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I did forget to add the phone charger, tow strap and flashlight. I am amazed at how many people I see riding that carry nothing. Mike

Cell phone batteries can be recharged if you have a 12v outlet on your quad and a 12v to USB adapter and phone charger cord with you. Most cell phones with GPS do rely on a cell signal to work, but still having one with you and a GPS app is a lot better than not having one. for those who have a tablet or even a notebook sized PC that they take on a side by side or other larger ATV there are USB powered GPS receivers that work with several GPS programs available for them. One thing none of us has mentioned that is a good accessory to have with you is an FRS / GMRS transceiver. They're great for a group to keep in contact if they're spread out a bit, and for HAMs there are a lot of very inexpensive hand helds. Either could be handy to have in an emergency where a search is necessary.

I bought myself a Garmin Montana 680 and the Backroad GPS maps for BC for Christmas .. Now all I have to do is learn how to use them The BackRoad Mapbooks program I have has extensive coverage of roads and trails throughout BC.. They have versions on micro SD cards covering nearly all of Canada. They also offer print versions of the map books. I don't know if there are US versions of the program I got, but if there is, I would recommend one because of their detail. There are several cell phone maps apps available and like most , if not all states there are also maps in varying detail that can be downloaded from government sites for free.

I have the Garmin Etrex and I use it whenever I go out. I don't live anywhere near MN, but what I do is download the latest maps from Garmin (they have some really detailed maps) then there are some sites that have overlay maps for trails. If there is a trail association in that area, they may have them available. Even without maps or trail guides, you can set your parking area as "home", venture out and just follow the GPS back to your parking area. Happy riding!