[pct-l] Using a GPS on a low snow year

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

In a low snow year or if you are in an area of the mountains where there are 
only patches of snow here and there, it is easy to loose the trail when it 
disappears under snow for a distance. This is often a problem for 
early-season hikers.

Yes, Chuck, we agree on something!

A GPS is a priceless tool to know where the trail goes when buried under 
snow, whether that is a patch or it is everywhere (no matter the depth). It 
is even more valuable when in a forest, where you can't see out for distant 
landmarks to navigate to.

In these situations we formally followed the trail by going from "blaze" to 
"blaze" carved into the trees alongside the trail (when the snowpack didn't 
cover them). With the use of a GPS device (with Halfmile's waypoints 
installed), following the trail is so much easier since it shows your 
location relative to the trail's. If you're a little above or below the 
trail, just head over to it while still moving forward. Following blazes 
takes a lot of time. Cruising with a GPS gives you confidence (since you 
know where the trail is), keeps fear from building in (OMG, I don't know 
where the trail is!), and is faster (no slow time trying to find trail 
sign).

A note about Halfmile and his efforts to provide accurate maps for hikers: 
He is among the best of those who honestly and humbly desire to provide help 
and assistance to aspiring hikers, in his case via cartography and actually 
walking the routes. He was one of our Snow Advanced Course students out of 
Kennedy Meadows last year in May and we became quick friends. We know him, 
have tested his maps, and trust his work. If you're hiking the PCT this year 
and need maps, contact him or go to his site.


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Halfmile" <list at lon.net>
To: "CHUCK CHELIN" <steeleye at wildblue.net>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 12:48 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Using a GPS on a low snow year


I agree with Steel-Eye on this.
I will point out that since he wrote his journal entry, Garmin
introduced the Foretrex 401 model GPS which only weighs 2.3 ounces
(with lithium batteries, if you remove the wrist strap). It's pretty
much a smaller, lighter, updated Geko. You can do a lot with a
non-mapping GPS and UTM grids.
If you decide you want a mapping GPS the new Garmin Etrex 30 is very good.
-Halfmile
www.pctmap.net


On Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 12:31 PM, CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net> 
wrote:
> Good afternoon, Alex,
>
> Overall, the PCT is pretty easy to follow, even for a less-experienced
> hiker. Some hikers don’t really navigate at all; they just follow other
> hikers, or their tracks. A GPS is OK – and I use one a lot because I’m so
> enamored with the technology -- but unless it’s familiar, it won’t tell 
> you
> anything useful, and it will just be additional weight.
>
> Some additional navigation thoughts are at:
> http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=265247
>
> Enjoy your planning,
>
> Steel-Eye
>
> -Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 12:01 PM, Alex Nunn <arbnunn at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I will be thru-hiking this year of which looks like it could be a 
>> low-snow
>> year. My question is: Does one need a GPS on a low-snow year or can one
>> hike safely without and just use half-mile's maps and a compass. Any 
>> input
>> would be greatly appreciated.
>> Aloha,
>> lex
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