Compass vs phone maps on the High Sierra Trail

Did the High Sierra Trail last fall. My phone map app glitched out. My old compass kept me on track. Some hikers think apps are all you need. I say a compass never fails. Which side are you on for route finding?

3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

3 Comments

jadew146mo ago

A compass "never fails" until you don't know how to use it right. My phone gives me a full topo map and my exact GPS spot, which a basic compass just can't do. For most people on trail, a charged battery and a backup power bank is way more reliable than trying to remember declination.

4

faith_carter6mo ago

My buddy's phone died and his old compass saved him, @jadew14.

1

the_robin6mo ago

Had a similar thing happen but with a phone map and a backup battery. The detailed trail view showed a washed-out bridge the paper map missed. That extra info kept the whole group from a dangerous detour.

4