[pct-l] Navigation Skills?

[ambery-80243 at mypacks.net]

I think there are a couple other considerations.  No matter how prepared you are with back-up batteries, etc, sometimes devices just crash.  I had a GPS that just crapped out and quit working, and at that point was nothing but a hockey puck I carried for the rest of the section I was hiking.
But I wasn't dependent on the thing, because like you, I can read a map and understand terrain. (And unlike most hikers today, I use the GPS as a back-up to my map, not my maps as a back-up to the GPS.)

Additionally, here's what I have noticed about people who learn to use a GPS and don't develop map skills.  They tend to walk constantly looking at and referring to the device and following wherever it says to go; there seems to be less associating what they are seeing on the device with the actual features and landmarks around them.  In my opinion, associating the features on the map with what's around you is even more important than compass skills.



-----Original Message-----
>From: David Money Harris <David_Harris at hmc.edu>
>Sent: Apr 11, 2016 10:30 A
>Subject: [pct-l] Navigation Skills?
>rnia and Oregon 
>
">Electronics can run out of charge, but I’m careful about that kind of thing and have never run out on the trail.  If I did, there’s no emergency — just stay on the trail and follow the map. If something doesn’t look right, backtrack to the last known good landmark. If I became seriously confused, the PCT is a hiker superhighway and sitting and waiting an hour will bring help.  If the weather is bad and it’s off season, I won’t go forth solo or carrying only ultralight gear.
>
>For ultralight backpacking on the PCT these days, I’d be content with halfmile maps, a smartphone with the map on some app, a backup battery pack, and a toy compass on my whistle for emergencies. I’d love to hear from compass advocates if I’m overlooking something."