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Trailhead Register
El Pico de Orizaba, Iztaccihuatl, and Popocatepetl
Posted On: Feb 08, 2012
Submitted By: Dennis The Menace
Submitted By: Dennis The Menace
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2007 Editors' Choice Award Winners: MSR Reactor and Primus EtaPower Camp Stoves
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Trail Chef: How To Bake Cake...In An Orange
Use this fun and fruity backcountry recipe to make a tasty dessert that the ...
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Survival Skills: Survive a Bear Attack!
Learn how to deal with a black bear or grizzly encounter with Shannon Davis and ... -
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 1
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Use rubber tips to give trekking poles more grip on steep slopes.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
READERS COMMENTS
So, the scenario is that you're lost while you are carrying a map and a GPS...?
Posted: Mar 31, 2011 Pt
You should already have your GPS set to your map datum before you leave. It also helps if you print your own maps with mapping software that allows you to print grids on it. The blue ticks on the USGS maps are few and far between. Then treat the map and put it in a clear waterproof map case. It also helps to orient your map while the GPS is getting a lock.
Posted: Aug 14, 2010 pg
1. Outdoor maps should be waterproofed; clear MACtac is cheap, easy to use and flexible enough to fold your map to your personal preference.
2. Unless you are in a big hurry, take the time to pull out a ground sheet or set up a hasty shelter to keep yourself out of the rain. Takes only minutes (some in seconds) while your GPS acquires the local satellites and then you can calmly find your position.
Posted: Apr 06, 2010 Paul Metcalfe
Not only have a compass along with the GPS, but if you keep your map in a plastic zip bag, you can have the map in your hands while walking & know exactly where your are at all times.
good illustration on using a GPS to locate where you are though!
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 TeleBruce
been there buddy. worst feeling in the world, to be caught on top of a ridge and actually see lightning hitting trees around you. then running from a flash flood in the same day. best adventure of my life.
Posted: Dec 24, 2009 Bschlarb
The technique works, but Kris would have been able to figure out where he was faster if he also had a lightweight (maybe one ounce) magnetic compass like the green Brunton or a Silva, and learned how to use it before going into the wilderness. Also, he should have sprayed both sides of his map at home with clear spray paint, like Krylon (there are other brands, they work too). The map would have held together better in the rain.
Posted: Oct 29, 2009 Pat
What do you suggest to learn hpw to use GPS=I just bought a garmin legend hcany book or computer user learning link?
Thanks!
Bill from HalfMoon Bay B.C Canada
Posted: Sep 25, 2009 Bill Marion
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