Backpacking is an exciting and adventurous activity that allows you to explore the great outdoors and experience nature at its finest. However, navigating through unfamiliar terrain can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. That’s where GPS navigation comes in handy. With the help of GPS technology, you can easily navigate through the wilderness and find your way to your destination. In this blog post, we’ll explore how GPS navigation can make backpacking easier and more enjoyable.
We’ll discuss the benefits of using GPS devices, how to choose the right one for your needs, and provide tips on how to use them effectively. So, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, read on to discover how GPS navigation can enhance your next outdoor adventure.
Why GPS Navigation is Essential for Backpacking
Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it can be challenging to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Fortunately, GPS navigation has made backpacking much easier and more accessible to everyone.
Accurate and Reliable Directions
One of the biggest advantages of using GPS navigation for backpacking is that it provides accurate and reliable directions. Unlike traditional maps, which can be difficult to read and interpret, GPS devices provide clear and concise directions that are easy to follow. This makes it much easier for backpackers to navigate through unfamiliar terrain and find their way to their destination.
Tracking Progress and Monitoring Route
Another advantage of using GPS navigation for backpacking is that it allows you to track your progress and monitor your route. GPS devices can track your location and provide you with real-time updates on your progress, including your speed, distance traveled, and estimated time of arrival. This makes it much easier to plan your route and adjust your pace as needed.
Exploring New Areas and Discovering New Trails
In addition to providing accurate directions and tracking your progress, GPS navigation also allows you to explore new areas and discover new trails. With the help of GPS devices, you can easily find new trails and explore new areas that you may not have discovered otherwise. This can make backpacking much more exciting and adventurous, as you can explore new areas and discover new sights and sounds.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Dangerous Situations
One of the biggest challenges of backpacking is staying safe and avoiding dangerous situations. GPS navigation can help with this by providing you with information about potential hazards and dangers in the area. For example, GPS devices can provide you with information about steep inclines, rocky terrain, and other potential hazards that you may encounter on your journey. This can help you stay safe and avoid dangerous situations while backpacking.
Planning Your Trip in Advance
Another advantage of using GPS navigation for backpacking is that it allows you to plan your trip in advance and make sure that you have all the necessary supplies and equipment. With the help of GPS devices, you can plan your route and determine the distance and difficulty of your journey. This can help you determine what supplies and equipment you will need, such as food, water, and camping gear. By planning your trip in advance, you can ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable while backpacking.
Sharing Your Journey with Others
In addition to providing accurate directions and tracking your progress, GPS navigation also allows you to share your journey with others. With the help of GPS devices, you can share your location and progress with friends and family members, allowing them to follow along and stay updated on your journey. This can be especially helpful if you are backpacking alone or in a remote area where cell phone service may be limited.
Overall, GPS navigation has made backpacking much easier and more accessible to everyone. With the help of GPS devices, backpackers can easily navigate through unfamiliar terrain, track their progress, and discover new trails and areas. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, GPS navigation can help you stay safe, explore new areas, and make the most of your backpacking experience. So if you are planning a backpacking trip, be sure to bring along a GPS device and take advantage of all the benefits that it has to offer.
- How to Choose & Use a GPS for Hiking | REI Co-op
GPS units for vehicle navigation and fitness tracking are not covered here, … REI Expert Advice: How to Choose and Use a GPS – GPS Buying Made Easy. - Learn how to use a handheld GPS
GPA Made Easy is a great book to learn basic and advances wilderness navigation … “GPS Made Easy” teaches you how to accurately and safely navigate in the … - Outdoor Navigation with GPS: Hinch, Stephen W.: 9780899976501 …
Outdoor Navigation with GPS [Hinch, Stephen W.] on Amazon.com. … GPS Made Easy: Using Global Positioning Systems in the Outdoors. - Gaia GPS: Offroad Hiking Maps – Apps on Google Play
Discover scenic hike trails, camping sites, and amazing offroad routes with Gaia GPS. Backpack, hike, or camp with easy-to-read maps and breathtaking routes … - The Best GPS for Hiking (Top 7 Devices & Apps to Navigate on the …
Jul 19, 2022 … Because it doesn’t have buttons, the Montana 700 has a huge 5” screen to make maps very easy to read and follow. The screen is also designed to … - Best Handheld GPS of 2023 | Switchback Travel
Nov 22, 2022 … Handheld GPS (hiking in Patagonia) … These navigational tools will get the job done for most users, but keep in mind that devices like the … - Best Hiking Apps of 2023 – Tested and Reviewed | Best Hiking
Jan 4, 2023 … GPS tracks are very useful for hiking because it is easy to get them online and they make navigation during hikes easier. - The 3 Best Handheld GPSs of 2023 | Tested by GearLab
Nov 24, 2022 … For more navigation help when heading out for a hike or … this compact GPS can easily be stashed away in a pack or tossed into a pocket … - How to Use your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking …
Mar 20, 2019 … When you’re in the backcountry, navigation is absolutely critical. Without it, you can easily wind up lost and find yourself in a very dangerous … - The 6 Best GPS Watches of 2023 | Tested by GearLab
Jan 30, 2023 … We tested the best GPS watches from Apple, Garmin, Coros, Suunto, … A touch screen and dedicated buttons make this watch easy to use in …
The lesser-known side of Backpacking Made Easy with GPS Navigation
- GPS stands for Global Positioning System and was originally developed by the United States Department of Defense.
- The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978, and there are now over 30 satellites in orbit.
- GPS technology is used not only for navigation but also for tracking vehicles, monitoring wildlife movements, and even predicting earthquakes.
- In addition to the US-based GPS system, there are also other global navigation satellite systems such as GLONASS (Russia) and Galileo (Europe).
- Location-based services use a combination of technologies including GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, cell tower triangulation to determine a user’s location.
- The first commercially available handheld consumer-grade GPS device was introduced by Garmin in 1991.
- Some smartphones have built-in GNSS receivers that allow them to function as standalone navigational devices without an internet connection or cellular service
