APOLOGY NOT NEEDED! This is another of your outstanding and informative videos. You covered the entire gamut of how to find and use off-road info and maps and aids. I know from the earlier videos that you were a senior medic in the Navy. But judging from your composition and delivery in these videos, I bet that you were the chief instructor at your base and properly prepared a generation of new medics to carry on the tradition. Google Earth is also a good source to use when plotting a trail. The route can be saved as a KLM file and converted to a gpx if needed. I also find ExpertGps easy to use and download to my Garmins with easy file conversion. The only downfall is that the maps need improvement in clarity.
Back in mid 90's when I went out west a few times I used sidekick offroad maps,they were very good maps, not sure if Rick Russell is still around but loved his videos (still have them all) and maps were very good before GPS
My friends and I are outfitting some trucks and whatnot, gearing up for some starter-level overlanding. We all watch your videos and we love them. So thank you for those. My question, I checked out a lot of trails in my state (Missouri) and the surrounding states, on the trailsoffroad website, and I noticed that in the trail preview it say the distance and the duration. I also notice that in your videos, you're out for a few days. Is the duration on the website as if they are going nonstop, at a faster pace? Or do you guys go slow on purpose to span the trip out? Bottom line I want to know if I should be looking for a very long trail for a 2-3 day trip. Thank you!
For us on the east coast a few other good resources would be 1.mountain state overland.com. They sell their GPX files for great overland routes at a reasonable price. 2. Purple Lizard maps are FANTASTIC. 3. State atlas and gazetteer are worth their wait in gold. I know a lot of the National Geographic maps can now be downloaded online for free. Some DMV’s can print out local maps also with detail road conditions, fences, ect. Great video i learned a lot of new methods!.
Brad, I just went to trailsoffroad.... Great site. It's not free though, just FYI. It's $25/year. Right now, it's $20 with code socialdistancing. Still a very good deal for all you get. I just signed up. Thanks!
Great tips Brad. My wife and I flat-tow our JKUR behind our coach and when we travel once we arrive at our destination the next stop is generally a visitor's center or BLM office or Ranger station to get maps of the area for exploring. I guess I'm still more old school than new but I just started using a tablet in our Jeep. Mike
I’m going to use Trails Offroad to figure out where in the country to move to have quick, easy access to the most trails. I’m a 4 hour drive to the nearest trails open to the public.
Hello Brad, this is Hiram from atlanta Georgia I been warching your videos slnce long time ago, thank you for inspired me to buy a jk back in 2019 now I have a diesel Gladiator.. Can you do an other video like this one, new updates and how we can plan a trip, where to camp, trail and all that I’m planing to go yellowstone from Georgia..thank you!!!
Agreed, it's a great website. A couple of months ago they set aside a pile of trails that are for the paid subscriptions. I bought into it because it's such a great site. AllTrails is just as good, but seems to focus on hiking trails, but it has a great mobile app too.
@@TrailRecon They only added the premium service maybe 6 months ago? You don't have to pay for the premium service. The free version still allows you to download the GPX files!
Yet another exceptional video. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your channel, it has been an invaluable resource. Just returned from my first 4 day overland trip, thanks in large part to the information I garnered from you.
I'm literally planning my first Off-Road Trip Brad. I got a little worn out and thought "Let's see what TrailRecon has on TH-cam!" YOU ARE THE BEST. You mind reader you! Thanks so much Brad. Keep up the amazing work!
Hey Brad, have you thought of doing a live show for us to ask questions etc ? Do you have a check lisy online that you use to check over your jeep before a trip ? That would be helpful us newbies.
Brad - Awesome video. I was wondering if you could please make a video on using GAIA maps to navigate trails. I have GAIA and have added various the layers, but when I try to download maps or plan a route to pull up when I am on the trail, it never seems to work. Greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
Just watched your video about finding trails and using the GAIA app. You should check out TopoMaps + on the Apple store. TopoMaps just added a proprietary base map called Natural Atlas that no other app has. I used it to navigate from Minden, Nevada to SLC...90% dirt. Downloading offline maps is way easier than GAIA.
Another map resource is the USGS web site. store.usgs.gov/map-locator pdf downloads are free and the historic maps have some old jeep trails on them you cant find anywhere else.
Please remaster that so everything is in stereo. You have a panda mostly to the left side which is my weak side for hearing unfortunately I can’t hear the video
Love your focus on responsibilty on the trail and leaving it better than you found it. Just wish more folks out on the trails did the same. I use to take folks on guided trips in Oklahoma and Colorado first for the Sierra Club and later with just some friends to places I liked. I no longer do that now even with many friends as I have seen so many places destroyed once a place became well known. Picture Canyon in southeast Colorado being one of those. One place like Picture Canyon is still left but I am not telling anyone where it is. When I discovered it 30 years ago someone had already tried to break off and steal a petroglyph. Last time I checked on it people are still going but I noticed it is slowly being forgotten, the local person telling folks where to go has died, and I hope that continues if it is going to survive. I have already seen how the Jeep Badge of Honor is starting to ruin some places I use to like that has turned them into rush hour just to get some badge to stick on their jeep. There is another great website I know about that is a backdoor to find some places that they actually do not want folks going to but then gives GPS info to get you there. Not going to say who has it but it is not easy to use and you have to browse a lot of boring data to find interesting places.
I really liked the video gave me some great ideas on apps to download 😂 I downloaded them while you were taking also the websites I bookmark 3 different ones thanks so much 🤠🤠😎😎👍👍
FYI, there are TWO FunTreks colorado books. One for northern CO (north of i70), and one for everything else (the main CO book, south of i70) And thanks for putting the PSA at the beginning, more people need to hear that.
Love Trailsoffroad. It was all free until 6 month ago. They started a subscription for more detailed maps on certain trails. But I feel like it’s worth it and they definitely put lot of work on it.
Thank for the info. It’s pretty difficult finding trails. The closest trails i can find are usually 80-90 miles away. Hopefully your advice will help me find something closer. Keep up the awesome videos!
Great info as always. I enjoy all the videos. And personally, I greatly appreciate that public service announcement. We need to drive that one home. Thank you
Last year I utilized the forest service website mainly to determine the condition of the trails in my area. A wealth of knowledge for sure. I carry a delorme map book in the rig at all times as well. Sometimes though you just have to turn up that dirt road and see where it leads, blind with no clue where it will lead. Just be smart, know you and your rigs limitations and don't do anything stupid. Stay safe out there.
Great video. Have you ever used Avenza? Our son is a Wild land fire fighter , and they use that app a lot. Have you ever had any issue with Google Maps when you download the map for offline use, and the gps is not able to find you ? I can download the maps for offline use. Then the GPS can't find us. But I can see the map and navigate with it that way.
TrailRecon ok thanks as I also need to find a system GIA or what you can recommend to go with Jeep Bluetooth gps ect, that could be your next info you do.
I heard you referring to your iPad as your tool for reading Gaia while out on the trail. I’ve been using my iPhone but want a larger display. Do you have any info on what type of iPad or other display I would need specifically so I can see maps while out of cellular range. Thanks in advance brad!
I personally like talking to most BLM and Forest Service Rangers.... but I have had mixed experiences with that. I've been told "Jeeps can't make that trail without significant damage" or "why don't you hike the road instead?" and another time they tried desperately to convince me that "there is nothing ot see up there" when I was going to a ghost town at 10,000 ft. BLM have been more helpful in general, and often OLDER Rangers that have been around a while are not prone to try to close all the roads down, or talk you out of driving the roads. All of my bad experiences have been with younger rangers that seem to have a chip on their shoulders about 4x4's in the forest. I just say that because if the Ranger tells you, "those old native drawings are all washed off... not worth your time"- they might not be telling the whole truth!
BTI, or before the internet, I purchased Forest Service topo maps. I used them to find trails and gold mines. One in the Sierras still had the metal mine tracks and the stamp mill (!!!). I hope it wasn't discovered, the trail in was fragile and room for 2 rigs to camp next to the Yuba River. Maps yes, Forest Service topos absolutely. The USFS site has a link for a geo enabled map product for mobiles. If you're thinking of Gaia I would do a comparison. As Brad said take a compass (better 2), if it breaks you'll need it. Have an old timer like me explain magnetic deviation. If you need a compass it's kinda important to know how to read it. Ed to add: Ranger stations...in NM I stopped at one and they had a poster of a cliff dwelling. There was no other info so I asked. I pulled my airstream through a deep dirt road and camped next to an oil well that sounded like hades breathing. We had the entire area to ourselves, me and 2 OFF LEASH Malinois. I found a hollowed out stone bowl artifact, left it there. Then I was stranded in 2 days of rain and mud. So I stayed another week.
What happened to the handheld radio test?? It popped up, I watched it, left a comment... when I hit the comment button, video was gone already! Damn... did I do something?? LOL
Brad, you mentioned that the Magellan GPS software is available for use on the pc. I can't find anything on that. Do you have instructions or a link to get started?
My apologies everyone for the mono audio, I should have double checked it before I posted.
TrailRecon I lol when you said “ranger stration”. From big fan here, I’m going for a big overlanding trip because of your videos :)
my left ear enjoyed it!
The music was stereo lol 👌💪
I was wondering. I only had my right ear bud in and....nothing..... lol!!
APOLOGY NOT NEEDED! This is another of your outstanding and informative videos. You covered the entire gamut of how to find and use off-road info and maps and aids. I know from the earlier videos that you were a senior medic in the Navy. But judging from your composition and delivery in these videos, I bet that you were the chief instructor at your base and properly prepared a generation of new medics to carry on the tradition.
Google Earth is also a good source to use when plotting a trail. The route can be saved as a KLM file and converted to a gpx if needed. I also find ExpertGps easy to use and download to my Garmins with easy file conversion. The only downfall is that the maps need improvement in clarity.
Back in mid 90's when I went out west a few times I used sidekick offroad maps,they were very good maps, not sure if Rick Russell is still around but loved his videos (still have them all) and maps were very good before GPS
My friends and I are outfitting some trucks and whatnot, gearing up for some starter-level overlanding. We all watch your videos and we love them. So thank you for those.
My question, I checked out a lot of trails in my state (Missouri) and the surrounding states, on the trailsoffroad website, and I noticed that in the trail preview it say the distance and the duration. I also notice that in your videos, you're out for a few days. Is the duration on the website as if they are going nonstop, at a faster pace? Or do you guys go slow on purpose to span the trip out? Bottom line I want to know if I should be looking for a very long trail for a 2-3 day trip.
Thank you!
For us on the east coast a few other good resources would be 1.mountain state overland.com. They sell their GPX files for great overland routes at a reasonable price. 2. Purple Lizard maps are FANTASTIC. 3. State atlas and gazetteer are worth their wait in gold. I know a lot of the National Geographic maps can now be downloaded online for free. Some DMV’s can print out local maps also with detail road conditions, fences, ect. Great video i learned a lot of new methods!.
Brad: “Welcome to TrailRecon I’m brad..”
Every flying insect in the state: “Allow me to introduce myself.”
They were crazy thick! I've been in that area many times and never seen them like that.
Thanks Brad! We love Trail Recon! Keep up the great work!!
Happy subscriber here! Keep up the good work!
Public service announcement! You tell it like it is, don't stop.
He lost me at don’t do donuts agree with everything else
@@sjkairway-james5563 yeah donuts are so much fun
You did very well with the concentration with 6 flies around your head! lol
They were killing me! LOL!
Thank you for mentioning us Toyota guys 👍
Brad, I just went to trailsoffroad.... Great site. It's not free though, just FYI. It's $25/year. Right now, it's $20 with code socialdistancing. Still a very good deal for all you get. I just signed up. Thanks!
You are doing Black Bear Pass buddy! Sooner than you think! 😂
So is Brad coming back here to Colorado and running Black Bear Pass again???
I assume you are moving to be closer to Marco's workshop and/or kitchen.
kitchen... where is the BOOK!!!!??????
Great tips Brad. My wife and I flat-tow our JKUR behind our coach and when we travel once we arrive at our destination the next stop is generally a visitor's center or BLM office or Ranger station to get maps of the area for exploring. I guess I'm still more old school than new but I just started using a tablet in our Jeep.
Mike
Not a Jeep guy (yet)....but never miss a Video of Brads !
Vegan Powered what do you drive at the moment ? If not a Jeep
Spends tens of thousands of dollars on off-roading but won't pay $30 for a map!
"Get in My Jeep and Go!" I love doing that! And, strangely, I always end up back home without ever turning around... Weird.
I’m going to use Trails Offroad to figure out where in the country to move to have quick, easy access to the most trails. I’m a 4 hour drive to the nearest trails open to the public.
Ed Kuryluk I’m thinking same thing !Seems the most and great trails are in the Utah area.
Well done Brad! Thanks for sharing these resources! #treadlightly
Hello Brad, this is Hiram from atlanta Georgia I been warching your videos slnce long time ago, thank you for inspired me to buy a jk back in 2019 now I have a diesel Gladiator.. Can you do an other video like this one, new updates and how we can plan a trip, where to camp, trail and all that I’m planing to go yellowstone from Georgia..thank you!!!
Thank you Brad for putting in so much time and effort in your videos. Very much appreciated!
"And for those with a Toyota......"
You talkin to me!?!?!?
:P
www.tundra.com has a lot of friendly folks too!!
Trailsoffroad.com is a great resource for sure. They do offer a premium subscription that you have to pay for. It’s worth it to me
Oh, thank you! I couldn't remember if I had paid once upon a time.... I guess I should be tracking that!
Agreed, it's a great website. A couple of months ago they set aside a pile of trails that are for the paid subscriptions. I bought into it because it's such a great site. AllTrails is just as good, but seems to focus on hiking trails, but it has a great mobile app too.
@@TrailRecon They only added the premium service maybe 6 months ago? You don't have to pay for the premium service. The free version still allows you to download the GPX files!
Yet another exceptional video. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your channel, it has been an invaluable resource. Just returned from my first 4 day overland trip, thanks in large part to the information I garnered from you.
I'm literally planning my first Off-Road Trip Brad. I got a little worn out and thought "Let's see what TrailRecon has on TH-cam!" YOU ARE THE BEST. You mind reader you! Thanks so much Brad. Keep up the amazing work!
Great to hear the video was timely for your needs. Good luck on your first off-road trip!
Plotting same thing. 👍👍
Hey Brad, have you thought of doing a live show for us to ask questions etc ?
Do you have a check lisy online that you use to check over your jeep before a trip ? That would be helpful us newbies.
Great suggestions.... both things I'm working on, thank you!
Unfortunately I live in Texas where the state is 90% privately owned...
Man I was swatting those flies just watching you lol
Thank for the OHV resources. Just FYI, Tailsoffroad now charges a fee for All-Access to download certain trails...
Brad - Awesome video. I was wondering if you could please make a video on using GAIA maps to navigate trails. I have GAIA and have added various the layers, but when I try to download maps or plan a route to pull up when I am on the trail, it never seems to work. Greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
So glad to hear I'm NOT the only one struggling with GAIA. There are a couple others in my Jeep club also struggling with this issue.
You have an All-Access account for Trails-Offroad. This website is not free but it's a good resource. Thank you for sharing.
Can any of you help with a recommendation for a rear bumper with recovery points and able to tow with it for a 2000xj?
Was this before ON X Off-road maps were up and running? I was thinking of buying the year subscription and trying it out.
Just watched your video about finding trails and using the GAIA app. You should check out TopoMaps + on the Apple store. TopoMaps just added a proprietary base map called Natural Atlas that no other app has. I used it to navigate from Minden, Nevada to SLC...90% dirt. Downloading offline maps is way easier than GAIA.
Another map resource is the USGS web site. store.usgs.gov/map-locator pdf downloads are free and the historic maps have some old jeep trails on them you cant find anywhere else.
Very good info ,thanks good luck on you're move.
Please remaster that so everything is in stereo. You have a panda mostly to the left side which is my weak side for hearing unfortunately I can’t hear the video
Anyone have any resources from Canada?? Specifically BC and Alberta?
Trails Offroad is now, 9/6/21, $25 per year for the "All-Access Membership."
all you SoCal peeps will remember the old Thomas Guide paper maps. The shotgun passenger really had to work for it.
Can we get an update? Seems like the game has changed a lot in 2.5 years. OnX-Offroad, etc.?
Hello mate, sorry but do u have same dirt bike single track riding version please? 🤔
Nice vid buddy.
Tried the web site trailsoffroad,com was the worst not user friendly i am not computer savy it was not a good experience.
All-Access membership for 1 year for Trails Off-road app cost $39.99.
Bug repellant that is great for sore joints, too. lol Absorbine Jr. !! Not to mention it's cooling on those really hot days.
Is there a chance we can get an updated video on this? Are there any newer resources you use? 🙏🏽 Enjoy the videos!
Very informative as always Brad. Thank you.
DID YOU KNOW GAIA GPS WORKS WITH CAR PLAY NOW!!!!!!! APPLE OR ANDROID!! RIGHT IN YOUR DASH!!!
Why KC and not a 50 inch LED bar?
Question: do you use a cellphone booster when you are in remote areas with a weak signal? if so, can you advise your suggestion?
Awesome information Brad!
Trails off road has a $25 all access membership fee. It is not free only some information is.
Are we ever going to see an update on the WJ? I recently bought one and I’m wondering what you guys are doing as I’m working on mine
Any help trails in wisconsin? Most seem to be private pay off-road parks
Watching this one year later and BLM did not bring forth bureau of Land Management
Love your focus on responsibilty on the trail and leaving it better than you found it. Just wish more folks out on the trails did the same. I use to take folks on guided trips in Oklahoma and Colorado first for the Sierra Club and later with just some friends to places I liked. I no longer do that now even with many friends as I have seen so many places destroyed once a place became well known. Picture Canyon in southeast Colorado being one of those. One place like Picture Canyon is still left but I am not telling anyone where it is. When I discovered it 30 years ago someone had already tried to break off and steal a petroglyph. Last time I checked on it people are still going but I noticed it is slowly being forgotten, the local person telling folks where to go has died, and I hope that continues if it is going to survive. I have already seen how the Jeep Badge of Honor is starting to ruin some places I use to like that has turned them into rush hour just to get some badge to stick on their jeep. There is another great website I know about that is a backdoor to find some places that they actually do not want folks going to but then gives GPS info to get you there. Not going to say who has it but it is not easy to use and you have to browse a lot of boring data to find interesting places.
I really liked the video gave me some great ideas on apps to download 😂 I downloaded them while you were taking also the websites I bookmark 3 different ones thanks so much 🤠🤠😎😎👍👍
So glad you found the resources helpful!
I sure did and thanks 🙏🏻 for responding back
Lol whenever I flip my phone it switches the speaker that the sound is coming out of
I am new to offroading, and I am looking for some trails to go explore, yes!
I love your channel. Thought I was going deaf then read the mono audio comment haha
FYI, there are TWO FunTreks colorado books. One for northern CO (north of i70), and one for everything else (the main CO book, south of i70)
And thanks for putting the PSA at the beginning, more people need to hear that.
Thank you for the informative video- very helpful.
I'm in Kansas city and I can only find places like 2 hours away 🤔
You mentioned moving. I hope you are getting out of California.
trails offroad isnt free, you have to pay for info as simple as trail difficulty
Love Trailsoffroad. It was all free until 6 month ago. They started a subscription for more detailed maps on certain trails. But I feel like it’s worth it and they definitely put lot of work on it.
Ki Y Kim
All trails (app) & Gaia are solid.
I rs
An into this as well
Now BLM gives you a very different search...
Thank for the info. It’s pretty difficult finding trails. The closest trails i can find are usually 80-90 miles away. Hopefully your advice will help me find something closer. Keep up the awesome videos!
In the same situation in NW Ohio. Michigan has some stuff, but we're deep in two hour plus range here.
darn, trailsoffroad does not have any info on my state or others around me.
Great info as always. I enjoy all the videos. And personally, I greatly appreciate that public service announcement. We need to drive that one home.
Thank you
The timing on this video couldn't be better, thanks. We roll from Texas to California in 2 days!
Safe travels!
I second ranger stations! And good old fashion maps!
Great video and list of resources. Go and get lost is my favorite approach.
Always Awesome Info Brad!!! Thanks so much my man!!!
Last year I utilized the forest service website mainly to determine the condition of the trails in my area. A wealth of knowledge for sure. I carry a delorme map book in the rig at all times as well. Sometimes though you just have to turn up that dirt road and see where it leads, blind with no clue where it will lead. Just be smart, know you and your rigs limitations and don't do anything stupid. Stay safe out there.
I had a horse like that, OH look, a trail I haven't tried before
Thanks for sharing Brad... definitely have not heard of all these options u talked about l!
Why don’t you buy some nice boots and take a hike?
Look fore a set of door handel like the one on a JLFore a JK .
Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer by State
Hi,we love trailRecon what’s the best GPS you use for the trail .thanks
Gaia GPS is my go to navigation app.
Great video. Have you ever used Avenza? Our son is a Wild land fire fighter , and they use that app a lot. Have you ever had any issue with Google Maps when you download the map for offline use, and the gps is not able to find you ? I can download the maps for offline use. Then the GPS can't find us. But I can see the map and navigate with it that way.
THANK YOU for this video
Great info. Thanks for the video!
thanks I have been looking to find out what to get before I come to Moab. I have been trying to find a way to contact you just for this reason. thanks
That Moab FunTrek book is perfect. Reaching out to me on Instagram is the easiest way.
TrailRecon ok thanks as I also need to find a system GIA or what you can recommend to go with Jeep Bluetooth gps ect, that could be your next info you do.
Got to pay to play.... Or so the attorneys say.
Nice brad, very cool! 👍
Thanks. So much information.
i couldnt get audio to play on my computer
when your only resource is your dad
Are you staying local here in SAN Diego or moving out? Great video as always Shipmate 👍🏼
Joe A this guy its San Diego local bro
Cesar H Villalobos yes I know he is local San Diego I was asking if he was moving out of SD
Yep, I'm staying local, just a new house... with a bigger garage!
Thanks for respond
Hair products attract flies.
Hope you get to come to east tn one day
too much lead in/talking
I heard you referring to your iPad as your tool for reading Gaia while out on the trail. I’ve been using my iPhone but want a larger display. Do you have any info on what type of iPad or other display I would need specifically so I can see maps while out of cellular range. Thanks in advance brad!
I personally like talking to most BLM and Forest Service Rangers.... but I have had mixed experiences with that. I've been told "Jeeps can't make that trail without significant damage" or "why don't you hike the road instead?" and another time they tried desperately to convince me that "there is nothing ot see up there" when I was going to a ghost town at 10,000 ft. BLM have been more helpful in general, and often OLDER Rangers that have been around a while are not prone to try to close all the roads down, or talk you out of driving the roads. All of my bad experiences have been with younger rangers that seem to have a chip on their shoulders about 4x4's in the forest. I just say that because if the Ranger tells you, "those old native drawings are all washed off... not worth your time"- they might not be telling the whole truth!
BTI, or before the internet, I purchased Forest Service topo maps. I used them to find trails and gold mines.
One in the Sierras still had the metal mine tracks and the stamp mill (!!!). I hope it wasn't discovered, the trail in was fragile and room for 2 rigs to camp next to the Yuba River.
Maps yes, Forest Service topos absolutely. The USFS site has a link for a geo enabled map product for mobiles. If you're thinking of Gaia I would do a comparison.
As Brad said take a compass (better 2), if it breaks you'll need it. Have an old timer like me explain magnetic deviation. If you need a compass it's kinda important to know how to read it.
Ed to add: Ranger stations...in NM I stopped at one and they had a poster of a cliff dwelling. There was no other info so I asked. I pulled my airstream through a deep dirt road and camped next to an oil well that sounded like hades breathing. We had the entire area to ourselves, me and 2 OFF LEASH Malinois. I found a hollowed out stone bowl artifact, left it there.
Then I was stranded in 2 days of rain and mud. So I stayed another week.
You are yelling at the camera.
at 1:15, I thought you were going to say, "these damn gnats are driving me crazy."
Then you get the UK! very few trails/green lanes. NPA rules no vehicles more than 15metres from the highway! wish I lived Staeside
What happened to the handheld radio test?? It popped up, I watched it, left a comment... when I hit the comment button, video was gone already! Damn... did I do something?? LOL
Brad, you mentioned that the Magellan GPS software is available for use on the pc. I can't find anything on that. Do you have instructions or a link to get started?