[pct-l] GPS

[Stephen Clark]

Pretty amazing then that those of who hiked the trail before there were
hand held GPS units made it and are still alive.

We all rely way too much on technology.

It scares me, every year,  the numbers of first timers I see that have no
idea how to use a map and/or compass.

Wonder what would happen if a few of those satellites were disabled by a
meteor storm...? Would foot traffic on long distance hiking trails (PCT,
CDT, AT, ADT) come to a halt?

Snake Charmer

"The mountains are calling and I must go"   ~John Muir~


On Tue, Apr 9, 2013 at 4:56 PM, Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>wrote:

>
>
> I disagree with the single "not needed" answer .  It depends on the
> circumstances.  In 2011 I started at Sonora Pass on 1 July (nobo) and spent
> lots of valuable time trying to find the trail.  I had map & compass and am
> capable with each, but they are of limited value in woods, where no
> physical features are visible.  Also, I found the contour lines on Halfmil
> e's maps difficult to read most of the time.  I really needed a GPS in
> 2011.  In the Sierra in 2010 our gro up had one but didn't use i t much -
> not as much as we should have.
>
>
>
> I now have a Garmin eTrex 20 with Halfmile's maps loaded.  There are
> cheaper ones and more expensive ones.  Check the list archives for threads
> on GPS apps for a smartphone.  Somebody, maybe Chuck or MendoRider, posted
> an endorsement on a wristwatch-type GPS that only displays location (in
> UTM, I guess - maybe lat/long also).  It has no map display capability.
> Used with a map, you can use the UTM readings to locate your approximate
> position on the ground.
>
>
>
> If you're with the herd and/or it's a low snow year and /or you never get
> off the trail , a GPS is less likely to be needed.  If you're by yourself
> on an unfamiliar section of trail, especially on snow, then a GPS is more
> likely to be useful.
>
>
>
> A little more weight for a little more piece of mind.  But by all means do
> not take JUST the GPS without map and compass.
>
>
>
> Good luck,
>
> Mango
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
>
> From: "Michelle Robertson" <michellerobertson24 at ymail.com>
> To: Pct-L at backcountry.net
> Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 2:26:00 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] GPS
>
> What is the best gps to take on the PCT
>
> Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
>
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