[pct-l] Maps

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Bring topo maps and know how to read them! Take a course somewhere, if you 
have to, but know where you're going daily.

Studying your route the night before, knowing the directions of the canyons, 
the creeks, and the shapes of the meadows and lakes is priceless for all 
those quick judgments you have to make regarding which direction to go and 
"where am I and which way do I go now?" we have to make every day. Don't 
expect or rely on directional signs at every junction. I know the PCT is 
becoming more of a "freeway" than it used to be and there are a lot more 
aids for today's hiker to help with planning and execution of the hike, but 
every year there will be places where the trail will be poorly marked. Carry 
topo maps of the trail and surroundings, so you know which way to go and 
which way leads out to safety.

What you put in your head you will not lose because the "batteries died." 
GPS units are really helpful, but to rely on them for 100% of your 
navigation when you must be aware that electronics can fail due to cold or a 
switch left on is asking for trouble.

Again, this is not the area to short-change. Make your pack as light and 
small as you can, but carry maps and know how to read them for the entire 
route.



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wright" <gwtmp01 at mac.com>
To: "dan kayser" <yoyodadio at msn.com>
Cc: "PCT" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9:09 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Maps


>
> On Oct 28, 2010, at 12:01 PM, dan kayser wrote:
>> I plan to take a combination of maps and guidebooks on my 2011 thru hike. 
>> I plan to use Halfmiles maps (Thanks Halfmile!), however, I do not think 
>> I'll need to print all of the maps.  My questions is are there areas 
>> where the trail is not marked where topo maps would be helpful?
>
> I think it would be pretty hard to partition the trail into areas that are 
> navigable with a map and those that are not.  The trail can be easy to 
> follow for miles and then there is one junction that is problematic (e.g., 
> Cougar Crest Trail junction with the PCT near Big Bear). It doesn't make 
> sense to try to pick and choose maps in that way.
> I think that just adds a logistical headache that isn't worth the savings 
> (cost of printing maps, I guess).
>
> -- Guide Books
> -- PCT Atlas
> -- Halfmile's maps
>
> Personally, I don't think there is a way around picking at least one of 
> those options.
>
> Radar
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