Overheard a thru-hiker at the diner say he trashed his map on day 3 and still finished the PCT

I was grabbing breakfast near the trailhead in Cascade Locks last month, and this grizzled guy was telling his buddy he ditched his paper map and guidebook after 60 miles. Said he just used FarOut and asked other hikers about water sources and campsites. Honestly, it made me rethink my whole approach. I always carry a physical backup, but he had a point about weight and trusting the community. Has anyone else gone totally digital on a long route and regretted it or loved it?

2 comments

2 Comments

wade5581mo ago

“Trashed his map on day 3” is wild to me lol. I get wanting to save weight, but I’ve had my phone die at bad times way too often to trust it completely.

wren_smith441mo ago

Yep, dead phone hits different when you're miles from anywhere.