Old school paper maps vs GPS on the Pacific Crest

For years I swore by paper maps and refused to use GPS on backpacking trips. Felt like cheating, you know? But last summer on a section of the PCT near Yosemite, I hit a fog bank that rolled in fast and couldn't see 20 feet ahead. My paper map was useless without a landmark to orient on. A hiker I met let me borrow her Garmin for 10 minutes to get back on track. Now I carry both, just in case. Anyone else made the switch reluctantly after a close call?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_claire1mo ago

Totally changed my mind after getting fogged in on a trail near Mt. Whitney. Tech saved me.

james6611mo ago

Dude yeah I saw a piece about how GPS basically saved a whole group in the Smokies last year lol.