My New GPS
Well I finally broke down and purchased a hand held GPS unit. Over the years, I’ve done pretty well for myself using a map and compass. I can usually figure out where I’m at and what direction I’m heading. The ability to use a map and compass is an important skill to have before you use your GPS for outdoor adventures (this does not apply if you only use your GPS to locate the nearest fast food restaurant).
The need (want) arose last year while on one of my multiday vehicle dependant adventures when I was faced with an intersection of several main logging roads that went several different directions. All I had was a forest service map of the area since I would have to carry a large assortment of topo maps to cover the amount of area I can cover in a trip. After figuring out the correct route (called backtracking) we were on our way again. A GPS would have probably helped in this sitauation (I have to justify the purchase somehow - right?). However, probably the most important justification for the purchase of a GPS is to be able to provide actual coordinates in case of an emergency.