Alright, so finding a reliable app for marking trails and waypoints offline was a bit of a challenge for this old dog. My students actually recommended onX Backcountry. Took me a few days to figure out all the features, and why do they hide the settings button there? But once you get the hang of it, it's surprisingly intuitive. The big thing is you can download maps of the area beforehand, so even when you're out in the boonies with no cell signal, you can still see where you are and mark points of interest. I even marked the spot where I saw that big buck last fall; plan on taking the students out there for a field trip, weather permitting, of course. It's like having a teaching assistant in your pocket, guiding you and taking notes. And honestly, even I could figure it out, so that says something!
Key Features
Offline maps so you don't need cell service, which is a lifesaver.
Lets you mark waypoints for important spots, like good birdwatching locations.
Easy to download maps of specific areas, even for a guy like me.
"Easy to use, and works when you don't have cell coverage. A must have for anyone venturing into the backcountry."
— 5★ User Review
IOSUpdated: 7/9/2025
