get with a SPOT. InReach also has a SOS feature. It also offers a basic weather update for your area you are paddling and is part of the Freedom Package you pay to use your InReach( wind, temps, forecast). You pay for 30 day periods.

GARMIN bought InReach. You can install their Earthmate APP on your cell and it allows you to PAIR UP your cell to your InReach device. That means you can use your larger cell screen size and typing features to type in texts etc. Whem you send a message to your wife or others they receive your message and the PIN where you are located.

Getting windy here but let me know if I can help you further with Gaia or InReach.

Thanks guys. Am planning on Copia this year (and probably dinner too) so hope to see you guys again. Was out last year but am making my triumphant return to the Q in June. Making my out-of-shape self get in tune for Memory Lane!

Zski,

I bring an Anker Powercore 10000 mAh power bank and a Solar Charger. That way my IPhone and InReach are always powered up.

I don't want a debate I'm just saying for me - too much technology takes me away from having a wilderness experience.  I love the idea of having the inreach for an emergency situation but I doubt I'll ever use a gps or cell phone in Quetico.  I love the map and compass.  It gets me closer to Lewis and Clark.