Forgot my Garmin

[+wilderness walker]

So I haven't been geocaching much lately because my young children didn't enjoy it. Now that they are a little older we are getting back into it again. My problem is, I went on vacation and forgot my Garmin at home and we'll be geocaching just with my Android phone. The GPS isn't too bad, I've done some caches with it and it's acceptable. My question is, are there any apps that add tracking to the standard android GPS? I hate not being able to map the trails I've walked (and I have to admit, on some of the more remote caches, I'm a bit scared of getting lost without my tracking). Any advice for me out there? Thanks!

[+Touchstone]

I've used Everytrail and Runkeeper, but they both drain the batteries like crazy. Kind of depends how long your walks are.

[+Viajero Perdido]

Locus Map Pro is a feature-packed geo- and map app that includes track logging. I use it for caching, trip planning, and even OSM mapping.

 

There's also a free version for try-before-you-buy.

 

It's why I stopped using my Garmin.

 

This is my track from three hours of bike-orienteering, with OpenCycleMap and a few of my caches on display.

 

PS: tracking isn't a real battery-sucker with this app. I recall somebody measuring 1-2% per hour with that feature enabled. I can make it through the day with my skinny Nexus 5 battery still above zero even while tracking all day.

Edited March 6, 2016 by Viajero Perdido

[+GrateBear]

I've used Everytrail and Runkeeper, but they both drain the batteries like crazy. Kind of depends how long your walks are.

I had the same problem with a ski tracker app--killed the phone in less than two hours. But, a great solution are the little portable usb chargers https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/004/997/original/usb_portable_battery_power_charger_with_2500mah_capacity_639.jpg

 

Just used one for 4 hours of skiing and the phone battery showed 97% charge when I finished.

[+Manville Possum]

I use the ViewRanger GPS app.