[pct-l] Using a GPS

[David Ellzey]

Paul,

I agreed that a GPS is not required for the PCT but I found that I enjoy having one along just because it is so easy to get information from. I'll relate my experience:

We only did 600 miles last year and broke that into 4 section hikes so we could still hang onto our jobs. The first section from Campo to Scissor's we used the PCT Atlas, Water Report and at the last minute, dragged along my Garmin 60Csx just to record the trip. Coming down into Hauser Creek there were a bunch of hikers trying to figure out where they descend off of Boundary Road. The maps in the Atlas were too small to determine the answer so I dug in my pack, pulled Half-Mile's map out and directed the crew down the road. As I continued on I wished I had loaded his PCT tracks on the GPS since I was carrying it anyhow. At least that way it would have been useful for more than recording.

On the next section, Scissor's to Interstate 10, I remembered to load the tracks and it was nice but I never really did need them, it was more of a gadget to have along  and show us exactly where we were and far/fast we were traveling. But I was still going back and forth between it, the PCT Atlas and the Water Report.

The next section was from Interstate 10 to Mill Creek Summit. I was somewhat disappointed with the last GPS experience so I tried something different, I loaded all the information from the PCT Atlas and Water Report onto the GPS as best as possible. I carried the paper in my pack and kept the GPS handy. This worked really well, while hiking I used only the GPS and during breaks or at camp I pulled out the book and report for a longer range view. I especially like that it gave me more reason to look down at the GPS while hiking, this kept us from hiking well off on other trails twice during this trip because we were admiring the scenery instead of watching the trail.

The last section of the year we did was from Echo Lake southbound to Tuolumne Meadows. I used the same system (minus the water report) and ended up using nothing but the GPS since I accidently left the PCT Atlas next to stream during a break.

For future PCT endeavors I will use the GPS as my primary source of information while hiking, I plan on figuring out how to load as much as is technically possible on it. I will still take along half-mile's maps but I plan to print the backside of each map with information relevant to that map area, including the water report.

And as always, I will carry a micro-compass.

BigToe

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Paul Magnanti
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 12:29 PM
To: PCT MailingList
Subject: [pct-l] Using a GPS

I've noticed a trend to more and more people using a GPS on the PCT/JMT.

Is it really needed?  The PCT is extremely well marked and in the Sierra (when
the PCT hikers are typically coming through), it is pretty straight forward
to go over the passes with some basic map reading.

Just curious why this trend towards a GPS? 

Cool to have? Price is low now-a-days? Do people feel the need for it?
An insurance policy of sorts to solve the WTF factor? Having a GPS
in lieu of map and compass?


Not trying to start a debate. Just honestly curious why more people are 
taking a GPS on the PCT.



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