I got turned around on the PCT near Sisters because I was just following my buddy's GPS track.

Now I always check the actual map and compass for the next turn before I start hiking each morning, does anyone else have a simple routine to avoid that kind of drift?

3 comments

3 Comments

rodriguez.felix1mo ago

That "straight drop" story sounds pretty wild... but honestly, how often does that really happen? Most trails are pretty well marked, and a quick glance at the real map usually sorts it out. Feels like people are making a bigger deal out of a simple wrong turn.

fiona_murphy1mo ago

Following a GPS track" reminds me of the time my friend led us straight into a creek bed.

the_brian1mo ago

My buddy was using one of those hiking apps last summer and it took him right off a cliff edge. He had to get rescued by park rangers because the trail just stopped existing. The map showed a solid line but it was basically a straight drop. He still won't use GPS for anything but driving now.