Krewzer
12-08-2006, 11:31
I've been reading Baltimore Jack's thread about "Maps in the Backcountry." It seems to me the question, "Do you need a map (and/or compass) to hike the AT?" comes up here on WB pretty often.
My answer is, has been, "Yes", you can hike the AT end to end without either. BUT!!! Many, including myself, think it's a bad idea.
My thoughts on this are most seasoned AT backpackers are pretty much capable of using a compass and reading maps. But you folks who are just getting into this or thinking about taking up backcountry hiking ought to learn how to navigate in the backcountry. It's a safety thing, we don't want to lose you. Personally I think it's a fun skill to have, and I love maps.
Though you might not think it from reading all the posts on White Blaze, most hiking and overnight backpacking takes place well away from the AT. These are the places with few signs, without blazes and well worn paths that sometimes get overgrown, washed out or just disappear. These are the good places you are not likely to see another hiker for days on end. And, these are places you really need know how to navigate. Both for safety reasons and just to be able to get around to the places you interested in.
Anyway, here's a pretty good site to learn how to actually use maps and compass and a little history on navigation in general;
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/navigation_map_compass.htm
Or just google "map how to" or "orienteering" and you can get all the information to get you started with a map and compass.
I personally think these are both valuable and fun skills to have if you travel the lonely places.
OK, all you GPS guys, jump in here. I promise to figure these new fangled contraptions out one of these days.:p
My answer is, has been, "Yes", you can hike the AT end to end without either. BUT!!! Many, including myself, think it's a bad idea.
My thoughts on this are most seasoned AT backpackers are pretty much capable of using a compass and reading maps. But you folks who are just getting into this or thinking about taking up backcountry hiking ought to learn how to navigate in the backcountry. It's a safety thing, we don't want to lose you. Personally I think it's a fun skill to have, and I love maps.
Though you might not think it from reading all the posts on White Blaze, most hiking and overnight backpacking takes place well away from the AT. These are the places with few signs, without blazes and well worn paths that sometimes get overgrown, washed out or just disappear. These are the good places you are not likely to see another hiker for days on end. And, these are places you really need know how to navigate. Both for safety reasons and just to be able to get around to the places you interested in.
Anyway, here's a pretty good site to learn how to actually use maps and compass and a little history on navigation in general;
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/navigation_map_compass.htm
Or just google "map how to" or "orienteering" and you can get all the information to get you started with a map and compass.
I personally think these are both valuable and fun skills to have if you travel the lonely places.
OK, all you GPS guys, jump in here. I promise to figure these new fangled contraptions out one of these days.:p