Staying on course while riding a bike, especially on backcountry bikepacking routes, demands more than just following a line on a screen. The Adventure Cycling Association notes that many remote roads and trails have no signs, and you often cannot rely on locals for directions. A reliable navigation setup combines digital tools, paper backups, and safe riding habits to keep you moving confidently toward your destination.
Building a Two-Layer Navigation System
According to the Adventure Cycling Association, a good backcountry navigation system includes two components: your intended route and where you are along it, plus a “big picture” map showing nearby roads, trails, landmarks, and topographic features. This second layer helps you find the nearest main road in an emergency, plan a shortcut if you fall behind schedule, or explore interesting detours. The association points out that anyone with a smartphone can cover both bases using GPS navigation and mapping apps, often with free or low-cost options.
Offline Maps and Digital Tools
Many smartphone apps can import GPX route tracks and download maps for offline use, which is essential because you may not have phone or data service in remote areas. The Adventure Cycling Association recommends downloading everything you might need, GPX files, overview maps, route notes, before starting your trip. Smartphone apps drain battery quickly, so carry an extra power bank or two. Dedicated GPS devices, which are more rugged, waterproof, and have longer battery life, are another option. For more on choosing navigation gear, see our Navigation Devices page. The association also advises keeping your phone safe in a case or bag to protect it from water, dust, and impact.
Paper Maps as a Backup
Even with digital tools, a paper map is a critical backup. The Adventure Cycling Association points out that backcountry roads and trails are rarely marked with signs, so a paper map alone will not help unless you can locate yourself on it. However, paper maps excel at giving you the big picture and letting you make route adjustments on the fly. If you are riding an Adventure Cycling route, their paper map sets include turn-by-turn directions, service directories, and elevation profiles. The association’s route network, which began with the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail in 1976, now covers thousands of miles of scenic and historically significant routes across North America. You can explore more about finding routes in our Finding Bike Touring Routes article.
Navigating Unsigned Backcountry Routes
On many bikepacking and touring routes, you cannot expect to find road signs or locals to ask for directions, according to the Adventure Cycling Association. That makes your navigation setup even more important. Always bring a backup navigation system in case your primary device gets wet, broken, or lost. The association’s trip-planning checklist suggests reviewing the route, making a navigation plan, and acquiring maps or apps well before departure. It also recommends calling to verify business hours for any critical stops, such as water sources or resupply points, because services in remote areas may be limited or seasonal.
Escape Routes and Shortcuts
The big-picture map in your two-layer system is your tool for finding escape routes or shortcuts. The Adventure Cycling Association explains that this overview map helps you locate the nearest main road if you need to bail out, or plan a shorter route if you are behind schedule. Having a paper map or an offline map of the broader area allows you to reroute without relying on a data connection. The association’s trip-planning checklist also advises downloading offline resources such as emergency contact information and route notes, so you are prepared even when things do not go as planned.
Planning for Water and Services
While not strictly navigation, knowing where water sources and resupply points are located is part of route planning. The Adventure Cycling Association’s paper map sets include service directories, and many digital route files show water sources and camping spots. The trip-planning checklist recommends making a rough plan for camp locations, water refills, and food resupply stops one to three months before your trip. In the final two weeks, the checklist suggests downloading and preparing all offline resources, charging electronics like power banks and lights, and doing a final check of your bike and gear. A practice ride with all your gear can help you confirm that your navigation setup works and that you can access maps and route data easily while riding.
Riding Predictably and Staying Focused
Safe navigation also means riding in a way that reduces your risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that bicyclists on the roadway must follow the same rules as motorists. Ride predictably: travel in the same direction as traffic, obey street signs and signals, and signal your intentions before changing lanes or turning. The NHTSA advises against using a phone while riding, no texting, listening to music, or anything that takes your eyes, ears, or mind off the road. Instead, plan your route in advance and choose roads with less traffic and slower speeds, or use bike lanes and paths where possible. For more on staying safe on the road, visit our Road Safety page.
Pre-Trip Checklist for Navigation
Drawing from the Adventure Cycling Association’s bikepacking planning checklist, here are the navigation-related steps to take before you leave:
- Review your route and make a navigation plan. Acquire maps or apps as needed.
- Download GPX files, offline maps, route notes, and emergency contact information.
- Charge all electronics, including power banks, lights, and any dedicated GPS device.
- Check that your navigation devices are protected from weather and impact.
- Call ahead to verify business hours for critical stops like water sources or resupply points.
- Do a short practice ride with your full navigation setup to ensure everything works.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a paper map if I have a GPS device?
Yes. The Adventure Cycling Association recommends carrying a paper map as a backup because electronic devices can get wet, break, or run out of battery. A paper map also gives you a big-picture view that can be harder to see on a small screen.
What should I do if I get lost on a backcountry route?
Stay calm and use your big-picture map to identify the nearest main road or recognizable landmark. The Adventure Cycling Association suggests having a backup navigation system and downloading offline maps before your trip so you can navigate without phone service. If you are on an Adventure Cycling route, their paper maps include service directories that can help you find help.
Can I use my phone for navigation while riding?
The NHTSA advises against using a phone while riding because it distracts you from the road. Instead, plan your route ahead of time, mount your phone or GPS device securely on your handlebars, and only glance at it when it is safe to do so. Never text or listen to music through headphones while riding.
For more detailed guidance on bike route navigation, including tips on choosing routes and using different navigation tools, visit our Route Navigation category page.
