Map & Compass versus GPS for hiking navigation?

Question

I'm confused, I hear some people say that a map & compass are superior to a GPS for navigating while hiking, and that I should "completely" ditch the GPS. I'm not sure if there's something here I'm missing? I'm just trying to understand more, so I can make a decision for myself.

I have a hiking GPS. After hearing some say to ditch the GPS, I went out and bought a compass and print out maps as a backup for when hiking. I've tried putting the map & compass to the test, comparing it to how well a GPS treats me. Unless I'm missing something, it seems like every time the GPS makes it so you're less likely to get lost when "off trail" and the trees are so high that you can't see landmarks. Am I missing something here?

For instance, you know how they say to use the "5 degree off set" with the compass to get to a landmark? I find that compass method takes me through weird terrain, while the GPS can just take me there (I have topographic maps on my GPS so knowing terrain ahead of me isn't any worse than it would be with just the map & compass).

Another example, you know how they say to use landmarks to triangulate where you're at using the map & compass? It seems like half of the time the trees are so high I can't do that, while the GPS will tell me I'm at a certain place within 15 feet accuracy. I don't know if I'm missing something here?

Also, I notice that the compasses I have break easier than a dedicated Garmin hiking GPS. So I'd be worried about ditching my GPS, because what if I were to drop the compass and it broke? Of course, I bring a map & compass as backup because a GPS could always have software issues or if I for some strange reason forgot to throw extra batteries in my pack, but that doesn't mean I've found the map & compass superior in navigation.


I'm just very curious very curious about the debate about what's better for navigation, map & compass versus GPS, and why some say to completely ditch the GPS?

Thanks for any input!!!

Answer 1

Some people are purists and some are welded to a particular mindset and many have their prejudices.

I think it is good that you have both. Clearly GPS is easier to use but one must be cautious about becoming dependent on high-tech gizmos. Things can go wrong. It is better (and wiser) to bring both, because "2 is 1 and one is none". Always have a backup plan.



GPS is a wonderful thing but not to be trusted. Sometimes terrain blocks the signal. (Try using GPS in West Virginia! The land is vertical and it can't get a lock, there is no cell phone signal and the maps are inadequate.... A bloody nightmare when there is no place to turn around, or to park...) Sometimes it doesn't know where the low bridges are and truck drivers get on a road they shouldn't take a big truck on.



I suggest you ignore the naysayers and do what works best for you. But if it was me, I'd always have a compass and attempt to maintain situational awareness. Military folks sometimes rely too much on GPS and don't even know where they are, because they are just following the directions to get to where they are supposed to go. Should the system fail, they're screwed.



My final answer is bring both; GPS and compass.

Answer 2

People are telling you to ditch the GPS because you should firstly know how to navigate with map and compass. I won't even try to explain how to use a map and compass on here in detail because there is just too much information and you need to be in the field to properly learn it all.



In my experience a GOOD compass and map are more accurate and reliable than a GPS. Keep in mind my experience comes with training in Marine Corps Infantry. People that go into the bush should know how to properly use a map and compass. It isn't hard to learn and if you keep your skills up it can be pretty fun.



Once you have good map and compass skills then you can bring in the GPS units if you want. I don't use one but I have nothing against them. You should just know how to use what doesn't rely on batteries.



GPS units can be handy and fun to use just be safe and know what you are doing.

Answer 3

Learn both. Its best to know as many skills as possible when in the backcountry. GPS is easy, fast,and accurate. But it can fail (drained batteries, dropped and smashed, dropped in water, etc.). Use it but don't be entirely dependent on it. A map and compass won't run out of batteries. Its also good to learn about star and sun navigation. The more you know, then better off you will be if you get yourself into a fix.

Answer 4

using the gps is ok, but I think the main reason for using the compass and map first then use the gps as backup is becuase the reason for hiking is to excercise your brain as well as you body..... what,s the point and the enjoyment of knowing you've done it yourself, when you've really only been following the directions the computer gave you?

sounds strange as well but an important part of hiking and orienteering IS to get a little lost so you can find your way back.

have fun!

Answer 5

I will attempt to further confuse the issue. When I hike, I often use neither a GPS nor a map and compass. My only use for a GPS has been to keep track of the distance that I hike, except for a few situations in the darkness of night when I have referred to my GPS to catch a trail, avoid a cliff, and utilize a waterway for orientation. Generally, my mind is very good at providing me with a large database of reference points and a better sense of direction than most people that I have met. I can frequently come off an unmarked boulder field covering a mountain and land a boot beside a flower that I used as a reference at the beginning of a hike. I am also very good at locating "trail" in winter through a dense forest, although I may use a topographical map to align features with my position. Since I often hike in very severe weather conditions, where both my camera shutter and GPS fail me due to the below-zero loss of battery power, I am very attentive to landmarks as I hike, such as a cabin in the distance that will provide me with a bearing in the dark, every watershed, and significant rock formations. Usually, I can find my way across terrain with less than a quarter-mile of error through forest in winter on Mount Huron and a mile of boulder field in error once on Mount of the Holy Cross as darkness threatened and a dislocated finger distracted me on descent from the summit.

Answer 6

GPS devices save time, are extremely accurate and can fail. Learn to use and know both old and new technology as nothing compares to having the best info possible in an emergency. Having the full on map is also better since that tiny little 2 Inch screen is no comparison. and the weight argument is not even a valid one.

Answer 7

its always better to use the system with the least chance for glitches..ie map and compass its always good to be able to rely on the simpler tried and true methods....map and compass have been used for 100sof years and also what if your device runs out of electric i never use gps

Answer 8

Most backcountry hikers these days are probably carrying both a map and compass as well as a GPS, and a good altimeter is another great navigation tool if you are in elevated terrain. That being said, having a detailed topo map of the area, a compass, and the knowledge to use it should be considered prerequisites before venturing into any backcountry area. I love my GPS and tend to use it quite often when in the mountains, even though mine doesn't have a built-in topo (which can be very helpful). However, I ALWAYS make sure that every person in my group has their own map and compass and know how to use it in case of separation.



The thing you need to keep in mind is that a GPS can easily fail due to terrain, weather, or batteries, and they can be limited in terms of what they can do in some circumstances. A GPS signal can become sporadic and inaccurate in rough terrain. Using a map and compass forces you to really look around an analyze your surroundings, to match them up to the terrain on the map, and to critically think about your route. Sometimes when people use a GPS they never look up. That being said, in whiteouts or in dense forested areas it can be nearly impossible to identify landmarks and a GPS and/or altimeter can be very useful unless you already have a list of bearings for your route (which you often should). I ran into this issue on a small glacier in the Talkeetna mountains in Alaska once. Complete whiteout and the GPS couldn't power itself on for more than a couple seconds due to the cold. Luckily I knew which pass we had just come over and where we needed to exit the glacier, so we were able to follow that compass bearing with little issue.