Are you considering spending money on a fancy new GPS
device? Hold on before you do and consider this. Personally, I am a fan of GPS,
but I don’t think its worth the cost to have a dedicated GPS device. There is
an alternative in your pocket! Most Smartphones have a built-in GPS receiver that
will work without cell reception. There are many apps that have similar
functionality to a dedicated GPS. Google Maps app is common, its free and works offline.
But beware that many trails are not shown and the Terrain feature is mostly
useless for backcountry navigation. If you use Google Maps, try it out a few times before leading a
group into the outdoors with it!
I highly recommend Gaia GPS app for iPhone and Android.
The app is only $20. This is probably the best maps app for backcountry
locations. It has topo maps which can be downloaded for any location (this must
be done over Wi-Fi) and subscriptions are not necessary as with other apps that
don’t have an upfront cost. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a good old
map and compass. I recommend having both a print map/compass and a GPS. I use a
map and compass primarily, its quick and preserves battery life of your digital
device. I have a GPS app so I can cross-check my position from time to time.
Another benefit of using this tandem approach is that printed maps will
sometimes have local info that digital maps might not such as newer trails,
iconic points of interest (POI), water sources, and other useful tips. Digital
maps allow for zooming in and out and measuring distance more easily. Plus, if
one gets wet or lost, you have a backup.
Deciding on the proper set up depends greatly on your needs
and budget. A Smartphone can double as a communication device in areas with
service. If you travel into the backcountry in the eastern United States, you will
often have at least one or two bars; enough to send a text (many locations now
offer 911 emergency text support). More towers are going up all the time. The western
U.S.A. and other countries might not have the same coverage. If communication with
the outside world is a necessity for your ministry, you may consider purchasing
a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). There are several different options on the
market. Read more about them here. I encourage you to do your
own research online or by talking to a sales expert at your local outdoor
retailer.
If you want the comfort of a GPS device and you don’t have a
large budget, look for a unit such as the Garmin eTrex or Magellan eXplorist.
These are great as for an organization or club because anyone can use them. An app
will be on only one person’s phone. They have long battery life and are usually
waterproof. You can carry a few spare batteries just in case. Then, everyone
can leave their phones and enjoy nature without interruptions or risk of loss.
If you have a tight budget a GPS app is still probably the way to
go. But if you like simplicity and leaving your phone in the car, but
want the added security of GPS, there is another option. Bushnell makes a
device called Backtrack. It is a simplified GPS unit. It displays no maps,
but it can mark any location, and then guide you back with its built-in digital
compass. They have two main models, the Personal Locator at $50, and the D-tour
at $85. The Personal Locator can mark up to 3 locations with the click of a
button. The D-tour can do 5. The D-tour also tells you your rate of travel,
altitude, the temperature, and atmospheric pressure. What this offers is easy
navigation back to the vehicle or camp. Note, you must mark these locations
while there. You cannot enter coordinates into these devices.
I like the Backtrack because it offers near foolproof use. I
have led outdoor trips where I was the only competent map and GPS user. This is
concerning because if I get hurt, everyone else is as good as lost. I can
demonstrate use of the Backtrack in about 2 minutes, much quicker than a map
and compass or full feature GPS. The Backtrack is simple enough a young kid can
use it. If a leader gets hurt, another leader or even participants can follow
the digital compass to get back to camp or the car and help. All they must do
is stick to the trail and go in the direction the arrow points. The Backtrack
is cheap enough you might consider purchasing 2 or 3 for trip staff. I like
having one as an added layer of security that doesn’t break the bank.
Finally, there is a hybrid option. But it comes with a hefty
price tag, around $500. It is the Garmin InReach (previously Delorme). It is a
hybrid device because it is both a GPS and a PLB. The newer models can also
provide you with weather updates for a subscription. This is the ultimate in
security. It has all the bells and whistles you could need or want. It offers
color topo maps, GPS texting for non-emergency communication, and a PLB feature
that alerts search and rescue to your location. If you can afford it, I do
recommend it.
If your ministry does not have the budget, consider
purchasing one of these options yourself and bring them along for added safety.
But remember, none of these options are a replacement for a traditional map and
compass and the skill to use them. As stated previously, I always take a print map,
compass, and GPS. No tools can replace skills in backcountry navigation. If you
have never learned skills in this area, you should. Start by watching some
videos on the internet or reading a book. Then get instruction from a skilled
teacher. Teach them to your staff and participants. Everyone enjoys learning
how to find their way outdoors!
Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: czu_czu_PL via Pixabay.com