Help! I’m really undecided. Should I carry a GPS or not. Would I only need it for the High Sierra’s or would it be useful on other parts of the PCT also.
If I do buy one, can anyone recommend one and what map software I need.
Oscar
GSP - Pacific Crest Trail
system
#2
You don’t need a GPS. I’d much more strongly suggest you carry the knowledge of how to interpret and locate yourself on a topo map, as well as a GOOD compass and some experience with using one.
Even those who do use a GPS unit should be experienced with traditional navigating skills as well. My $0.02
sheriff
system
#4
remy,what if there are no footprints to follow? following the footprints is dumb advice
cheeserTOM
system
#5
CheeserTOM-I’m not advocating JUST following footprints- map and compass skills are essential in the Sierra when there’s snow. But navigation in the sierra is fairly straight forward (god knows it has to be- even I managed it 
)- and there are excellent topo maps available (tom harrison JMT maps, for instance).Unless you’re the first one through, and most likely you’re not, there’s a pretty good chance that there will always be some footprints around on the PCT in the Sierra, and these serve simply as an assistance that makes navigation a little easier.
also, I’ll think you’ll find that on the PCT people look out for each other a lot, and that many times following the footprints, arrows, cairnes etc. is very good advice (as Yogi says correctly in her guide as well).
I personally feel that because of these factors, a GPS is unnecessary on the PCT.
Remy
system
#6
thanks for the clarification remy. seems we agree that following footprints is dumb advice. even if there are footprints maybe these dont indicate your on the pct, and maybe the footprints dont indicate your on any trail at all.
cheeserTOM
system
#7
We used a GPS, and I would definitely do so again. Whether you use one, IMO, depends on:
- how much snow there is (lots for us)
- how early you go (early for us – 6/1/05)
- whether you intend to be in a group and share navigation, or take sole responsibility for it (I was pretty much sole navigator for us)
There was no point where GPS was essential, but the mental effort of navigating through hundreds of miles in the snow can be quite tiring, and a GPS reduces that effort considerably when you’re shattered from 14 hours walking through snow. I only used it for an occasional position fix, so 1 set of batteries lasted a month. I agree that the High Sierra navigation is pretty easy, but from Yosemite onwards when you’re below the tree line and have no visual references, the nav is much harder if its snowbound. Then again, in a normal year, entering 15th June, with other people, it would probably be a waste of time. If you do take one, the more-than-a-mile waypoints are well worth preloading.
Personally, I’d plan to take one, be comfortable using it, and if you get to kennedy meadows and realise its unnecessary, send it home.
Dave