Navigating without GPS

[Hardshell]

I went hunting in some backcountry last fall and my phone died halfway through the day. I realized pretty quickly I'd gotten way too dependent on GPS and my map reading skills were rusty, I managed to find my way out but it was humbling. How many of you still practice traditional navigation with compass and map? It feels like it's a skill we're losing

 

[URIT]

You're right. Map reading is a skill most of Americans have either lost or never had. I lost mine years ago, so at 79 I stay out of the woods.

An extra battery for the phone or better yet an additional phone with GPS might be a good call.

 

[PapaGeorgio]

Im old enough to remember when we had to navigate by the stars. I still sucked at it. I think just being aware and making mental notes would help. I should do that more myself. I completely rely on navigation now, just doing whatever it says.

 

[thegunnut]

I have in days gone by traveled a bigger part of the country via Rand McNally Atlas but now rely on phone map so always have a phone charger in my truck.

 

[Daze]

Humbling is the right word, relying solely on GPS is a critical vulnerability. In a true survival or widespread disaster scenario, you cannot assume satellites will be functional or that you can recharge your devices. You need to view the map and compass not as traditional practice but as your primary, redundant system. Anyways, always carry a compass that can adjust for magnetic declination and a map of the area you are in. You must drill the skill of taking a pace count and applying it to map distance. Navigation should be treated like your first aid training, it should be non-negotiable, frequently rehearsed skill, not a quaint hobby...your life depends on it.

 

[Native_Tarheel]

Have a GPS in each vehicle I own and there are two iPhones and 3 iPads with map capabilities. Never need any of them...my wife always tells me where to go and how to get there

 

[Hardshell]

You're right. Map reading is a skill most of Americans have either lost or never had. I lost mine years ago, so at 79 I stay out of the woods.

An extra battery for the phone or better yet an additional phone with GPS might be a good call.

That’s understandable, and good call on the backup phone or battery. I’m realizing tech can fail fast out there, so I’m trying to brush up on compass skills again, old-school reliability never hurts.

 

[Hardshell]

Im old enough to remember when we had to navigate by the stars. I still sucked at it. I think just being aware and making mental notes would help. I should do that more myself. I completely rely on navigation now, just doing whatever it says.

Haha, I get that! I’ve caught myself doing the same, just following the GPS without thinking. Making mental notes and staying aware definitely helps, even if we still lean on tech sometimes.