Making the final cuts to my equipment list for my Aug. 10 departure and never hiking the JMT before was wondering if people thought a GPS was necessary. For well marked trails I typically don’t bring my GPS, as following the trail by sight or maps/ landmarks is less hassle. I am not planning any bushwacking and am comfortable with a compass, is the GPS necessary? Thanks.
Grubby
JMT is very well marked. I did not use GPS or compass, only maps, and really only used those for mileage.
la
Opinion - GPS nor Compass is needed. Maps yes. Guidebook a nice to have. Even on the SHR, a GPS is not needed, just compass and good maps.
Mateo
If you were going earlier in the season I would say bring a GPS but you’ll be there in august so you’ll see the trail under your feet almost the whole way. If you’ve got good maps, a simple compass, and know how to use both you’ll be fine. The guidebook is nice to have but weighs about as much as a GPS. I’d take the GPS over the guidebook.
Mr B
We just completed our northbound trip. We took 18 days and it was awesome. We had lots of snow on Forester, Mather and Muir and still never needed the gps. It’s just extra weight, as for the map, we used the harrison 13 page map, it was great to figure milage and recognize trail junctions. We tore the nobo section out of our book, it was nice to read the sections and descriptions the night before. Good luck!!!
chris d
I’m glad I received this GPS second hand for cheap b/c it hardly gets used. It has been deleted from this trips equipment list. Thanks everyone for their input, looking forward to a great trip…and congrats Chris, looking forward to a similar great trip.
Grubby