Hi,
I would strongly recommend a smartphone+Google maps as the "best" option for route navigation. When done properly (as explained below), it can prove to be the most cost effective alternative to dedicated GPS units.
1. Install (if not already installed) Google Maps on your smartphone.
2. Download your route over your home wifi as explained here. https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&hl=en
3. Use a bike phone mount like https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Motorcycle-Cell-Phone-Mount/dp/B015UIPMH2, there are lots of alternatives and they come pretty cheap. ($15-35, don't spend too much on this).
4. The phone can be protected from the elements using cheap rain covers like https://www.amazon.com/LifeProof-iP...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H1G37SG9FXC8VQ41C90G ($15-30, don't spend too much on these either, you're only going to use them for the ride and not everyday)
5. You can extend battery life by using a battery backpack like the ones listed here - https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...le-Phone-Power-Banks/zgbs/wireless/7073960011. They range from as low as $12. A decent powerbank (in the range of $30-50) will extend your phone's battery life by another day on full charge.
As others have pointed out, you can set multiple waypoints for your ride on Google Maps, and download for offline usage the entire route. Just play with the app for a bit before your ride, you'll get comfortable on how to use it. Personally, I find it very intuitive and convenient compared to the user interface on dedicated GPS devices.
With the additional gear mentioned above, it'll set your wallet back by $50-$100, depending on what you get. Not to mention it is convenient too, you just need a couple of hours of playing with to get used to the app, etc.
Good luck for your ride!
I would strongly recommend a smartphone+Google maps as the "best" option for route navigation. When done properly (as explained below), it can prove to be the most cost effective alternative to dedicated GPS units.
1. Install (if not already installed) Google Maps on your smartphone.
2. Download your route over your home wifi as explained here. https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&hl=en
3. Use a bike phone mount like https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Motorcycle-Cell-Phone-Mount/dp/B015UIPMH2, there are lots of alternatives and they come pretty cheap. ($15-35, don't spend too much on this).
4. The phone can be protected from the elements using cheap rain covers like https://www.amazon.com/LifeProof-iP...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H1G37SG9FXC8VQ41C90G ($15-30, don't spend too much on these either, you're only going to use them for the ride and not everyday)
5. You can extend battery life by using a battery backpack like the ones listed here - https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...le-Phone-Power-Banks/zgbs/wireless/7073960011. They range from as low as $12. A decent powerbank (in the range of $30-50) will extend your phone's battery life by another day on full charge.
As others have pointed out, you can set multiple waypoints for your ride on Google Maps, and download for offline usage the entire route. Just play with the app for a bit before your ride, you'll get comfortable on how to use it. Personally, I find it very intuitive and convenient compared to the user interface on dedicated GPS devices.
With the additional gear mentioned above, it'll set your wallet back by $50-$100, depending on what you get. Not to mention it is convenient too, you just need a couple of hours of playing with to get used to the app, etc.
Good luck for your ride!