Why I ditched my paper maps for a GPS watch on the John Muir Trail

I used to be that guy who planned every mile with paper maps and a compass. Last summer on the JMT near Evolution Valley, I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out if I was on the right fork of the trail. My map got soaked in a creek crossing and tore in half. Now I use a Garmin Instinct watch for navigation and it shows my track right on the screen. I still carry a map in my pack but it's a backup now, not the main thing. The watch battery lasts 2 weeks which got me through the whole 220 mile stretch. Anyone else switch from paper to digital and find it way easier?

2 comments

2 Comments

sean_perry1mo ago

Paper maps just can't survive a creek crossing.

hugo_coleman281mo ago

Oh please, like getting a map wet is the end of the world. Just dry it out on the dash and you're good.