[pct-l] Using a GPS

[rcluster at comcast.net]

Really needed? Nah, probably not. 
Definitely NOT in place of map and compass. 

After several years in SAR here in Oregon, I don't even go on a day hike without map & compass (and GPS). 

We used the GPS for the following: 
1) To keep us going in generally the right direction when we were on snow. 
2) Kept track of how far we walked each day, as well as elevation gain and loss, max and min elevation. We put those data points in our journal on Postholer. 
3) Peace of mind. Could glance at it anytime and confirm that yes, we were indeed still on the PCT (except for that one time that we weren't......SURPRISE!!) 
4) Once, to give a fairly precise location to SAR for a pair of elderly gentleman on the JMT that had already called for a rescue but thought they were in a completely different direction from where they really were. It got them extracted that afternoon instead of (quite probably) the next day. 

So, with the exception of #4, the GPS was probably not neccessary, but it was fun to have along. 

Don't forget the old SAR saying: "The time that your GPS is the most accurate is when it is telling you the batteries are dead." 

Snowplow 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Magnanti" <pmags at yahoo.com> 
To: "PCT MailingList" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 12:28:33 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific 
Subject: [pct-l] Using a GPS 

I've noticed a trend to more and more people using a GPS on the PCT/JMT. 

Is it really needed? The PCT is extremely well marked and in the Sierra (when 
the PCT hikers are typically coming through), it is pretty straight forward 
to go over the passes with some basic map reading. 

Just curious why this trend towards a GPS? 

Cool to have? Price is low now-a-days? Do people feel the need for it? 
An insurance policy of sorts to solve the WTF factor? Having a GPS 
in lieu of map and compass? 


Not trying to start a debate. Just honestly curious why more people are 
taking a GPS on the PCT. 



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