Debate: Paper maps vs. GPS on the Pacific Crest Trail near Kennedy Meadows

I used to swear by paper maps for everything, back when I first hit the PCT in 2015. But after a 3-day stretch near Kennedy Meadows where my map got soaked and tore, I switched to a GPS app on my phone. Now I see folks arguing that paper is more reliable since batteries die, while GPS gives you real-time altitude and trail status. What do you guys use for longer stretches like the Sierra section, and has anyone else gone back to paper after a phone fail?

2 comments

2 Comments

anna75814d ago

Did Dave have any backups or was he just totally screwed until he found a town? I can't imagine going three days without any navigation, even with the sun.

aaron89614d ago

My buddy Dave dropped his phone in the Kern River and spent three days navigating by sun and guesswork.