TRAILHEAD POLL: NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

MARK SIREK
MARK SIREK Administrator Posts: 248
in THE GEAR LAB
MSP-GrandCanyon-March2016_DSC01577.jpg

The only piece of navigation equipment you need when doing an established thru hiking route is a cell phone–why or why not? Make sure you're signed in to vote, and jump in the comments below!

TRAILHEAD POLL: NAVIGATIONAL AIDS 7 votes

Yes
14%
mgatrost 1 vote
No
85%
TenDigitGridquiggleryanWoodstockbugglifeMHerbfalbelo 6 votes

Comments

  • bugglife
    bugglife Member Posts: 81
    No
    BUG_2189edit.jpg

    I love GaiaGPS on my phone, I find it super helpful for planning in advance, navigating on the trail, and estimating how much farther I have to go. On a short trip in familiar territory, I can see it as being the only navigational aid. But on a longer trip when you're heading into new areas, I think there are too many variables for a phone to be your only navigation system. Based on experience, the following could happen.

    * Battery could die, you could drop your phone and shatter the screen, drop it in water, or similar.

    * Screen size is small. Sometimes it's nice to be able to spread out a big map and get an overall view. I especially like this for identifying far-off geographical features, and to get ideas about new trips I'd like to take in the future.

    * Sometimes being able to hand somebody a physical map is helpful. This could be somebody else within your group who doesn't have a downloaded map, or a stranger you come across on the trail who might need some additional assistance.

    Interested to hear other people's take on the subject.

  • MHerb
    MHerb Member Posts: 13
    No

    I'd echo @bugglife 's comments. Phones are appropriate for short trips where cell service is available or the complete area has been downloaded on the map program. That being said I have used my phone on several week+ long ski traverses/base camps out of cell service. I carried a small solar charger or battery bank but had a map and compass as a backup, which is a light piece of security. Technology has made navigation easy, but it should not replace the skill and knowledge of how to properly use a map and compass.

    Screen Shot 2023-07-12 at 9.15.22 PM.png


  • quiggleryan
    quiggleryan Member Posts: 45
    No

    You should always have something other than a cell phone. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Definitely bring a map or a gps device as well. You’ll be happy when you get stuck in a bad situation! Stay safe out there!

  • bugglife
    bugglife Member Posts: 81
    No
    IMG_7750.PNG

    Another reason to bring a hard copy map. 😧😨😩

Categories