Phone GPS app

[Old Guy New Hobby]

I create gpx routes with a computer app. Then I load the gpx on a Garmin Edge and follow turn-by-turn directions. I've had two Edges. Both died within 2 years. That's a pretty expensive solution, IMO. Is there an Android app that will duplicate the Garmin experience using offline Google maps?

[HobbesOnTour]

Offline Google maps?
I don't think so.

Try Osmand. It will take your gpx file and give TbT (and voice) instructions.
It will also plot routes totally offline (so long as the relevant maps have been downloaded in advance).
It has many handy features such as Points of Interest, Favourites etc
It's not the easiest to get a handle on but is well worth the effort.

Free to try in local area, small one off fee for worldwide maps. You can also correct map info if incorrect or out of date if that's your thing.

Just remember, a phone as a navigation device brings its own issues;
Weather (rain/sun)
Battery
Damage in accident
Theft.

 

[HikeBikeCook]

Yeah, I just bought a Garmin 1030 Plus and the mini InReach and it was NOT CHEAP. Add monthly fees for InReach and you could go broke quickly. Doing a bunch of trips over the next few months and testing it all for our modified TransAm next spring.

[Old Guy New Hobby]

Try Osmand. It will take your gpx file and give TbT (and voice) instructions.

The tutorial video on this page https://osmand.net/features/trip-planning#Planning_trip_using_GPX_track makes it look like a lot of work to get meaningful text to speach.

[ray b]

Try Osmand. It will take your gpx file and give TbT (and voice) instructions.

The tutorial video on this page https://osmand.net/features/trip-planning#Planning_trip_using_GPX_track makes it look like a lot of work to get meaningful text to speach.

Been very happy with my ETrex 22X (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/search/?query=etrex) as a simple solution for download of GPX and play. A belt and suspenders guy, I also run ACA maps on my phone and when in the backcountry, carry an InReach that communicates with the Garmin Topo Maps downloaded to my phone... and also, paper and compass at the bottom of one of my bags.

I recommend you talk with one of the Garmin reps by phone, and see if they can cut you a deal in the context of unexpected failure of 2 devices in 4 y. They understand well the limitation of a few of their models, and are usually eager to keep customers in the fold.

[Old Guy New Hobby]

In case somebody else reads this, I found a darn good app -- Komoot. It accepts GPX route files. Routes and maps can be stored on the phone for offline operation. It offers very good voice navigation. The text-to-speech is excellent. My phone battery isn't all that great. But using the "Wake up display" mode, the phone battery lasts longer than my legs. If you don't have GPX route files, Komoot has its own route planner, which in some ways is superior to RideWithGPS. The first map is free. Additional maps are reasonably priced, and include updates. All of this is offered for free. There is a paid version, but the free version has everything I need.

[HobbesOnTour]

Be careful with Komoot, my experience with it is that it is unreliable.

It can alter imported routes to fit it's own maps (most planners do this, but Komoot has had the most errors).
It's own planning can be poor. It has brought me to dead ends and put me on incredibly dangerous roads.
Despite advertising "Global Maps" they are (or were) nothing of the sort.

While easy to use with bells and whistles aplenty what is under the bonnet is lacking in my opinion.

[Old Guy New Hobby]

Thanks for the heads up about Komoot, Hobbes. I haven't seen this yet in my area. I'll keep my eyes open.

[VanceP]

What about Bicycle Navigator? Is anyone using this app

[ray b]

What about Bicycle Navigator? Is anyone using this app

You mean the ACA Bicycle Route Navigator using FrontPack's platform?
Sure, but one can't download GPX files into it - which was the original post. One's limited to maps from the ACA catalogue.
If that's all you need, it's not a bad format.