Map/Compass/GPS for the Lightweight Backpacker. Presented By Dennis Horwitz Micronor Inc.

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1 Map/Compass/GPS for the Lightweight Backpacker Presented By Dennis Horwitz Micronor Inc. DRAFT 6/24/2013

2 Principles of Lightweight Backpacking 1. Take enough gear to be safe, comfortable and confident. 2. Know the actual weight of each item. 3. Whenever possible, use multipurpose items. 4. Look at the heaviest items first. 5. When selecting items, use the smallest items that will suit your needs. 6. Choose lightweight gear that is useful, sturdy and dependable. 7. Know how to use your gear!

3 No. Description Packing Categories Notes 1 Risk Management Know before you go: weather forecast, terrain, route and water sources. 2 Pack Weight My objective is lbs 3 Footwear Trail shoes or low cut hiking boots 4 Backpacks Gossamer Gear Mariposa 5 Navigation Map, compass, GPS 7 Clothing System Weather protection, thermoregulation and layers 8 Sleep System Sleeping bag or quilt, pad, sleep wear 9 Shelter Tarp tent 10 Hydration Platypus, purification tablets 11 Food & Cooking Equipment Plan for about 2 lbs of food per day, stove, fuel, pot/bowl/cup, spoon 12 Hygiene Toothbrush, toothpaste (mini size) 13 First Aid Advil, bandaids, moleskin, tweezer

4 Do I know where We are going? Solo Hikers and Lightweight Backpackers routinely get separated because: Different paces Stop to take pictures Stop for rest Stop for a snack In the wilderness, emergencies occur more often than we want to admit! This is a good reason to stay close together! Decide on a meeting place at some point during the day hike and what to do if someone doesn t show up. Everyone needs to know how to independently get there as the group spreads out. Technology is not a panacea if you don t know how to properly use the equipment as well as take the time to plan & download the waypoints and route.

5 Orienteering Gear For The Woods Map and Compass should be Item #1 of your 10+ Essentials. Fancy compasses are not necessary if you always note your direction and landmarks. Smartphones make poor GPS units due to excessive power consumption Recharging batteries in the woods is not a practical, lightweight option. Rechargeable batteries aren t a practical initial option unless you have disposable backups. Disposable Li-Ion batteries (AA or AAA) provide best weight, life, power density and wide temperature performance. About $8-10 per 4 pack. Most GPS use only 2 batteries. Bring only as much GPS as you really need! Garmin Oregon and Montana models have lots of bells and whistles but they are big and heavy! SPOT Message or similar Personal Beacons are useful but use 911 for Search & Rescuse (SAR) unless the situation is truly life threatening.

6 My Favorite GARMIN Models Garmin Foretrex 301/ oz Wear like a wristwatch Average 17 hours on 2 AAA batteries MSRP $150/$200 (with Electronic Compass + Barometric Altimeter + Wireless Transfer) Garmin Dakota 10/ oz Smallest touch screen color GPS Average 20 hours on 2 AA batteries Internal 850 MB Flash Memory Dakota 10, MSRP $200 Dakota 20, MSRP $280, Electronic Compass + Barometric Altimeter + MicroSD Card + Wireless Transfer Extra $50 for Electronic Compass is well worth the extra investment

7 Garmin Subscription Options Map Updates (if you purchased a map product DVD or MicroSD ) Birdseye Satellite Imagery Downloads, $30 per year Birdseye Topo Downloads, $30 per year Download subscriptions are registered to your GPS device GPS device must be connected to PC running Basecamp to authorize and download images or topo maps. Download imagerry/maps to Basecamp, then transfer to your Garmin GPS. Export/ GPX file to your friends so they can download and then upload to their GPS.

8 SPOT Satellite Messenger Check-In/OK Non-life threatening alert to friends and family Life Threatening message, alerts SAR Tracks Spot Assist for Automobile Assistance Good thing to have if you hike alone MSRP $120, 5.2 oz

9 GPS Basics Waypoint = a point on the map Route = collection of waypoints arranged from Start to Finish Track = bread crumb trail of your actual hike Trip Computer Compass Customize fields shown on Trip Computer and Compass if possible Reset Trip Computer and Tracks before you start Always carry a map with labeled Waypoints and Route For ease of use and compatibility, buy the Map product offered by the GPS Manufacturer. While Garmin s Basecamp software is free, you need a Garmin Map database for this to be truly useful.

10 How To Use Garmin Basecamp Step 1 Click on NEW WAYPOINT icon and add waypoint flags at every trail junction. This is where you need the most guidance so you make the right turn.

11 Step 2 Now you have a map screen populated with a lot of waypoint flags with odd names. Rename each waypoint with a shorter, more meaningful name beaware of the name length limitations that some GPS models have. Change the icons as desired. Note the Peak symbol chosen for Peak 8220.

12 Step 3 Select the Route icon and link the waypoints in the order of the hike. Change the Routing Method to Direct if you hike will take you off trail. Select Direct routing

13 Step 4 You may want to click on the Route and change the name to something shorter and more meaningful like you did for the Waypoints. Step 5 Upload Route to your GPS. You can click on the Route, then right click and SEND TO your device.

14 Step 6 Print a map showing all waypoints and route so you will be able to keep track of where you are at all times. If you get lost on the hike, you can select an individual waypoint on your GPS and then head there.

15 Track The Sun To Find North Backpacker Magazine, May-2013

16 Track The Sun To Find North

17 LWBP Resources