[pct-l] GPS

[Jim & Jane Moody]

I disagree with the single "not needed" answer .  It depends on the circumstances.  In 2011 I started at Sonora Pass on 1 July (nobo) and spent lots of valuable time trying to find the trail.  I had map & compass and am capable with each, but they are of limited value in woods, where no physical features are visible.  Also, I found the contour lines on Halfmil e's maps difficult to read most of the time.  I really needed a GPS in 2011.  In the Sierra in 2010 our gro up had one but didn't use i t much - not as much as we should have. 



I now have a Garmin eTrex 20 with Halfmile's maps loaded.  There are cheaper ones and more expensive ones.  Check the list archives for threads on GPS apps for a smartphone.  Somebody, maybe Chuck or MendoRider, posted an endorsement on a wristwatch-type GPS that only displays location (in UTM, I guess - maybe lat/long also).  It has no map display capability.  Used with a map, you can use the UTM readings to locate your approximate position on the ground. 



If you're with the herd and/or it's a low snow year and /or you never get off the trail , a GPS is less likely to be needed.  If you're by yourself on an unfamiliar section of trail, especially on snow, then a GPS is more likely to be useful. 



A little more weight for a little more piece of mind.  But by all means do not take JUST the GPS without map and compass. 



Good luck, 

Mango 



----- Original Message -----


From: "Michelle Robertson" <michellerobertson24 at ymail.com> 
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 2:26:00 PM 
Subject: [pct-l] GPS 

What is the best gps to take on the PCT 

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android 

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