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I grew up in the rural Pacific Northwest, hunting and fishing, and I was taught land navigation via compass and topo map. I still enjoy using these tools to hik
by Trisell 11y ago
I grew up in the rural Pacific Northwest, hunting and fishing, and I was taught land navigation via compass and topo map. I still enjoy using these tools to hike cross country, and even for following main trails. But it boggles my mind how many people I see out in the deep woods, with only a gps or phone as their only navigation aid. Electronics fail, my map and compass have never failed me.
- mikestew 11y agoElectronics fail, my map and compass have never failed me. Fail? Shit, for hiking scenarios they just plain don't work half the time due to terrain and tree cover. Dedicated GPS units seem to have improved a lot, but there's no way I'd rely on a phone for guidance. I, too, grew up on compass and topo map. My primary "good way to get lost" activity is trail running, and I always carry a paper map. It might just be the trail map from the trailhead, but at least it's something that doesn't rely on batteries or an outside entity keeping their systems up. So, yeah, perhaps "we" are too reliant if it has people wandering off into the woods with nothing but a cell phone. OTOH, those same folks probably would just wandered off with nothing but a hardy "I have a good sense of direction" if they didn't have a GPS.