Quebec Run Wild Area
training hike
2015
Back to the soldiers in their ACUs (Army Combat Uniforms) in the woods. I say, “I notice you are using map and compass. I don’t see a single piece of electronic gear.”
“You mean like GPS?”
“That’s exactly what I mean. It’s all the rage among hikers who think it will keep them safe.”
GPS is the “Global Positioning System.” This is a government project where the U S Department of Defense put at least 24 satellites in orbit and, in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, it gives you important navigation information: speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, times of sunrise and sunset and a whole lot more.
“Yeah. GPS is really cool…” And then he said something in soldier speak. The accent sounded familiar but I didn’t recognize a single word. He must have noticed because he backed up and began again in a language with which I had a passing familiarity. To wit…
“As I was saying,” — he smiled — “GPS is really cool but if you don’t know what you are doing, it’s easy to be misled.” He begins again to explain something in soldier speak but thankfully, he reverts back into regular speak. “Even if you do know what you are doing, it’s easy to get lost or misplaced. That’s why we use maps. They are far more reliable. I think that if you want to use GPS, you’d better have a map anyway, and know how to use it.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Unfortunately many people who venture into the backcountry have the mistaken belief that, no matter where you are, no matter what the terrain, weather or conditions, a GPS is the answer to any problem that may arise.
While GPS has gotten more accurate, it can still be incorrect. Or sometimes it will point you directly to trailhead and safety, but there may be an unfordable stream between you and your vehicle or it may be impossible to negotiate a nettle-infested, treacherous drop off a cliff. GPS can’t see that.
Worse, if a rescue is necessary, that cell phone with the emergency number you wisely programmed in before your hike, probably won’t even get reception.
Maps also give you a better perspective of the terrain. If you squint just right with a topographic map, you can see the rise and fall of the landscape.
As my new soldier friends might say, Hooah!