Who's using a GPS?

[attroll]

How many section hikers and thru-hikers carry a GPS when you hike the Appalachian Trail and plot locations during your hike?
Lets hear about it after you vote.

[ldsailor]

Please, clarify what you consider a "GPS." Many hikers, myself included, use the GPS capabilities of a smartphone to run an application like Guthook. Is that to be included in your survey or are you only looking for those who use a dedicated GPS device?

[Kaptainkriz]

It's kind of a weird addiction for me. I carry an etrex 20 with 3rd party trail maps and topo. Upload and generate waypoints for easy navigation and keep my tracks. I try to tag water, tent sites, and shelters etc. All gets uploaded to BaseCamp and merged so I can track where I've been. I've actually gone back and re-hiked a section because I gooned the file. Runs a few days on a pair of AA and perfect for knowing where I am and how far I have left to go. I have data from Hog Camp Gap to portions of PA and some other cats/dogs. Hoping it will be helpful to me later on when I attempt a through hike.

[Dead Man]

In the past, I've tried to keep it to guide pages and regular maps (scaled for size and weight savings). What I may have to invest in for no other reason but the wife's peace of mind is a satellite tracker so she can track me, or at least the bear she figures will eat me. I may go to something like a Guthook app for the thru attempt in 2021 though. I spend so much time debating mentally about the weight using a phone/charger/spare battery and so on. Just one of a thousand things to consider when preparing. :sun

[Slo-go'en]

You need a "sometimes" button. I'm more likely to track a local day hike then something like the AT which has been accurately mapped and for which I have Guthook.

It can be fun to track a day hike and check the distance/time/elevation change compared to what you guess from the map.

[FreeGoldRush]

I carry an InReach that sends my location out every 10 minutes. It just lets family see where I am. But the primary reason for carrying this device has been the ability to send text messages from anywhere over satellite.

[Traillium]

I carry an InReach Mini so that my family allows me to continue hiking.

For GPS navigation, I use my iPhone. GAIA mostly.

[attroll]

Please, clarify what you consider a "GPS." Many hikers, myself included, use the GPS capabilities of a smartphone to run an application like Guthook. Is that to be included in your survey or are you only looking for those who use a dedicated GPS device?
I do not consider Guthooks app a GPS, only because you are only using as a reference.
Correct me if I am wrong.
Can you use tracking with it and save your track?
Can you plot way points with it and save them?
Can you able to download the tracks and way point that you save?

[ldsailor]

I do not consider Guthooks app a GPS, only because you are only using as a reference.
Correct me if I am wrong.
Can you use tracking with it and save your track?
Can you plot way points with it and save them?
Can you able to download the tracks and way point that you save?
I'm not sure about all the new capabilities of most recent Guthook update, but I do know you can't save a track or download tracks. I seem to recall you could save waypoints in the old app, but I can't find the feature in the new updated app.

Anyway, thanks. You answered my question.

[Hatchet_1697]

Are you asking what GPS receiver people carry? iPhone, inReach, and Garmin Fenix 3 watch.

If you’re asking what GPS based capabilities people carry then it includes: Guthook app (stores tracks, records tracks, plus a whole lot more). Gaia GPS. Earthmate. All Trails. Plus a few more.

These all use the GPS receiver in my iPhone except Earthmate which uses the inReach receiver and my Fenix 3 GPS watch which is augmented by the Garmin Connect app. Most of these accept an imported track, record tracks, allow you to save waypoints, download tracks/waypoints, Etc.




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[Ruthsbestfriend]

I carry an InReach that sends my location out every 10 minutes. It just lets family see where I am. But the primary reason for carrying this device has been the ability to send text messages from anywhere over satellite.
Same for me, except when I go out for a long time I'll use two-hour location pings. I do not use this for navigation--still rely on a paper map to ID the terrain and guthook for up-to-date beta.

[garlic08]

I don't own a GPS of any kind, nor do I carry a smart phone when I hike.

[tiptoe]

I don't own a GPS of any kind, nor do I carry a smart phone when I hike.

I don't either. I do carry maps, a guidebook, and a very basic Tracfone, which is off 99 percent of the time.

[Christoph]

Nothing here. I don't even use the GPS on my phone around trail towns. I like to explore them more than go from point a to point b. I just use the guidebook (photo copy of pages for sections) or the .pdf when I did my thru.

[LazyLightning]

To contradict what I said before about not wanting Guthooks cause of it taking away the adventure aspect...

I picked up an etrex 30x and downloaded some (free OSM) maps that work on Basecamp and I've been loving this thing. Not so much for planning my day but it shows all kinds of side trails I would never explore or even notice. Seeing your elevation plot is pretty cool, the compass on it is so accurate when you point it at a trail it's right on. I map stuff out on basecamp to see the mileage/elevation. I've really been enjoying and its been helping to just check out/enjoy/ and understand the areas I'm hiking through better.

It's nice for going off trail to but I still always carry a good compass with a good map for the area with the up to date magnetic declination - just incase something happens to that little piece of technology, I'm not relying just on that.... not that I've been getting out for much lately.

When I thru hiked I wanted to do the AT all the way, now on future AT trips I'll definitely bring it cause I'll be wanting to explore and do any alternate/scenic side trips I can, not just the shorter spur trails I went for.

[Deadeye]

The AT is easy to follow, no electronics needed, and I have enough screen time at home & office. I don't use anything to track/plot/map/record. I don't even take pictures. I carry a smartphone to call my wife when I've reached the car so she can get the washing machine warmed up. On a longer trip, I might use the smartphone to make lodging reservations. On a thru, I would likely get Guthooks.

I still prefer a paper map, and maybe a section of a guidebook.

[Hatchet_1697]

I agree with a lot of the others, inReach is nice because it allows family to follow the trek and share the experience (from the comfort of their chairs ;). It also provides an SOS option if someone gets hurt bad outside of cellular coverage. I use it to map share with family and message home so the wife knows things are okay and I’m not snake bit, eaten by a bear, or hanging out in a bar with a bunch of cougars.

The AT is easy navigating, I use Guthook 90% for getting info on water sources and campsites/shelters. Maybe ~10% for navigation if I miss a blaze and want a quick route back.

Gaia is my go to for other trails, but only to augment a paper map. I don’t want to lose those skills.

The GPS watch (a gift) I use to tell time :). Also as a compass. It does a bunch of other things too, all depends on my mood if I want to use those features or do the math in my head.




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[MichaelK7]

The only time I use GPS is when I'm driving to a trailhead :)

I carry my iPhone while hiking, mostly to take pictures, but it does have a compass feature.
I always carry a standard compass and maps- when I'm hiking, I like using those to navigate instead of an electronic device.

[Slo-go'en]

Well, the thing about having a GPS is it can show you exactly where your located on the map. Otherwise, it's usually "I think we're some where around here".

If you start to wonder if your still on the trail (and that does happen!), a quick check of your location will tell you if you are or not. And if your not, it will show you the way back to where you should be.

The disadvantage is it's harder to get an overview of the surrounding area as detail demishes as you pan out. Still a good idea to have the hard copy maps. Hiking around the Whites I'll always have my map. My phone - maybe, maybe not.

[Traveler]

I carry a GPS whenever I am on unfamiliar trails and even some of the trails I am familiar with in case I go off trail. It's a tool, much like the map and compass I carry with me as well. It may be overkill to some who prefer cell phone technology, however in the midst of the Olympic peninsula or Sonoran desert these tools can make a serious difference.

[colorado_rob]

Just to clarify.... since we're specifically on the AT forum, we are talking about using a GPS on the AT itself, correct? Judging by the majority of "no" responses, I think this is the case.

One has to try really, really hard to get lost along the AT corridor, though admittedly I did get off the trail accidentally in Connecticut, though it was easy to get back on.

I realize it is fun to record tracks though, and I do so on other trails all the time, and store them in a growing library. Just can't justify burning precious battery power on the AT though.

I have a fairly new model Garmin (30-something) that is now basically useless, because my cell phone keep just as accurate of a track. Might even be better. Basically, I no longer see any need whatsoever for a standalone GPS unit. I suspect they will be obsolete very soon, except for high end units for surveyors, military, etc.

[Indiana Jones]

I download Guthook for my upcoming trip and its really THE BOMB!
How far to water from HERE? the next tent site, shelter, grocery, motel, etc. all at your fingertips!!! Is that motel any good? Are there any recent reports of bears at xyz shelter? Shows your EXACT location on the AT! Its all fantastic!

[Leo L.]

Not on the AT, but I'm carrying my smartphone and using its GPS capability whenever I'm out, be it a local hike dayhike, an urban wandering, a multiday mountain adventure or a multi-week desert hike.
Just getting my position and a short look at he map every now and then, the battery would last for 5-10 days. When tracking, it will run for about 3 days. Including the 10.000mAh Anker, it will last me for about 2 weeks of tracking.
Honestly, I've never been out and away from civilisation for longer than this.
And yes, the smartphone GPS is as accurate as a Garmin, but way better in ergonomy.

[LazyLightning]

maps and compasses will be obsolete soon to since every smart phone has a fail proof version.....

jokes aside, it really isn't hard to get lost or turned around on the AT stepping off trail in certain places. I was in ME getting near the end of the day looking for a stealth spot. I saw a clearing so I put my bag down on trail and stepped off no more then 15-20' to check out the spot. It was only for a minute but I had a minor freak out moment not able to see my bag and totally mixed up on direction. Look at what happened to Inchworm, it could happen when you least expect it... going off trail to the point where you can't see it is common for digging a cat hole along the trail. I got totally turned around that way in Connecticut (not on the AT). I walked 20-30 feet when done and realized it was the wrong way so I said "alright, I'm just gonna go back where I went to the bathroom and 'regain my bearings'"..... well I couldn't even walk back and find where I just went to the bathroom. Ended up walking in different directions yelling for my buddy who eventually heard...

Now that was close to civilization but it's an example and was a good lesson. I would of found my way out on my own but how far from camp? and then my buddy wouldn't have a clue... sure you can say I'm an idiot but stuff happens - and now I take every precaution I could to make sure that doesn't happen again. I even added a little reel of fishing line to my gear - haven't used it yet but I got the idea from someone in ME (tie to tree close to trail then reel yourself back in).

[TwistedCF]

maps and compasses will be obsolete soon to since every smart phone has a fail proof version.....

jokes aside, it really isn't hard to get lost or turned around on the AT stepping off trail in certain places. I was in ME getting near the end of the day looking for a stealth spot. I saw a clearing so I put my bag down on trail and stepped off no more then 15-20' to check out the spot. It was only for a minute but I had a minor freak out moment not able to see my bag and totally mixed up on direction. Look at what happened to Inchworm, it could happen when you least expect it... going off trail to the point where you can't see it is common for digging a cat hole along the trail. I got totally turned around that way in Connecticut (not on the AT). I walked 20-30 feet when done and realized it was the wrong way so I said "alright, I'm just gonna go back where I went to the bathroom and 'regain my bearings'"..... well I couldn't even walk back and find where I just went to the bathroom. Ended up walking in different directions yelling for my buddy who eventually heard...

Now that was close to civilization but it's an example and was a good lesson. I would of found my way out on my own but how far from camp? and then my buddy wouldn't have a clue... sure you can say I'm an idiot but stuff happens - and now I take every precaution I could to make sure that doesn't happen again. I even added a little reel of fishing line to my gear - haven't used it yet but I got the idea from someone in ME (tie to tree close to trail then reel yourself back in).

What you describe is a pretty common way people get into trouble in wilderness areas. A small button compass mounted on one of your pack straps can really come in handy when going off trail for short distances. You don't need to know magnetic declination for your area and you don't need a graduated dial like a more sophisticated compass will have in either mils or degrees, you just shoot a general azimuth from the trail to a sizeable landmark you can see from the trail. Even if terrain and vegetation wont let you travel to the landmark in a straight line, once you get to the landmark you shoot a reverse azimuth back the direction you came and travel back that direction to find the trail. If you're going 300 feet or less to dig a cat hole the button compass will be plenty accurate as you only need a general sense of direction. Especially helpful in full snow cover, dense vegetation or any terrain where everything looks the same. A compass, even the "cracker jack" version, can be a useful navigation tool even without a map.

[Leo L.]

I'm always carrying a compass (and a good Swiss one) in my emergency pack, but then it is pretty much useless if you don't have a decent map of the area, plus you roughly know where you are.
Next, you need to have a clear view of a decent landmark, and you need to be able to identify this landmark and find it on the map - so many things you'd need to handle well.
If one is not trained well working with map and compass, its pretty much useless.

I found that knowing the time and having a good view on the sun can give you the bearing in the same accuracy (or inaccuracy) as any button compass may do.
An analog wrist watch might help, but you can draw one indicating the given time on a slice of paper too.

And then, if you are clever enough to get the bearing of the direction of your bathroom run, you well might be clever enough to find back to the trail as well.

[CalebJ]

I run with a GPS watch and occasionally use it to record hikes, though not for navigational purposes. On the AT in the local area I'll frequently travel without a map because it's familiar. Further out or on less common trails I'll have either an official map or something I threw together in CalTopo and exported to Avenza. The CalTopo site makes it easy to generate a map specific to where you are and mark it up with useful annotations. The result can be easily printed or electronically shared to others, and by importing to Avenza you can navigate directly on the digital map with your phone. Incredibly convenient, especially in poor visibility.

Regardless of how good the electronic navigation options get, however - there's always a traditional compass on standby in the pack.

[Rain Man]

I always carry my smartphone ... and paper maps. Funny how some seem to think it's either/or.

On the AT and JMT, it was Guthook. On most others, it's Gaia GPS ... and I do track myself on those.

[RockDoc]

I still use an older Garmin GPS. I like to see the elevation gain/loss at the end of the day, and it can be useful for knowing where to find springs, distances to shelters, answering all sorts of navigation questions (how fast are we going, etc..).

[bennington200]

I always carry a GPS because I love having the data, but there is an important distinction: I carry a GPS to record where I have been, and not to determine where I am going. I also love maps and use Guthook on AT sections that aren't near me. I maintain my entire hiking library back to 2008 on Garmin's free Basecamp software and, like another poster stated, it is a bummer when a hike gets lost - I have to go out and re-hike so I have those miles in my library. I keep the data every time I go out, such as the eight+ times I've done the Three Ridges loop. I can compare times and note changes to trail routes. I can advise fellow hike leaders on anticipated hike times, along with elevations and distances (and even drive times, if I have that data). When the PATC updated all their trail maps to confirm the accuracy of their maps' trail routes via GPS, I helped with that and learned a lot about the process. A phone is not as accurate and the battery dies too quickly. I can't ever see eliminating my GPS receiver from my "essentials" when hiking. I also always carry a compass, but have never had to use it because it isn't that hard to get your bearings in the Appalachians.

[Crossup]

I carry a Garmin 605 strictly for off AT use, as in when I depart from the trail beyond visual reference. For example I like to find downed trees to use as a toilet seat, when there are none near and the urge is strong, I will bushwhack to find one. Thats when the 605 gets fired up to record my track so if my seat of the pants navigation fails to bring me back to the trail I have a fall back. Its a point of pride that I always try to not reference it and so far my sense of direction and ability to retrace my path have not failed me but IF it does I'm NOT going to be lost.

It would also come in handy if I should run out of juice for my cell phone and wanted to do an unscheduled trip to town etc as my maps on it do show stores etc.

[jaenrom]

Does anybody use Osmand?

[Tklp]

I own an eTrex but rarely carry it anymore. It's just easier & lighter to use my phone and a backup charger. I've tried several apps (Waypoint Navigator, GaiaGPS, etc) but my favorite is still Avenza Maps. I like tracking my mileage and pace, mapping my path, checking my progress toward camp, and taking waypoints for interesting sightings or features. It has also come in handy for navigating when the trail is not well-marked (in terms of figuring out which trail branch is the correct way forward).

[greentick]

I carry a map (and know how to use it! lol)

[Clementine]

As I get older, the inReach is really for my lovely wife's peace of mind.

[bjd002]

I love my garmin watch although not for its map capabilities.

[hoozurmama]

I use Guthook and an inReach Mini. Neither is really for navigating.

[ZiggySours]

i bring guthook on a iphone as a reference and i usually plot my sections with it..i also have a garmin fenix 5x but i mainly just use it to track my stats and plot my track for reference points and to look back and see a topo of what ive actually done and i like that it stores them so i can show friends of family who have no idea of what hiking is like lol

[chknfngrs]

I like analyzing my run/hike after. I used mapmyrun, Guthook, now Garmin.

[Another Kevin]

I use a phone GPS and log tracks because I update trail maps and post geotagged photos. I typically run it all day logging tracks and look at it maybe once an hour, because a dead-trees map and a swinging-magnet compass (and a wristwatch, and a set of ranger beads) are my primary navigational instruments.

Folks that know me know that I'm handy enough with the old-school stuff to do off-trail peak bagging with it.

[JNI64]

Thinking of inch worm , if only she had been using one. :mad:

[Tuxhiker]

My son gave me a rescue satellite device that sends your location if activated. Under normal circumstances I do not track my location. I did when I was exploring an abandoned trail route. I had a different device that is no longer manufactured or supported. I don't have a Garmin and don't want to run down my phone battery by using it as a GPS device. It would be fun to track and map my hikes but I mostly just stay on the trails.

[Christoph]

So here's a tipsy, Superbowl post, but here's exactly what happened to me and my hiking buddy thing. Here's a story for ya from my thru hike that involves the Spot GPS thingy. We (a few new friends and I) were around the Pearisburg area on our thru hike attempt. We decided to go into town because of a severe lightning storm. We hauled butt to the nearest highway and finally hitched a ride into town to the Church hostel (I can't remember the name right off hand). But this particular hostel was literally right behind a the local hospital! You can guess the rest of the story from what I've said so far (and you would be be correct) but here goes... We find a ride into town. Pouring rain and lightning all around, in the back of a pickup doing 75 mph down the highway. We get to the hostel and settle in. My buddy wakes me up, middle of the night and is freaking out!!! Said his family was trying to get in touch with him, so much that his phone wouldn't work and locked up because of all the texts and phone calls, he couldn't even answer any of them (finally getting a phone call to his mom saying he is OK and the hostel is right behind the hospital and we hitched a ride.) Everyone had thought he was in an ambulance going 70 MPH on the highway to the hospital via the Spot app thing. Anyway, you get the story.... but the GPS thing can truly be a hindrance. Make sure your family doesn't totally rely on GPS and all that technology crap out there. No need to worry the folks at home, they're already worried enough about you (they really are) so tech can be a good thing, but they have to understand nothing is perfect and don't jump to conclusions. They will hear from you via text. I did this almost daily, or the occasional FB post. Moral of this story, don't rely on technology to the point your family is worried sick about you. There will be days (days upon days, even with Verizon) you won't be able to contact home. The trail is safe. No bears are out to get you. There are more people out there than you would expect (right in front and right behind you). You are more safe than the family at home in the city.

[cmoulder]

So here's a tipsy, Superbowl post, but here's exactly what happened to me and my hiking buddy thing. Here's a story for ya from my thru hike that involves the Spot GPS thingy. We (a few new friends and I) were around the Pearisburg area on our thru hike attempt. We decided to go into town because of a severe lightning storm. We hauled butt to the nearest highway and finally hitched a ride into town to the Church hostel (I can't remember the name right off hand). But this particular hostel was literally right behind a the local hospital! You can guess the rest of the story from what I've said so far (and you would be be correct) but here goes... We find a ride into town. Pouring rain and lightning all around, in the back of a pickup doing 75 mph down the highway. We get to the hostel and settle in. My buddy wakes me up, middle of the night and is freaking out!!! Said his family was trying to get in touch with him, so much that his phone wouldn't work and locked up because of all the texts and phone calls, he couldn't even answer any of them (finally getting a phone call to his mom saying he is OK and the hostel is right behind the hospital and we hitched a ride.) Everyone had thought he was in an ambulance going 70 MPH on the highway to the hospital via the Spot app thing. Anyway, you get the story.... but the GPS thing can truly be a hindrance. Make sure your family doesn't totally rely on GPS and all that technology crap out there. No need to worry the folks at home, they're already worried enough about you (they really are) so tech can be a good thing, but they have to understand nothing is perfect and don't jump to conclusions. They will hear from you via text. I did this almost daily, or the occasional FB post. Moral of this story, don't rely on technology to the point your family is worried sick about you. There will be days (days upon days, even with Verizon) you won't be able to contact home. The trail is safe. No bears are out to get you. There are more people out there than you would expect (right in front and right behind you). You are more safe than the family at home in the city.
Good story.

I carry the inreach mini and use it to ping my wife, once in the morning and in the evening when I get to the spot where I'm going to camp. Most times I'll also text her with the phone and maybe send a pic if there's a signal. So now, even with the ping, if I don't text she still gets a bit worried and I have to remind her all over again that sometimes there's no cell signal. Gonna add that to the inreach pre-set message.

[RockDoc]

I've carried a Garmin 60sx for many years. Super duper. Answers all my questions about navigation, mileages, elevations, spring & shelter locations, distances to any waypoint. Creates a track that can be plotted and used later on various maps.