FT Maps Do I need them?

imported
#1

I’ll be thru-hiking the FT in January and wanted to get input from other hikers who have completed the FT about the necessity of the FT maps. Before I go on, let me qualify this by saying that I’m an experienced hiker and understand the importance, specifically safety, of carrying a map, but from two long distance hikes I have done on the Tahoe Rim Trail & the PCT, I found that I rarely used the maps I purchased. In fact, I only looked at the PCT maps when I wanted to know how many switchbacks I had until I reached the top of a crest.

I will purchase the FT databook for sure, mainly for water, campsites and other information.

lil’ buddha

#2

Hi, LB

I’d recommend the maps 4 yr. hike of the FT. It’s jus’ 1 more tool that could come in handy. & a compass could help, 'specially in the Big Cypress.

Good luck, happy trls. and Marry Xmas…JP/Rodknee Dangertrl.

jon phipps

#3

Matt /Jody did FT through last winter. They might have an opinion. From their website “Sunshine Expedition”; a great story! Contact: Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Mkeene@sunshineexpedition.com

Peter

#4

The trail is pretty well blazed but I would recommend the maps. You never know when you will need to get into a town or have an emergency. It is good to know what is in the vicinity and not just in the corridor.

Hammock Hanger

#5

lil’ Buddha, I have hiked the whole triple crown and I see your point regarding the PCT. I understand that you want to hike the ECT and I would say that you can also hike the AT without maps.
But after reading a lot of FT trailjournals I realised that navigation is a major issue on the FT. Trail blazing is not perfect and there are a lot of relocations. In every journal I read someone got lost or had navigation issues. I will start my FT thruhike late January and will definitely carry the maps. I would also recommend the companion. Only after reading the companion I realised that logistics are not as easy as I thought.
Hope to see you on the trail,
German Tourist aka Christine

German Tourist

#6

Thanks everyone for the response. I’ll most likely purchase the maps but just wanted to get more information.

lil’ buddha

lil buddha