Free backcountry GPS navigation that's already in your pocket

There's no need buy a GPS device anymore—any smart phone does all of this now. 

Google Maps on Android or iOS is the easiest method, since you probably already have the app. Before you go on your trip, download the maps for the area by going to Google Maps, tapping your account icon on the top right and selecting "Offline maps." Manually select the area that you'll be paddling in and download that region. Note that these maps expire, so you'll need to do this each time you're in the area. 

Now when you're in the backcountry, you can just pull out your phone and see your exact location on a detailed map and the direction you're heading in. 

You might think, "Sounds good, but I won't have cell service in that area." That doesn't matter— it will still work. Global Positioning Satellites do not use the internet. Your phone needs the internet for the map content, but since you just downloaded it, it will work offline. It will continue to show your location within a few metres throughout your whole trip. The maps Google provides are often much better than the pixely ones on GPS devices.

It doesn't just have to be Google Maps too. Popular wilderness trekking apps like AllTrails and Komoot also offer downloadable maps that work with your phone's GPS connection. On all of the app options you can add your own personal saved locations and landmarks, such as a campsite you're hoping to get or the take-out. 

If you already bring your phone on a trip, this is a real no-brainer. If you want to start, check if your phone is waterproof, which many of them are now. If it's not, there's a variety of little waterproof bags or boxes you can put your phone in while on the water but you can still easily access.  

If your phone is waterproof, but you're worried about dropping it in the water, you can easily add a lanyard loop to any phone with this neat little adapter that goes under the case and sticks out under the charging port. 

I use a small piece of rope that goes from my phone to a carabiner on a belt loop so if I drop it it will never hit the ground. It's best to get all that rope also tucked in your pocket when in whitewater so its not a snag potential on your body. 

While backcountry is great to get away from so much technology, this is at least one area where it's super helpful and makes paddling a little bit safer.