[pct-l] GPS or Not

[Bill Holt]

Ok I have to chime in here.

I have moderate proficiency with map and compass but find a GPS a valuable 
navigational supplement.

It really shines when visibility is impaired visibilty - low clouds or fog, 
dense trees or brush, heavy snow cover, night time hiking etc. In these 
conditions landmarks are not visible or obscured and without them its 
difficult to orient.

Using mapping software, I pre-program my GPS with key waypoints. With these 
waypoints in place its a no brainer to determine compass bearing and 
approximate distances to a key junction, campsite etc.

Having a GPS gives me an added level of confidence that I'm on the right 
trail and headed in the right direction.

Bill in Incline Village