Ok ok ok…i already know. Most people look down upon technology on the trail. I’m gonna ask anyway…
Anyone have a point-of-view on GPS tracking? From what i understand, you can even download maps into some models. This would make life a lot easier, not only having a map, but knowing EXACTLY where you are on that map. Would make finding shelters or towns a lot easier I would think. And most don’t weight all that much. Anyone have anything to say on this topic?
C-Giddy
You don’t need a model that will download maps, and i don’t know if there are any “maps” of the AT available for GPS units. The ATC website has a GIS section where you can download trail and shelter coordinates in various formats. Software needed to upload into your GPS unit can be found for free on the web. I haven’t used any of the data yet so i don’t know how user friendly it is. I think you should be able to create an AT “route” for upload if the data isn’t already formatted as a route.
When I saw the data for shelter coordinates, i thought that if someone was crazy enough, he/she could hike from shelter to shelter from GA to ME following a straight-line path between shelters. You would probably be going cross-country 95 percent of the time and get shot at crossing private property, but hey, it would be quite the adventure! And it would be a ‘first’.
One Timer
I think Garman has the map upload ones. They would also be cool for us bikers; one friend suggested bicycling the AT or near it and staying at a shelter near the road crossings. A GPS is cool on a bike would easily get you close. I think also that Backpacker did a section on them.
backpacker.com and they’re fun
Bushwhack
I only use my gps for getting lost overseas. However, if you are interested in an AT map, the Garmin CD of America will not do the job. It somehow overlooked one of the longest trails in America, and Garmin tells me they have no immediate plans to adjust it. On the other hand, some searches of google will turn up at least one group that has put out a cd entirely dedicated to the trail, and uploadable to any of the commercial units (Garmin or Magellan) that have sufficient memory. Also check on the AT official site, and it will refer you to websites that have the info available for uploading, sometimes for free.
Aeschylus
Check this out. You can have a GPS and a satellite messenger all in one now for a very high price tag. Why would you want this? You can email your coordinates and a short message to the person back home who is worrying about you. :happy
The Magellan GSC 100 $985.00
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/satphonestore/maggsc100wgp.html
(drool)
Farrell
Sure…i’d get that…And with the money i have left over in my equipment budget, I could buy a toothbrush. Hell, who needs a backpack and a sleepingbag anyway?
C-Giddy
I agree. I’m watching it though, to see if the price will come down before this summer. I was just thinking that I’m going to have to organize my gear wish list by priority OR by how much I can get for a certain dollar. I want the GPS and the steri-pen ($200.00). Who needs food?
Farrell
GPS? are u kidding me. gps is a joke. if your that dense you otta stay seated at that computer terminal. if i were LD-sailing then gps is not an option. i’m (thru-)hiking the AT for the first time and i decided to throw away my maps after the first two weeks. the elevation charts are just a discouragement. “try to follow the force luke.” talk to any thru-hiker and you will find most do not have a map or a tent. you may not understand why gps is so unnecessary until you have hiked the trail for a few weeks, but you will.
magic
ps. this is for the majority of AT hiking. if you are in extreme conditions, for example the Whites (mts). people have died just a few feet from shelters because they could not see anything, THEN. but for nobos in spring, ya don’t need anything but some common sence.
ps. no offence to any gear-heads out there, just my opinion
magic(ga>me03)
Sure it’s easy to follow the trail - you can’t get lost even though some people have managed. But the fact is that a trail that is so well marked and easy to follow can be lacking - you know what expect. But having a gps can be your ticket to FUN. Say you see a nice valley or ridge but your map doesn’t cover the area, or like “magic” have thrown away your maps. Sure it’s alittle lazier than using a compass, but then you are allowed to just explore cross-country, follow a stream, camp on a remote ridge, look for wildlife, chase an owl in the night… The possibilities are endless without the fear of getting lost. In fact i just talked myself into getting one so i won’t be a slave to the blaze.
Happy hikin’:happy
One Timer
Hey Magic- What shelters in the whites are you refering to? Did you know that Virginia is flat? Hikers can do, like, 20-30 miles a day cause its so easy. It’s not like the treacherous Whites. I’m with you on the GPS thing -they are just one more distraction from your surroundings, from yourself.
THA WOOKIE
You know One Timer…I think you may have practically convinced me to get one as well. Good points.
C-Giddy
People have gotten lost using GPS so carry a good old fashioned compass and a map if you plan to head cross country. Of course there really is much cross country on the AT since the trail corridor is so narrow you usually end up hitting a road, private property or other civilization.
Darth Pacman
I’ve been using a Garmin 12 for about five years now and like it very much.It’s at the bottom of the complexity scale.Costs $150(still).This one is very user friendly,but I’ve been considering upgrading to the Etrex Summit($250).
This unit gives exact elevation unlike all the others.
Regardless, I won’t take my old one with me next year.I honestly don’t think I’ll need or want to use it. If I do take one it will be the Summit.
Remember-batteries! you can only get one or two days from a set of batteries. More weight.
Rebecca & Bennett