What do you carry GPS/Compass/Maps ?

[Manosteel]

Paper map and compass and gps. I also have Backcountry navigator on phone and the Delorme inreach.

 

[Finch]

Good thread. I don't really have any experience with backcountry navigation but I will this September. Never needed a compass/gps here in Virginia. Anyway, I recently bought the Suunto M-3DL Compass. It has the adjustable declination which I hear is recommended. Anyway, I don't know how much you know about compasses but I've learned a lot from this guy's tutorial on youtube. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSPZuMMIIrzrLiBIJ9KmyHYwaToje6GOX

Also, I just picked up a Garmin Etrex 20 for $50 down in C'burg last week. Pretty good deal. When all this snow melts, we need to plan that group hike.

 

[zman]

Use a paper map more than anything else... but have a delorme inreach paired with the Earthmate program on my phone which works like a charm

 

[Backpack Hunter]

GPS, compass, and map for me. I have been in a couple places where my compass wouldn't work, and a couple other places the GPS wouldn't pick up a signal so I have a little redundancy built in.

 

[Ben]

I carry all three. However, I mostly use my gps to track my mileage and mark different things. I actually enjoy the process of pulling out the map and planning the next day or reviewing where I'd been. I could easily do with the gps but never without the map.

I only have a gps now because I missed judged a distance once and found myself in a bad spot.

Looking bad, I can't remember the last time I used a compass. I normally go by terrain association.

 

[dreamingbig]

I carry all three. I mainly use GPS and compass but having a map is a necessary backup.

 

[charvey9]

If I'm out on a day hike or area I'm familiar with, usually just a GPS. On a longer trip or new spot, I also have a compass and map.

 

[SWVA_Tim]

Most definitely Finch ..... PM me next time your in Cburg or bburg.....So what brand model of compasses you all have? Compasses can get expensive rather quickly, do you really need a $75 compass? I just don't wanna get one and then find out I should've got something else...I doubt a used compass sells as quickly as some of the Kifaru packs around here

 

[Finch]

Will do.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FEWA6S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ArrowForester]

I carry map(s) and two compass when navigating in the field. I use these in conjunction with topography and landmark recognition to keep me oriented and moving the right direction. I do carry a back-up compass in case I break my primary. I have only ever broken one, and seen one other fail structurally, and that is with 25 years of use. Many of those years included mapping and navigation with multiple people also running a compass on a daily basis at work. And 90% of that compass work was with the Silva Ranger CL or CLQ. The Ranger does all that you will need and then some but there are simpler and less expensive models available that would also work for navigating the wilderness.
http://store.silvacompass.com/military-compasses-professional-compasses

Maps are invaluable and I would recommend both a topo map and a recent satellite image or aerial photo.

I have used professional grade GPS quite a bit and find that map and compass are as accurate as recreation grade GPS if you pay attention to detail as you traverse ground, particularly if there is some topo relief to work with. GPS, however, can be quite accurate and convenient when it can see the sky and the batteries are good.

Get familiar and comfortable with both compass and GPS and use the one you like the best, but always have a back-up compass.

 

[ArrowForester]

I received a sale circular yesterday for the Silva Ranger @ $44.50 through Forestry Suppliers.

 

[DudeFromOhio]

Anytime know where to get shaded relief topographic maps for a Garmin?

 

[SWVA_Tim]

Caltopo.com has shaded relief maps for garmin

 

[bourbon]

Anytime know where to get shaded relief topographic maps for a Garmin?

Have you tried here?

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

 

[unm1136]

I am one of those guys that hides about $40/month from my wife, and then upgrades my equipment in the summer before the season starts. A family of five on my income qualifies for food stamps in my state. As a result I have to really prioritize my purchases. As I gain experience and learn to trust and be confident in my map and compass skill the GPS is the absolute last thing I want to buy/upgrade/replace.

Maybe if I went and got food stamps I could afford more gear each year, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

pat