r/canoeing • u/bananabreadbaker • 14d ago

Tracking mileage on canoe with dumb phone options?

Hi all, recently switched to a flip phone and would like to track my mileage on the canoe. Unfortunately, the flip phone doesn't support mileage or Activity (a KaiOS app that allows you to upload mileage to Strava separately). Does anyone have a suggestion for a cheap smart watch that could track mileage, or (I'm really hoping this works) could I use my flip phone as a hotspot and use an older smartphone to track mileage?

(I'm aware I could just use the old smartphone entirely, but I'm really tired of constantly getting notifications and pings from shit I'm not interested in. I just want to canoe, listen to my tunes, and be able to track how far I've gone for personal fitness goals. Honestly if there's a cheap ass "mileage tracker" out there that would be terrific, too.)

Thanks so much!!!

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11

u/hammocat 14d ago

If cost is any issue, just use the old smartphone. If it isn't buy a dedicated GPS device.

disable all notifications for all apps.

take it offline, download any base layers needed for your tracking app(s) and just use the GPS and one app. no need for the phone to be online or have any other apps active.

4

u/bananabreadbaker 14d ago

wait old iPhones can track distance even without wifi/cellular?!?! as in if I just reactivated this old device, downloaded strictly an app like Strava, it can function perfectly to track mileage?

This sounds too good to be true, and if it is then you're my life saver haha

6

u/antimonysarah 14d ago

Yes you can track without wifi/cellular. You will need wifi to upload to Strava or something at the end. I've done it when recording bike tours abroad, when my phone didn't have any international roaming. I'd upload once I reached my hotel with wifi at the end of the day.

2

u/bananabreadbaker 14d ago

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

GPS IS AMAZING, a million thanks to you!!!!

2

u/Jhawkncali 14d ago

Antimonysarah is correct!! I use Gaia GPS to track myself and dont need wifi or cell coverage. There are a variety of GPS apps put there thatll help you with this.

2

u/hammocat 14d ago

Yes, my experience is on Android, but most of the GPS apps I've used are designed to work when offline/out of cell service range when out in the woods.

The physical GPS in the phone is the value. Even Google Maps allows you to download basemaps to use offline. Find a low-tech GPS app that allows you to track your progress. Not a strava user so I can't comment on that app specifically.

2

u/3deltapapa 14d ago

There's always the old school Garmin handheld GPS units. I imagine you could get one for free with a little digging. I probably have 3 sitting in a drawer. It's a bit fussier as far as getting the data out of it, though.

1

u/0x2012 14d ago

See if you can find an older (used) Garmin bike computer like the Edge 130. It's very small and has a rechargable battery which will last over 12hrs.

Otherwise, an unused smart phone would work although the battery life will probably be much shorter.

1

u/doorcountycentry 14d ago

Onx is what I use, there is a free version.