Almost got stuck overnight on a ridge in the Sierras last October because I trusted GPS tracks instead of a map

Was following what looked like a solid route on AllTrails near Bishop. Turned out the trail was unmaintained and disappeared into a boulder field. By the time I realized, I was 2 hours from the nearest water and losing light. Had to bushwhack back down a drainage. Now I always carry a paper map and compass and I actually mark waypoints before I leave.

3 comments

3 Comments

emmam6729d ago

Paper maps are just dead weight until your phone battery dies.

the_alice29d ago

Depends how serious you're taking it though. I've been stranded with a dead phone before and a folded up map from a gas station got me home just fine. Not exactly life or death, more like a minor inconvenience you can plan around if you want.

kelly96829d ago

Wait, isn't it more that paper maps don't need a signal though? @the_alice, I get what you're saying about it being minor, but I'd rather have a map I can actually read than stare at a black screen... it's just a backup you stash in the glovebox.