If you have been snowmobiling for quite a while, you might know how important a proper GPS is for a good ride.
Snowmobiling is fun, but you don’t want to lose your way or get your sled stuck in deep snow or in the middle of nowhere, right?
Then a good GPS is a must for snowmobiling. But have you wondered if you can use your smartphone GPS on snowmobile trails, or do you need to get a dedicated GPS device?
If yes, then you’re on the right page. Read this article to know the advantages and disadvantages of using your smartphone GPS during snowmobiling.
Advantages of Using Smartphone GPS on Snowmobile Trails
Here is some good news for you. You can use smartphone GPS during your snowmobiling adventure. Here is a list of some advantages of using this:
- No need for extra spending money: Getting a dedicated GPS device can cost you many bucks. While you would have already invested so much in your snowmobile, boots, ramp, and other accessories, getting a device can be difficult. Using your smartphone GPS cuts down that extra expense.
- Easy to use: All you have to do is to download snowmobile GPS trail apps on your smartphone, and you’re set to go. Many apps are designed for this purpose, making it easy to locate viewpoints and look at climate predictions.
Here is a list of some snowmobiling GPS apps that can be used on Android and iOS devices:
- BackCountry Navigator GPS Snowmobile Maps
- Polaris Ride Command
- BRP Go!
Disadvantages of Using Smartphone GPS on Snowmobile Trails
There are some drawbacks to using smartphone GPS on snowmobile trails. Here is a list of them:
- Your phone battery will die out soon. Using your phone for snowmobile GPS can consume a lot of power apart from the power consumed by other apps running in the background. This will reduce the life of your smartphone.
- Your smartphone is vulnerable to damage by ice, snow, and water. You might also cause damage to your phones by scratching or even breaking them. Modern GPS devices come with high-resolution screens that are waterproof and cold resistant.
- Lack of accuracy: Smartphones have a smaller GPS unit than dedicated GPS devices. Thus their efficiency might differ in terms of accuracy and long-term usage.
Can You Use Smartphone GPS on Snowmobile Trails?
Yes, you CAN, but it’s NOT advisable.
It’s not impossible to use a smartphone GPS on snowmobile trails. You can make use of the many available snowmobiling GPS apps. But it’s not recommended to do so.
You are wearing out your phone’s battery and power by doing this. Your phone battery will die out soon if you use snowmobile GPS apps for a long time. So if you are determined to use only your smartphone GPS, take some extra batteries as a backup.
Using smartphone GPS during snowmobiling compromises the accuracy of the location and direction you receive. You might also threaten your phone as the snow and water can damage your phone.
It’s highly recommended that you purchase a dedicated GPS device on snowmobile trails.
GPS devices last a long time and perform better than smartphone GPS and apps. Such devices are more accurate, and they come with waterproof screens. You also save your smartphone from damage.
Here is a list of some snowmobiling GPS devices that are good and popular:
- Garmin Montana 680t
- Trail Tech Voyager Pro
- Garmin eTrex
- Trail Tech Voyager
- Garmin Overlander
- Spy tec GL300
Final Words
So if you are looking for a good GPS free from expenses for your snowmobiling adventure, then you can use a smartphone GPS. But take the necessary precautions and keep their disadvantages in mind.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending extra bucks to invest in a suitable GPS device, then go for one and have a safe snowmobiling adventure!
This is especially important if you are snowmobiling while pregnant or with a kid.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Happy Snowmobiling!
