[pct-l] GPS

[kdpo@pacbell.net (Ken & Marcia Powers)]

I agree that a GPS is not very valuable on the PCT. We didn't use one on our
thru-hike and didn't feel we would have gained anything.

Now, we are planning to carry a GPS on the CDT. We will still carry a
compass and map! The GPS is just another tool. Our GPS is a Garmin eTrex
Summit. We took a class ar REI and the instructor liked Garmin eTrex GPS's
best for hiking. After looking at the different types of eTrex, we settled
on the Summit.

The CDT has places where the trail just disappears - nothing on the ground.
The GPS tells us where we are even if the trail disappears. If we know where
we can re-connect with the trail, we enter that waypoint (taken off maps)
and follow the direction the GPS points.  Another use is that the waypoints
for the New Mexico windmills are in the guide book. We just enter the
waypoints and hope we can find the water!

All this is just theory now. Check back late this year to see what we think
after carrying the GPS for 5 months.

Joanne - From what I understand of your trek, I am not sure you will need or
want one. Maybe it would help find water in New Mexico and Wyoming.

Ken

----- Original Message -----
From: "JohnFayeNeff" <NeffJ@email.msn.com>
To: <goforth@cio.net>; <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] GPS, Walkie-talkie


> Hi Joanne
> The SAR unit has been playing with GPS this year.  I don't think they are
> worth the money for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to practice.  I
> find it fairly easy to get messed up and I am VERY good with maps.  Unless
> you are constantly watching the GPS and the map also you can get totally
> messed up in where you are.  The good old fashioned way of map and compass
> is more reliable in my opinion.
>
> As far as communication, the walkie-talkies are not worth the money for
what
> you want.  Range is only about 2 miles in flat terrain. They are really
good
> for traveling in groups, but not on the trail. HAM radio is better, but
> requires both people to have a license which is pretty easy to get. Range
on
> Ham can be as much as 80 miles but depends on terrain.  Much greater if
> there are repeaters available. Radios are about $350 each. or you can
> sometimes pick them up used on the internet for under $100.  Good antennas
> are a must and run about $50.The license is a multiple choice test which
is
> administered around the area.  Practice tests are available on line also.
> Faye
>
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