Appreciation post: paper maps over GPS after getting stranded near Moab last weekend

My phone died 20 miles into a dirt road and the paper map got me back to pavement in under 2 hours. Has anyone else had GPS fail them at the worst possible time?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sandra11d ago

Oh man, been there. Always carry a backup paper map and a cheap compass when you're going off pavement, especially out west where cell service is a myth. Pro tip is to stash a printed map in your door pocket so you never have to dig through gear for it.

sam_murphy3911d ago

Wow yeah GPS failing in the middle of nowhere is a special kind of panic, glad you made it out okay. It's funny though because I've noticed this same thing happening in normal city life too, people get so glued to their phone directions that they forget how to read street signs or remember which way is north. Paper maps and a little basic navigation skill just feel like a safety net that covers more than just off road trips, you know?