Got into it with a JMT purist about using GPS vs paper maps on the trail

Last summer on the John Muir Trail near Muir Trail Ranch, this guy saw me pulling out my phone to check the route and started lecturing me about how real backpackers use paper maps and compasses. He said I was risking a dead battery and ruining the wilderness experience. But honestly, my GPS has saved me twice when fog rolled in and I couldn't see landmarks. I get the backup argument, but paper maps get wet and rip easily too. What do you all rely on more for navigation on long trips, digital or hard copy?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_luna1mo ago

Ugh that guy sounds like he was on a serious power trip haha. I had a buddy on the PCT last year who did the whole paper map thing and ended up taking a wrong turn in Desolation Wilderness for like 3 miles because his map got a water stain right over a key junction. We both use GPS as our main and keep a paper backup in a ziplock just in case. Honestly whatever keeps you safe and on trail is the right call, purists can stay mad.

david8211mo ago

Used to be a paper map purist myself but hearing stories like that changed my mind.