Paper Map or GPS

[wrangler0]

So what do you guys use or do you use both. Paper Topo Maps or digital maps on a GPS?

[big_load]

I never go without a paper map. Besides the risk of dead batteries, bad reception, and catastrophic accident, a GPS screen just isn't big enough to decode the topology or provide a coherent view of the larger area.

[Crocodile Ryan]

I always bring a paper map, but i like to have the gps to log mileage and to view the vertical gain when im finished

[azbackpackr]

I use a paper map, but recently purchased a Garmin 60cx, which I am still trying to learn, and haven't purchased the software maps or DVD reader/writer unit yet for my computer.

We just returned from a trip out to Oceanside CA, and my husband's car's speedometer broke, so we used the GPS as a speedometer so he wouldn't get a ticket! So it's good for something, I guess!

[chumley]

Always a paper map. The GPS is a great tool (toy?) for keeping track of my trips, but I can usually pinpoint my location on the map just by studying my surroundings and knowing approximately where I'm supposed to be. On the rare occasion that I end up somewhere different from where I thought I was, the GPS is helpful in getting my bearings back. (For example, this sometimes happens when I'm off-trail and end up "one wash away" from the drainage/wash I thought I was in.)

I will usually print a single 8.5x11 map from Topo! of the specific area I'll be hiking. I mark my route ahead of time with mileages at easy landmarks. Lightweight and easy.

[chumley]

my husband's car's speedometer broke, so we used the GPS as a speedometer so he wouldn't get a ticket!

I actually removed the instrument cluster on my truck a while back to replace some light bulbs and ended up messing up the speedometer. I used my gps to measure my speed so that I could re-calibrate it correctly.

It's also fun to use on the plane (if you have a window seat). It really helps my average hiking speed!

[Jeffshadows]

Always a paper map. The GPS is a great tool (toy?) for keeping track of my trips, but I can usually pinpoint my location on the map just by studying my surroundings and knowing approximately where I'm supposed to be. On the rare occasion that I end up somewhere different from where I thought I was, the GPS is helpful in getting my bearings back. (For example, this sometimes happens when I'm off-trail and end up "one wash away" from the drainage/wash I thought I was in.)

I will usually print a single 8.5x11 map from Topo! of the specific area I'll be hiking. I mark my route ahead of time with mileages at easy landmarks. Lightweight and easy.

Ditto here...

[wrangler0]

Does anyone still use the USGS 7.5 quad maps or do you all use software and print?

[big_load]

I use the quads I already have, but more often I use software and print. I find a 1:48,000 scale a good compromise between detail and number of maps per trip (and frequency of re-folding on the trail).

[DarthStiller]

I also do both and print the paper map of the area from Topo (DeLorme). But I plot the waypoints along the trail(s) I'll be hiking and then put them in my GPS, so the points on my map are the exact points on the route in my GPS. This works fantastic. I actually rarely look at the map unless the trail fades away.

[joebartels]

I use the "toy", it's good enough for most serious businesses that depend on travel/location so it's good enough for me. I'm sure the romans would spit at electric clocks, but you know they're pretty handy too. People will deny in rebellion until death on certain things. I'm sure somebody out there is still buying encyclopedias but the internet is good enough for me.

However, I'm not into multi day hikes, it's not that difficult studying up on the terrain. Batteries aren't an issue. Just cycle them off the charger with everything else that runs on batteries.

If I'm entering an area I really don't know then I'll take a printed map too. In all honesty though, it's a rare occasion when that gets used. Still a nice security that can save your life. In most cases, when I've been lost, a compass is more valuable on cloudy days than any map.

Like everything else in this world, you just have to figure out what works for you.

[SuperstitionGuy]

A map? Only when entering heavily forested areas where it's difficult to see reference points. Only use the GPS to create a track and to create waypoints for stream crossings when the streams are running heavy making crossings dangerous. A compass yes, but rarely use it. Mostly when the clouds and rains come in to double check my dead reckoning skills. I normally hike with the intention of getting lost and seeing whats off trail. Very rarely find anything of interest on or near a trail. And it's amazing how often I find other hikers/backpackers going the wrong direction on trails. They miss even the most obvious trail junctions and don't realize it until they have gone miles out of their way. Take care and be careful out there.....

[fricknaley]

I'm sure somebody out there is still buying encyclopedias but the internet is good enough for me.

Come on Joe, I just coughed up $$ for a new set of Funk & Wagnalls dictionaries...what's wrong with that?

[Jeffshadows]

Joe is right about the shorter duration hikes, I usually never dig my paper maps out for those since the map on the screen of the GPS is more than enough; but the paper map is back there if I need it. Luckily there are awesome "recreation maps" for the Tucson area that cover most of the major sites in their entirety. For longer treks, or ones with a lot of connections that could go wrong I always want the 7.5min quad. I can't count the times I needed to find another route and when you're flustered and tired, scrolling around on the Garmin map usually just doesn't work out that well. A lot of the minor trails are missing from the Garmin stuff, as is a lot of terrain detail. Those are both considerations. There's a time factor to consider pre-trip with plugging that missing stuff in vs. just carrying the topo along and using it too.

As to using the 7.5 quads - They're available in digital format (basically a scan) which enables you to block-copy-paste the areas you're interested in and make collage maps that are a lot smaller and more useful. That's generally what I'll do, and stick it in a watertight map case or freezer bag (Freezer bags won't hold map marker as well, though).

Truth be told, the GPS could probably do all of this if I were preconditioned to use it and it alone, but decades of comfort and familiarity with paper topos is a hard thing to get away from...

Jeff

[JoelHazelton]

I almost always have the 7.5 quad with me. The GPS comes, too, but it's more or less to track mileage and elevation gain. The quad is also good for laying in bed and "exploring" an area. Planning little off-trail treks that I'll never get around to doing, etc.

[joebartels]

We're definitely still in the phase of you just have to figure out what works for you. For photo identification I still flip through a book faster. Someday that imaginary computer in an indestructible/fold-able/nuclear-powered wafer thin piece of nylon-coated-paper will be reality.

In the mean time I contacted Britannia to get a sales rep over to Jeff & Nick. With lagging sales they're wondering if the two of you could meet at Rico's Bean Hut for a group presentation. Then rambled on about some two for one special and to bring your wallet and a dolly hand-truck.

In response to azpride:

Planning little off-trail treks that I'll never get around to doing, etc.

Yeah, almost don't want to in fear of it not measuring up.

[Jeffshadows]

Hey, those guys always buy lunch!

[abcarmichael]

Both. GPS is a cool toy and everyone should have one, but it should never be a complete replacement for maps, a compass and basic navigation skills.
I think about my GPS in the same vein as a cell phone. One should never forget common sense and basic skills required to help yourself. Relying solely on electronic tools only can easily lead to disaster.

[Jeffshadows]

Speaking from recent experience; even if you have the route completely preprogrammed on your GPS it will be a lot easier to use the paper map to navigate of you're going off-trail, even for a short duration. At least that's true in my case...

[PrestonSands]

U.S.G.S. 7.5' paper maps are the only way for me. I've got hundreds of 'em. Open the door to the computer room at our house and you'll get buried in a map-a-lanche.

Sometimes I'll print off of TOPO!; other times I make a black and white copy of the actual paper map.

I do use gps, but my unit is old, and won't accept map software, so I use it once I'm home to map where I've been.