[pct-l] GPS, is it worth it?

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

The short answer: For the PCT, no.

The long answer (and I do mean long! :D):


A GPS is a nice complement to a map and compass.
However, if you are weak with map and compass skill to
begin with, a GPS is not going to help you. A GPS is
good for what I call the "WTF" factor: "Where the
Frick" am I?!?!? I usually substitue a stronger word
for frick. 

If you do not know how to read a map that well,
knowing you are at:
N 40° 00.222 W 105° 15.905
UTM: 13T E 477373 N 4428201
 
does nada if you can't place it on a map. If you can't
read a compass and know that  Forester Pass is 20°
from the WTF place on the map, a GPS won't help. If
you can't read a map, you won't know that the GPS
arrow is pointing you directly into a ravine between
you and the destination.

On the PCT, you should not get so lost (not LOST...if
you get LOST, you really are in trouble) as to not 
know where you on the map. If you know where you are
on the map, you can take a compass bearing and plot
your course accordingly. 

I find a GPS is handy for two situations:

1) A trek where I am doing basecamp and going off
trail Make the basecamp the waypoint. This type of
scenario does not (usually) happen on thru-hikes

2) Going off trail in places where there are not
really too many distinguishing landmarks (like canyon
country in Utah). Yeah...I can triangulate, but it is
easier to 
to press ON and know WTF I am. Use a preset waypoint
to get back. Note: I've only done this above canyon in
Utah. When off trail in place with many distnguishing
marks (Colorado...or the High Sierra), find a GPS not
needed. Traingulation is pretty easy. Of course, I've
practiced over the years (see a theme? :D)

For a PCT hike, to really make the GPS useful you'll
need to do pre-set waypoints for various places
(Forester Pass, Muir Pass, etc.). Again, if you are
not confident using a map and compass, a GPS will not
help all that much.

If it was me, I'd leave the GPS home and practice more
with the map and compass.
A great online resource is:
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/


Too late for this year's thru-hikers, but at the
ALDHA-East Gathering, going to attempt to a two part
session on LandNav101. I teach it here in Boulder for
my outdoor group and it is a nice "survey course" for
people wanting to know the basics of LandNav.  The
basic lesson: practice, practice, practice!

I'm not an expert by any means..but if I can do it,
anyone can. ;)

Mags
-who will be using a GPS in Escalante NM in Utah next
month...but would not use it on the PCT



************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com