Best Offline Maps for Overlanding: Navigate the Wild Without Internet

Overland Malta
Mar 25
3 min read

One of the biggest challenges of overlanding is navigating in remote areas where cell service is unreliable or nonexistent. That’s why having a reliable offline mapping solution is essential for planning and executing your trips. In this guide, we’ll explore the best offline maps for overlanding, ensuring you always know where you're going, even in the most rugged terrains.

Why Offline Maps Matter for Overlanding

Unlike city driving, where Google Maps works fine, overlanding takes you beyond mobile coverage. A good offline map app or GPS device allows you to:

Navigate without an internet connection
Download topographic and satellite maps
Track your route and waypoints
Plan off-road trails and detours
Avoid getting lost in remote locations

Best Offline Maps & Apps for Overlanding

1. Gaia GPS

✅ Best Overall for Overlanding

Highly detailed topographic maps for off-road travel
Custom route planning with elevation tracking
Works with Android, iOS, and web browsers
Syncs across multiple devices
Offline map downloads available with a premium subscription

2. OnX Offroad

✅ Best for Off-Road Trail Mapping

Preloaded 4x4 trails and dirt roads
Includes land ownership boundaries (public vs. private land)
Satellite, hybrid, and topo map layers
Works offline once maps are downloaded
Available on Android & iOS with a subscription

3. OsmAnd+

✅ Best Free & Open-Source GPS App

100% free with detailed offline maps
Uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) data
Supports turn-by-turn navigation for off-road use
Works on Android and iOS
Paid version unlocks extra features like contour lines and altitude maps

4. Maps.me

✅ Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use

Lightweight app with offline maps
Ideal for basic overland navigation
Free with an option for premium features
Works well in urban areas as well
Available on Android & iOS

5. Google Maps (Offline Mode)

✅ Best for Basic Navigation

Download maps for offline use
Works well for general navigation but lacks off-road trails
Not as detailed as other dedicated apps
Good for hybrid urban-overland trips

Honorable Mentions

Hema Maps – Great for overlanding in Australia & New Zealand.
BackCountry Navigator – Solid option for hikers and off-road explorers.
AlpineQuest GPS Hiking – Good alternative for Android users.

Best GPS Devices with Offline Maps

If you prefer a dedicated GPS unit instead of a mobile app, consider these options:

Garmin Overlander – Preloaded with topographic maps and trail navigation.
Garmin Montana 700i – Rugged and reliable with offline mapping.
Magellan TRX7 CS – Budget-friendly GPS with preloaded off-road trails.

How to Choose the Best Offline Maps for Your Needs

✔ Level of Detail – Choose an app with topographic maps, elevation data, and trail networks.

✔ Offline Functionality – Ensure the app allows you to download maps in advance.✔ Device Compatibility – Some apps work best on tablets, while others are optimized for phones or GPS units.

✔ Customization & Routing – Apps like Gaia GPS and OnX Offroad allow custom route planning.

✔ Subscription vs. Free – Paid apps offer more advanced features, but free apps like OsmAnd+ work well for basic navigation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right offline maps for overlanding depends on your needs and travel style. If you want the best overall experience, Gaia GPS is highly recommended. For those who focus on trail networks and land ownership, OnX Offroad is a top choice. And if you're looking for a free alternative, OsmAnd+ is a great option.

Whatever you choose, always download your maps before heading off-grid, and stay prepared for your next overlanding adventure! 🚙🏕️