What happens to the folks who rely solely on their GPS units for navigating when their unit shuts down due to a malfunction, dead battery or damage when they are way out in the woods or trails?

Is it important to develop skills using a compass as a secondary means of navigation?

Has anyone had their GPS malfunction and found themselves up spit creek w/o a compass?

What was your experience getting back to camp or transport vehicle?

 

Though I do use a compass on occasions,my friend Chuck has a GPS,it has not failed us so far.

I have another method of finding my way back,I have Goodyear Mudrunners all the way around my quad,they leave a footprint unmatched by other make tires.I simple follow back my paw prints if I get lost.Dont laugh,its worked before.==Bill

 

Bill: I've followed my tracks before and its worked many times, as funny as it may seem. I rely on compass navigation when I can't find my tracks or trail.

Relying on following my tracks to find my way back is like dropping cornels of corn behind me only to not find any on the way out because they were eaten by the wildlife! lol!

 

Of course, a back-up to any system is good insurance & a small pocket compass would not require much room, in fact I have an auto type compass mounted on one of my quads with double sided carpet tape in addition to the gps mount.
Most gps units have a battery condition indicator so dead batteries should not be a surprise if not in service more than 24 hrs, in which case the replacements one should carry can be used.Also most of the newer units have 12V jacks to connect to the quad's outlet.

 

I just got my GPS unit last year and I relied on a compass (and a good sense of direction) for years. I also do a lot of hiking and got in the habit of always caring a compass on me plus one in my truck. It’s funny how people laugh at me because I use to be a Boy Scout but become my best friend when lost or they can’t get that fire started.

 

I only use my GPS to determine headings and a compass to determine bearings. A GPS relies on changes in your position to determine bearings. This becomes more difficult when you are walking through the woods at a very slow pace.

 

I carry both,only turn on gps to find where I'm at but it can be pluged into Quad and use quad battery.Always carry extra set of battery's just in case.I wouldn't think of going to new place without map and GPS compass.CM

 

IMHO, I think map reading and using a compass should be primary nav skills. I like the USGS "quadrant" maps with contour lines, as they are useful in determining your position in relation to "terrain elevation" (i.e. they illustrate hillsides). While I really like my Garmin E-Map with resident TOPO maps, I wouldn't think of exploring new areas without map and compass. BTW, the U.S. Army publishes a nav/map reading manual that's rather exhaustive, but pretty informative. It's available at www.cheaperthandirt.com. P.S., this is also a great source for cheap surplus military bags/packs/etc. that can be adapted to quads for carrying gear.