Do you still bring a paper map and compass?

KyleS224

FNG
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
14
I use OnX as my main GPS and I recently got a Garmin inreach explorer as well for this season. My Inreach will be mostly for SOS and gps backup. Would you still bring a map and compass as a back up for your back up?
 

Tbone58

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 10, 2019
Messages
111
Location
North Dakota
I don’t but it’s not a bad idea. Just have to make sure you are familiar with using it. I personally don’t know how. Should probably learn how. Also heard in a pinch it’s something else to burn to keep warm or dry
 

DavePwns

WKR
Joined
Dec 9, 2017
Messages
441
Location
ID
I have onX and use a Garmin Inreach so I personally don't use a compass and map, I do however bring a small compass for general direction if needed. My phone is waterproof and has a solid case on it so it's pretty bomb proof.
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
346
I don't usually bring a map, but I always bring a compass. I know the area well enough before I go that if everything goes wrong I can get a bearing towards the closest main road. This won't work everywhere but the places I tend to go it works fine.
 
Joined
Jun 23, 2019
Messages
1,206
Location
Florida,Dwneast Me,Catskills
No map, but I always have two compasses on me. One is a good old 40y/o Brunton in my pocket. The other is one of those ball types that pins to my coat pocket flap. I just need to get back to the road. I'll be able to find my truck once I get there.
 
Joined
Jun 23, 2019
Messages
1,206
Location
Florida,Dwneast Me,Catskills
No map, but I always have two compasses on me. One is a good old 40y/o Brunton in my pocket. The other is one of those ball types that pins to my coat pocket flap. I just need to get back to the road. I'll be able to find my truck once I get there.
 

FlyGuy

WKR
Joined
Aug 13, 2016
Messages
2,087
Location
The Woodlands, TX
Yes. Many times I do my digital scouting in CalTopo and then have my local copy/mailing shop print it out for me. Usually in smaller sections and only take the section I’ll be in, others back at the truck with plan B, C, etc.

I primarily use my phone, but they can break, crash, get lost, etc...

Plus, when I feel like I’m out of ideas, I MUCH prefer to look over a larger picture that a paper map provides, vs trying to work it all out in the narrow “FOV” that the phone is limited to....


You can’t cheat the mountain
 
Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
46
Location
North Dakota
I'm sure I don't get as far in as some guys but I always have a map and compass, I rely more on electronics but will always be able to have the paper folded out for a bigger view if needed
 
Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Messages
1,848
Location
Fishhook, Alaska
Absolutely.

I work with maps professionally, and have every digital tool one could want. Nothing beats paper for getting the broad lay of the land and a compass is still the best for nav in the thick stuff. I don't consider either to be "backup", but useful tools in their own right.

When I'm navigating for work, I'll now often carry a phone with GAIA in one hand and a compass in the other. I'll use the GPS to get a bearing and then follow the compass. Every so often I'll re-check the GPS and adjust bearing as needed. Experience tells me a I track a straighter line this way.

Even in open country it often easiest to pull a bearing from the GPS and then use the compass to locate a landmark along that bearing. Then you can put both back in your pockets and just hike.
 

P Carter

WKR
Joined
Nov 4, 2016
Messages
577
Location
Idaho
My kids give me flack, but I usually have an inreach mini, phone with google maps downloaded for offline use, gps watch, and always a paper map and compass.

I like the paper maps also forpreparation. I spend enough time on google earth that sometimes it’s more relaxing to print out a paper map and pore over that to get a break from the screen.
 

AZ8

WKR
Joined
Dec 9, 2018
Messages
481
Location
Northern Arizona
Yes, I always carry a map. Like others have mentioned, it’s nice to take a little break under a shady tree and assess and evaluate the day’s progress so far. Easy to see the big picture on a map.
 
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