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There are two types of electronic devices you can use to augment a map and compass for hiking navigation: dedicated GPS Handhelds or Smartphone Navigation apps that use the GPS reception technology built into Smartphones and can be used even if you are out of cell phone service range or your phone is in airplane mode. Both can display a map with your current location, plan, display, or share routes with others, and create a track depicting your hike so you can backtrack or share it with others.
The biggest differences between a dedicated GPS Handheld and a Smartphone are durability and battery life. GPS Handhelds have a longer battery, are rugged, and are waterproof or water-resistant. They’re often single-purpose (although some higher-end models have satellite messaging) and can only be used for navigating, compared to a Smartphone, which can be used as a phone or camera and run other applications like plant, flower, or mountain profile identification apps. But Smartphones have smaller batteries than GPS handheld devices; they’re often not waterproof and are much more fragile. Still, they’re sufficient for most day hiking and even backpacking trips, provided you reinforce them with a phone case and screen cover and bring along a battery pack, which many hikers do.
Another big difference between GPS Handhelds and Smartphone Navigation Apps is the maps they use, their quality, and how frequently they’re updated. GPS receivers usually have one built-in topographic map that depicts landscape features, trails, and roads but are seldom updated. In comparison, Smartphone navigation apps come with many maps, including sports-specific ones, that are frequently updated. While app users must download portions of these maps before using them when disconnected from cell phone service, the fact that they are included with the app for free and updated frequently makes them a desirable alternative to using a GPS handheld device. This and the convenience of having one device that can serve multiple purposes explains why Smartphone Navigation Apps have largely replaced dedicated GPS receiver use among most hikers and backpackers.
Recommended GPS Handheld Receivers
Garmin dominates the GPS Handheld market and sells a wide range of devices, from budget battery-powered models to high-end devices with rechargeable batteries that can last hundreds of hours and connect to multiple GPS satellites for higher accuracy. Here are the models we recommend across different price points.
- The Garmin GPS 67i has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 180 hours of battery life in standard mode and up to 840 hours in expedition mode. It has a crisp colored display and connects to multiple GPS satellites for increased accuracy. In addition to being waterproof, it includes satellite messaging and the ability to send out SOS signals in an emergency.
- The Garmin Montana 700i has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an 18-hour battery life. It has a large, high-resolution colored display, includes satellite messaging, and can send out SOS signals in an emergency.
- The Garmin eTrex 32 is powered by 2 AA batteries that last up to 25 hrs. before needing replacement. It has a colored display with easy-to-push buttons and a built-in compass and barometric altimeter.
GPS Handheld and Navigation App Shortcomings
For all their benefits, GPS receivers and Smartphone Navigation apps do not replace the need to carry a paper map and compass. While it is true that they can run out of power or break, the main reason you want to carry a map, preferably a waterproof version, is that it’s likely to be the most accurate representation of the trail system available. Map publishers regularly check and update physical maps, especially ones specific to a particular region or park. The same can’t be said of the maps that come with GPS handheld receivers or Smartphone navigation apps, especially those that come with out-of-date maps or crowdsourced data that include misnamed trails or unmaintained “herd” trails, list incorrect elevations and mileages, or omit important land features like waters sources.
It’s also common for GPS Handheld receivers and Smartphone Navigation Apps to underestimate or overestimate the distance or elevation gain that you’ve hiked or climbed if you use one to track your route as you hike it. This occurs because the devices only connect to the satellite periodically rather than continuously, which introduces mathematical errors in the metric they tabulate.
GPS Handheld and Navigation App Benefits
Why are GPS-enabled devices so popular if they can’t be relied on? They have a few important benefits that waterproof maps don’t. First, they can tell you exactly where you are on a topographic map and your elevation, give or take a hundred feet or so. This is useful if you have an up-to-date topographic paper map because it can help you locate yourself along the trail you’ve been hiking. Plus, they can help you backtrack to the beginning of your hike if you’ve tracked your progress, which can be helpful if you’ve taken a complicated route or forgotten where you parked your car. Many people also like to share their tracks with others or compile metrics about their hikes such as speed or distance hiked, which are facilitated by using a GPS-enabled device or application.
Despite these benefits, people can successfully hike without a GPS-enabled device, using a map to “stay found” by noting their location at trail junctions or major landmarks while using a compass to confirm they are headed in the right direction. If you’re a beginner hiker, we recommend perfecting these skills before adding a dedicated GPS or Smartphone Navigation App to your trail navigation toolkit. In our view, the two skill sets complement each other, helping to increase the certainty in which you can locate yourself along a trail, particularly in low visibility conditions or on more remote trails that are not as well blazed or maintained.
Recommended Smartphone Navigation Apps
Many different Smartphone Navigation Apps are available today, but here’s a list of the most popular ones.
Alltrails is a Smartphone app for finding popular hikes in a specific area, reading user reviews about them, and following routes other users have recorded. You can also download topographic maps of the routes for offline use when you don’t have a cell phone signal. The trail names and routes are crowdsourced and often not fact-checked, so it’s important to check the routes using a reputable paper map of the trails so they match the trail signs you’ll encounter when hiking as they’ve been known to differ. While the user reviews provided in Alltrails are dated, it’s important to realize that the trail conditions may change seasonally and that the experience level of the authors can vary considerably.
Avenza Maps is a Smartphone app that displays GPS-enabled versions of curated paper maps from map publishers that are updated regularly and can be purchased through the app. These are downloaded and can be used with cell phone access or offline. Avenza Maps is also the standard app used by government agencies including the United States Geologic Survey (USGS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Park Service (NPS), the United States Forest Service (USFS), and others for distributing maps that are regularly updated and free for public use.
FarOut Guides is also known as “Guthook”, the trail name of the original app author Ryan Lynn. FarOut publishes maps of many long-distance hiking trails. These routes are curated for accuracy by hikers employed by FarOut Guides or by the trail organizations responsible for maintaining the trails. Each trail is purchased separately and downloaded to the app. The trails have accurate trailhead, shelter, campsite, and water source information displayed on a topographic map or as an elevation profile.
GaiaGPS is a general-purpose navigation app that lets you create routes, record tracks, and compile statistics you can share with others, including other navigation apps. It contains numerous maps that you can use singly or layer on top of one other to highlight different landscape features. The included maps are not curated for completeness and may include inaccurate or out-of-date crowdsourced or historical map data. One of the chief benefits of using GaiaGPS is that it includes topographic maps for very large regions to plan out alternate or novel routes. These can used with cell phone access or downloaded to a Smartphone for offline use. GaiaGPS can also be accessed through a web-based interface, which provides online tools for planning new routes or discovering ones published by other users.
OnX Backcountry lets you create routes, record tracks, post public trip reports, and compile statistics you can share with others. It contains numerous maps and data layers that can be superimposed to highlight different landscape features. The included maps are not curated for accuracy or completeness. OnX Backcountry includes topographic maps for very large regions to plan your routes. These can used with cell phone access or downloaded to a Smartphone for offline use. OnX Hunt and OnX Offroad are similar, with enhanced maps for hunting and offroading, including land ownership boundaries and vegetation cover.
Caltopo is a general-purpose navigation app that lets you create routes, record tracks, and compile statistics you can share with others, including other navigation apps. It also features powerful printing options, including the ability to generate GeoPDF files that can be used to navigate in Avenza Maps or sent to a third-party printing service for printing on heavy paper stock or waterproof paper. Caltopo was originally developed for backcountry first responders and includes many advanced features for coordinating teams. It contains numerous maps and data layers that you can use singly or layer on top of one other to highlight different landscape features. The included maps are not curated for completeness and may include inaccurate or out-of-date crowdsourced or historical map data. Caltopo includes topographic maps for very large regions to plan out alternate or novel routes. These can used with cell phone access or downloaded to a Smartphone for offline use. Caltopo can also be accessed through a web-based interface or a desktop application. While the Caltopo app is not as refined or usable as the GaiaGPS or OnX apps, it’s a powerful tool for an expert user.
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In addition to the apps listed here I’ve started using CalTopo. It’s similar to Gaia/OnX but has a tie in to a printing service. So after I plan out my route I can have a 12×18” double sided waterproof paper map printed and sent to me. Easier than trying to wrangle waterproof paper through my printer at home!
I used Caltopo for many years as a web planning tool for generating paper maps, but was very dissatisfied with their app. I suppose its worth another look.
I have been downloading Caltopo maps onto the Avenza App on my cell phone for navigation but maybe that step is unnecessary? Will the blue dot be on the Caltopo map without Avenza?
As I’ve said, I only use Caltopo to make paper maps. Caltopo does generate GeoPDF however, so it should work in Avenza. I just haven’t tried it or the Caltopo app for some time.
I will say I don’t love their app. And I prefer how maps from Gaia look (and their app is pretty good), but for printing CalTopo is the best I’ve found yet. I lead Scout trips and do planning online and then print maps for the Scouts to use. I’m hoping the waterproof paper maps that CalTopo prints will be more durable than home prints off my inkjet are!
Caltopo desktop is great. I print to pdf then read into the Avenza app.
Another vote for CalTopo. Easier to share with folks who only have a free account. Links live to google earth and has “slope angle shading; both useful for planning off trail routes. Have tested all the others and not found anything equivalent. As noted nice prints available. I have Gaia (likely to discontinue due to amount of junk Outside sends), and a free version of AllTrails.
CalTopo doesn’t have nearly as much social information but then again some of what it does have is not in the others like remote campsite (takes some searching around though). Also I’ve set up some custom overlays to identify areas with slope between 0 and 5 degrees for possible camp.
FWIW I know first hand that the rangers at Yosemite, Death Valley, and Nevada State Parks use it (in the last two years).
Another vote for CalTopo.
The app blows. Slightly better than a few years ago, but GaiaGPS and OnX are so much better in terms of usability. You need to be an expert user to use Caltopo. It pains me to say this because I have a gazillion trip plans in Caltopo created using the web-based tool.
Wow! This is such a useful article. Wish I had known this all before trying these apps. And yes, CalTopo is the hardest to use and most stripped down compared to all of these others. I use Alltrails to find hikes when I travel to a new area and GaiaGPS for tracking. I like the ability to know when sunrise and sunset times are in addition to the other options that app provides.
Am I the only person who thinks it’s criminal for GPS apps and handheld receivers to knowingly publish incomplete or incorrect maps ? Sound like FarOut and Avenza maps are the only ones that publish trustworthy and curated data!
FarOut is nearly useless for off-trail travel and the maps are very incomplete.
CalTopo- MapBuilder Topo is based on OSM ( and updated several times a year from that. You can correct things on OSM which will eventually show up on CT.
It also has Scanned Topos (recent USGS quads which may show older unmaintained trails), historic quads are available as an overlayForest Service maps (2016 if they exist where you are going), and TF Outdoors (Thunderforest also based on OSM). I’ve found all to be generally accurate for trails and topography. Occasionally they are missing a designated camp site.
Well – I’ve had a very different experience with OSM and there are SO many errors it’s simply not worth recording the changes. Misnamed mountains, incorrect elevations, wrong trail names, herd paths and bushwhack tracks that are marked as trails. It’s no wonder people get lost.
+1 for CalTopo. For those using Gaia or OnX, do these offer estimated travel times, route stats, popularity routes, Sentinel Weekly imagery? I use all these for planning.
Not sure what you mean by Route Stats but GAIA does not give estimated travel, popularity or weekly imagery. If you use those then you would not get it from GAIA. I personally find estimated travel calculations (on any app or book) virtually useless. If you keep personal regular statistics of your hike you can probably come up with a more accurate “book time for me”.
I am an old soldier that learned Land Nav and Artillery Gunnery without computers or GPS. But I still can’t understand this archaic idea that paper maps are essential. They are updated, but not at the rate you think. And if you aren’t checking the datum and downloading and printing, or buying a new paper copy, before almost every outing, they are the same as app maps not updated. And if you truly cannot read a map and use a compass, still gonna get lost. Seen it on the land navigation course too many times.
GPS apps and devices are the new standard even in the military. Time to push the app development to get better in updating digital maps. And for hikers to do a better job with battery power management (turn of Spotify and Instagram for example and save your power for navigation and communication).
Change my mind.
Ever try navigating through dense forest with a cell phone? You need to follow a bearing. That’s hard to do if you constantly have to look at your phone which is burning battery power. A compass is much easier to see and uses no power.
Your article says hiking not bushwhacking off trail. And while I haven’t used a phone app for extensive bushwacking for miles, it is usually sufficient for short distance. And I have used a GPS to travel cross country for kilometers. An orienteering compass is indeed easy to use. But you still need to be able to read a map. And most hikers can’t or won’t learn. Map and compass is a specialty field craft for those that want that experience. But to the average wider hiking community, it’s a bridge too far. Technology is here to stay and the outdoor community needs to find ways to make it better. And not harken back to the good old days. As a bushwhacker, off gridder, survivalist, go for the old way. It can be fun. But hikers do not need maps and compasses. They need reliable technology, that granted, they too must learn to use
That is true, that I said hiking, not bushwhacking. But I’d be sad to think that map reading and being able to orient a map is a bridge to far for hikers. But until the technology gets good (the maps really do suck), I’ll stick with paper maps published and currated the old way and not put all my eggs in the digital basket. I think you want to learn both methods (digital and maps/compass) and use the most appropriate one in the ciurcumstances.
I do a lot of off trail hiking and peakbagging, and I find CalTopo on the web to be exceptional for planning hikes. Between all of its map layer options, LiDAR data, parcel data , trail snapping capabilities, and being able to manually georeference images of maps from other sources, it does almost everything I could ask of it. And the app, much improved from just a few years ago, is the primary app I use on my phone since it syncs with everything I do online in the web app.
But it’s not perfect. I also use the Peakbagger app on every hike because it does a few things better even though the maps aren’t as good (except for having Google satellite imagery which the Caltopo mobile app does not – though you do have to have a data signal to view the Google Maps, or have the area of interest in cache from looking at it previously). Plus, in addition to logging your peaks in peakbagger.com, you can also have it simultaneously log the same peaks in listsofjohn.com. And for peakbagging, the trip reports and uploaded tracks from other users are extremely helpful, and can be downloaded for offline use along with the maps.
I also use the avenza app, primarily for trails illustrated maps, just as an overview for large areas, or for the maps that many state parks, etc. make available on the platform.
That said, I also get data from a lot of other sources in the planning stages at home, including AllTrails and other more reliable sources, And use Google Earth Pro on desktop when I need to see older Winter time aerial imagery that the current imagery in Google, Bing, and Esri maps may not have.
And while I’m not necessarily condoning this, there used to be a time, 25 years ago, when I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to have a GPS. Within 10 years that had completely changed and I was addicted to GPS, though I still carried a map and compass. But once smartphones got better and more weather resistant, and the apps much improved, I completely abandoned my GPS in favor of them (the same can be said for my point-and-shoot cameras which I no longer use). And while I do occasionally still carry a paper map and always a compass, I prefer to familiarize myself with the lay of the land beforehand, and at least on more involved and consequential hikes, I prefer to have a backup phone in my pack more than a paper map. While I still enjoy occasionally looking at printed maps, and used to buy them left and right, I bet I’ve only bought one or two in the past several years.
on this I agree with you Philip. I have had the experience of getting misplaced in the Scottish Highlands. I sat down to make tea (the Irish solution to such catastrophes) but quickly found I had no iPhone power left so i no longer had AllTrails or the topomaps and routes I had uploaded. The good news was that I have good paper maps and compass and so was able to sit and enjoy my tea knowing I could reorient myself and contour around the mountain I had gone down the wrong side of. I knew I should be heading 140 degrees and not 350!
When flying small pannes I came to rely on the great G1000 glass cockpit system with its updated maps and situational awareness. Those of us using Alltrails or the great Hiiker App for Ireland should realize that iPhones are not of the same reliability as commercial or military kit. Never ever leave onto trails without paper and compass and the skills to use them. There are too many sad results.
Of course, knowing both digital and traditional methods is worthwhile and opens up opportunities. But interact with younger generations for extended time and we see he analog methods just do not resonate.
As for updates, paper maps take a long time to update, print, and distribute, if “curated the old way”. Pull out a topographic map you bought six months ago or longer and look at the date. How old is it? Is it still accurate? Maybe. Probably. But how do I really know?
We are probably the same age or at least generation. But I haven’t used a paper map for outdoor activities since I left the 10th Mountain Div in 1998. The answer is not to rely on old paper maps that most people won’t use, but push app development to update digital maps accurately and frequently.
The app companies are not incented to update the map content. I’m not hopeful of that changing. We (the people) pulled funding from USGS to update maps and there’s no other authority with the required scope to fill the void exxcept small map publishers.
Devices can be lost or broken and unless one can navigate and has a map and compass with one and be able to use it one is up the creek without a paddle. I know of an orienteer totally dependent upon his device but somewhere in thick scrub he lost his phone. He had no idea where he was and then had to use his personal locator beacon and await rescue.
Tbh we essentially agree. I am maybe too focused on semantics. Map and compass is useful skill. But not essential imho. What I believe is essential is that outdoor digital development and updates needs to get better because that is what will ultimately be used by most people. And may even save a life because they won’t have to rely on Google Maps.
Some interesting info about GPS accuracy here
https://training.caltopo.com/all_users/resources/accuracy2
I always carry and use a compass, nowadays I carry two after breaking one at the end of a hike. I also always carry a map, and an extra copy (printed from CalTopo at 1:24,000)
I carry a phone, and InReach Mini and battery backup. FWIW once off trail my battery was down and I went to recharge with a full 10K battery pack. The phone said the USB port was not working and could not charge. I messed with it for about 15 minutes and got it working. But a word to the wise. I can’t imagine going beyond the parking lot not knowing how to use a map and compass, it ain’t rocket science or even reading the stars.
I was dealing with a situation one time involving lost hikers and when I tried to charge my phone using a juice pack so I could stay in touch with other searchers, I learned I had a bad cord. Now, I carry TWO cords.
I should have added this to the comment above: Now, I also buy top of the line cords.
Another Caltopo user here. It does have a learning curve but there are learning resources available for every feature of the app. Maybe it’s more than a casual weekend hiker needs, but it’s almost essential if you plan your own routes.
The online browser-based tool is very useful for planning both on- and off-trail routes. And the app is highly functional in the field as a standalone tool. I can make nav decisions more quickly and move faster using my phone compared to a paper map. The slope shading map layer is your friend when planning winter routes to minimize avy exposure. I also appreciate the ability to leave my anticipated route with others when I go out, or to share it with people on my trip.
I think the most important element of any app is to use it. Picking a specific app is secondary. That said, it’s easy to spend a lot of time creating a library of your routes so try to pick an app that supports your use case, both current and future.
I use a Garmin etrex 20. No touch screen so not impacted by Rain Waterproof, works with gloves and 2 AA batteries last a week.
Downsides are the clunky Garmin PC interface and the price of their maps. The screen is small but that doesn’t matter. I’m used to paper maps with contour lines so like that on my etrex. I do use third party maps however.
I have had phones give up in the cold and I know my etrex will still work if dropped and I prefer to keep my phone for emergencies using minimum battery.
It clips on my backpack strap, tracks my movement and is accurate even under tree cover. They are for sale second hand for reasonable prices.
Have to say that the old Garmin PC interface is atrocious.
I prefer to use Gaia. With the cell phone screen brightness turned down, I have more than sufficient power for a day. Most of the time I can go 3 days without recharging. You have to be mindful to turn off your phone and only briefly have it on. Even bushwhacking is fine with my cell phone. And I do 10-day stents of canoeing in The Boundary Waters. But then I bring a power bank. I do have a Garmin in reach but it’s only used for emergency. I think Garmin is lousy for navigation. Cell phones do it much better. The weather ability of cell phones is plenty good nowadays.
I have used paper Trail maps, and a compass for years with great success
Yep. That’s what I recommend to all people starting out too. You don’t even need a compass if you stick to well defined trails and “stay-found” by noting trail junctions and landmarks on your map. I did it for years – and still do mostly.
I have used the CalTopo desktop app for years. I create waypoints and routes, export a gpx file, upload to my old Garmin 64sx handheld. Works great and never failed me. All I generally need to see on the gps is if I am on route or off as I know my route from my hike planning. I also export a pdf map with lats and longs and send that to my phone in case I need to see a map. The slope shading feature on CalTopo is essential here for winter hikes. I dislike using the phone where I have to constantly input a passcode and run an app. The gps is always on. My phone battery life is not that great and I want to preserve that. I carry an extra battery for the gps but rarely have used it.
For those of us who still like paper maps, it is useful to know how to plot UTM coordinates. If your dead reckoning fails (or you just want to double check it), use your phone or GPS handheld to find your UTM coordinates, plot them on your map and you will know exactly where you are.
It’s built into handhelds, but phone users will have to download an app beforehand.
Map and compass since my childhood days. Then I learned to supplement with an altimeter. When basic GPS came out (just location, no internal maps), we used that to confirm location. USGS Maps got supplemented with Wildflower CD’s who were then purchased by Nat Geo- the ability to make customized maps with routes on it was awesome! When the Suunto Vector came out, I replaced my basic altimeter since now I hade a second backup compass on it. Then Etrex with built in maps. Then GAIA replaced my old CDs. Unfortunately, GAIA has become awful in terms of stability and pricing plus there is no actual manual and customer service is pretty much non-existent- so I have been using CalTopo for the last year and vastly prefer it- although I am probably at high intermediate level at this point. It’s a shame GAIA has regressed so much but it’s a POS these days. Now I plan in CalTopo- create routes on my desktop, print out maps at Staples and carry my phone with a battery pack, a Garmin Instinct Solar ABC watch, a compass and customized paper maps (mostly for teaching Scouts about how to read terrain and locate themselves on a map- because doing that on a phone kinda sucks). Oh yeah- and a Garmin Messenger which can also act as a battery pack in a pinch.
I don’t really agree to the battery statements, depending on the smartphone and what energy saving mode one uses, their battery live is almost identical to the GPS devices listed if not better than the second and third recommended ones.
I assume that the color big display trend is one of the reasons they are getting closer together, they are definitely more rugged than a smartphone.
The apps and map material is also very much dependent on which country they’re used in.
I have used Gaia for years now. I have used it on many backpacking trips and travel around the globe. For backpacking back up, I bring a paper map and compass.
Gaia advantages – takes advantage of the great graphics and screen, in my case, of the iPhone 14. Virtually unlimited maps are included with the annual fee. Intuitive and easy to use interface. The iPhone is pretty bullet proof hardware but the disadvantage is limited battery life. For multiday trips, I bring a Nitcore charger which is light and can recharge fully at least two times.
Other than an InReach, I have not used Garmin GPS units recently. My recollection from my sailing days, when I used a hand held for navigation, was that the Garmin had a clumsy interface, poor graphics compared to the iPhone and their business model seems to charge you fees all the time.
I much prefer Gaia on recent vintage iPhone.
Mapout is the winner for me. It lets you download OSM tile variants for anywhere in the world offline, has a simple clear user interface and no subscription. It focuses on professional tools rather than ‘discovery’ and sharing of trails
Regarding the comment by Lars that the apps and maps is dependent on the country, I fully agree. There’s a lot of hiking and through routes in Spain, where I live. Here, myself and many others use WikiLoc, which was developed here, and was an Apple App of the Year. It has wide usage and extensive posted hikes, and comes in both iPhone and Android versions. For traveler’s, it has an excellent “Explore” function with search for hikes starting, ending or passing through a map point is for searching by trail name, a town, the area or long distance route.
A dedicated GPS device (I have a Garmin Rino with AA battery pack) has proven invaluable in situations where you are hiking (hiking out in my use case) at night and want to follow your tracks to avoid stepping off a ‘cliff’ that you cannot see in your headlamp. The replaceable AA batteries are key to staying out for more than a couple days. I have used a number of cell phones with a number of apps, but they have not proven reliable in my use case.
I think we’re fortunate that we live in a time of so many options and can have a “debate” on what’s best. 25 years ago this article might have highlighted the various features of different compasses – and that would be about it. I’m a believer that basic use of a map & compass is something that people hiking should know.
I use GAIA to record my hikes and find their phone/online UI’s pretty intuitive. My Garmin watch gives a second digital alternative for ABC. I’m mostly staying on-trail in area’s that I’m pretty familiar with the terrain I might encounter.
I carry a paper map, usually a biggish one that has my whole route on it, along with a compass. I have an ancient GPS without a coordinate screen, and a more modern Garmin unit, but no longer feel the need to carry wither one. I hardly ever use the paper map, but frequently use the compass together with Gaia on my cell phone, especially when off trail. You can take a bearing and follow it with the compass pretty easily. I have found Gaia, even with its shortcomings, far superior to Alltrails. Far Out seems to me to have deteriorated since it has gotten so big, and I don’t use the social functions, but finding water and campsites can be easier with Far Out, in my experience. Gaia has world wide coverage, and I have found it useful in both Greece and Taiwan- staying found takes some effort, but getting unlost is tougher.
For over 30 years, I’ve been navigating both land and sea. Throughout this time, there have always been heated debates about technology—the dos and don’ts. People often reminisce about ‘the old days’ and say, ‘In our time, we did it this way.’ But at the end of the day, I always remind my students of a quote I learned 35 years ago: ‘Always have a way out.’
This advice applies not just to navigation but to everyday life. Don’t put yourself in a situation you can’t escape from. (why I don’t every enter a fairground attraction – hahah)
Whether that means carrying a map, a GPS watch, or a smartphone or a sextant, it’s important to always have an exit plan. Don’t rely on ‘just in case’; ensure you have a way out of every situation.
Problem with “versus” is always polarizing. Life isn’t linear and polarized …