View Full Version : Handheld GPS,Trail Maps or Thru hiker hand book
gravy4601
05-31-2009, 22:51
I have been looking at hand held GPS units with topo feature and am looking to get advice from other hiker's about what to carry for a thru hike option's being GPS,Trail maps and guid book or Thru Hiker Handbook :-?
I have been looking at hand held GPS units with topo feature and am looking to get advice from other hiker's about what to carry for a thru hike option's being GPS,Trail maps and guid book or Thru Hiker Handbook :-?
Well, I started a Thru hike this year with the same thoughts. I've since gobe off trail but I can put my hand on my heart and say that after 700 mikles you just want a guide book. You don't "need" a map, compass or GPS at all. The trail is so well marked it's not funny. Maybe just take one of those button compasses'
fiddlehead
06-01-2009, 00:58
Data book for me.
Whether you need maps or not is a big debate I'd rather not open up again. :p (Some say yes. Some say no. Some argue back and forth and call each other "poo poo" heads. ;) )
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=40042&highlight=maps+navigation
But, I think most, if not all, AT hikers can honestly say a GPS is overkill for the AT.
Some like it as a toy and enjoy the data you get with it, but I do not see any real value in bringing a GPS on the AT in terms of navigation use.
As for the guidebook; the Thru-hikers handbook or the ALDHA companion are both good guides for the AT. I'll let more recent AT hikers chime in with their personal preferences and why.
garlic08
06-01-2009, 13:46
The new Appalachian Pages book worked OK for me last year, and I hear they've corrected some errors that were in the first edition. I did not carry or miss maps or a compass, certainly not a GPS.
And Mags is a poo-poo head anyway.:D
kayak karl
06-01-2009, 15:33
The new Appalachian Pages book worked OK for me last year, and I hear they've corrected some errors that were in the first edition. I did not carry or miss maps or a compass, certainly not a GPS.
And Mags is a poo-poo head anyway.:D
Appalachian Pages book is great. i carry compass and map also. im looking at the Garmin GPS 60CSx for kayaking and bushwhacking, but not the trail.
JaxHiker
06-01-2009, 15:46
I prefer my Garmin 60 CSx plus USGS maps. But that's me. ymmv.
Maps and one of the town guides should do every thing you need and then some. Only reason to take a GPS is if you really enjoy working with GPS.
And Mags is a poo-poo head anyway.:D
That is an undeniable fact...
gravy4601
06-03-2009, 21:37
the book has maps of towns but not all of them what about the towns that are a few miles from town and the little general stores ? so probably both
SunnyWalker
06-03-2009, 22:01
I would use AT maps only. Thats what I did on my section hike. Also include a highway map of the state. Only I'd cut it down and all. Very useful. I saw other folks who used a book or guide. It seemed to limit their options. My map was wide open and not "telling" me stuff, although it was. However there is a lot it did not tell me, also. If you get what I mean. this is another opnion only. Have fun.
Blissful
06-03-2009, 22:03
Maps and ALDHA guide or equivalent. No GPS needed.