The Benefit of Hiking with a GPS

Hiking and backpacking are becoming extremely popular and are only increasing in popularity as the years go on. However, many people go unprepared and have no idea what they are getting into.

This is especially the case when we’re about navigating challenging mountainous or wooded terrain. Many people get lost, and unfortunately, some do not return. Therefore, you want to carry the tools to keep you safe, on track, and alive.

One of the best things for this is a GPS or Global Positioning System, which uses a series of satellites to send and receive signals that can determine your location. You might think that using a GPS for hiking qualifies as overkill, but this is not the case.

There are many examples where global positioning systems have saved lives. Today, we want to discuss the benefit of hiking with a GPS.

Benefits of Hiking with GPS

As you are about to see, there are eleven benefits of hiking with a GPS. Let’s look at them.

It Tells Your Exact Position

The primary benefit of hiking with a GPS is that it always tells you your exact position. This way, you can constantly check your GPS to ensure you are on track.

A GPS system will be highly reliable and able to inform you of your coordinates no matter where you are.

It Helps You Plan Your Route

Another benefit of using a GPS when hiking is that you can plan your route before you head out on your hike. A GPS usually comes with preloaded maps you can use to plan your route.

Planning ahead lets you know exactly where you are heading without any guesswork. For example, if you plan to hike from one destination to another, you’ll know which path to take.

You Can Set Waypoints

Another cool thing about using a GPS for hiking is they usually allow you to set different waypoints. In other words, you can record various landmarks and obstacles as you pass them.

Many GPS systems also enable you to record waypoints when planning the route, so you will know where you are as soon as you reach them. Then, after your reach those waypoints, you’ll know what direction to head.

It Can Help Keep You On Track

A GPS helps keep you on track. A map and compass will work, but they take great skill. If you are lost, a map and compass might not be helpful.

However, a GPS will inform you of your exact coordinates and location, allowing you to stay on track through simple location information or waypoint planning.

It Can Help Get You Back on Track

GPS systems can help you get back on track if you get lost. People can get lost when hiking, and finding the way back to the path is essential.

A GPS can tell your exact coordinates about where you should be. Moreover, most GPS systems can provide you with verbal notifications when you veer off course, therefore preventing you from getting lost in the first place.

You Can Use Topography Maps To Your Advantage

GPS systems usually come with topography maps, like three-dimensional maps informing you of the landscape around you.

Topography maps will display mountains, hills, forests, valleys, lakes, etc. They also inform you of your current elevation.

Knowing what the terrain around you looks like when hiking is essential.

It Provides You With Weather Information

Another benefit of hiking with a GPS is that most can inform you of current and future weather conditions.

A good GPS system will provide advanced warning of storms and extreme weather. This helps you face the elements. In addition, you can prepare and equip yourself with the appropriate gear to handle any weather while hiking.

It Can Help if You Need to be Rescued

A GPS system can assist rescuers in finding you if needed. But, for example, rescuers can’t find your location if you get lost while hiking and don’t know where you are.

However, if you have a GPS, you can give your coordinates to your rescuers down to the meter.

It Can Help You Communicate With Rescuers

Another benefit you get from using a GPS when hiking is that it often allows you to communicate with rescuers.

However, this is not the case with all GPS systems, and satellite communication is not allowed in all areas. However, many GPS systems come with integrated satellite phones, meaning you can call rescue groups if needed.

It Helps Preserve Phone Battery

Many people will just use their cell phones as a GPS, which works. After all, you don’t need a cell phone network or internet to use the GPS functions. However, cellphone batteries can quickly run down. The worst-case scenario is you are lost in the woods, and your phone battery dies.

Therefore, having a dedicated GPS for this purpose can come in handy if your cellphone dies.

You Can Use it for Geocaching

The other thing you can generally do with the GPS is geocaching, like a location-based treasure hunt. This doesn’t really have much to do with hiking, but it can be fun.

What to Look for in a Hiking GPS

There are a few essential features and factors to consider when choosing a GPS for hiking, so let’s look.

• Look for a GPS with a lot of memory storage. The more you have, the more maps and waypoints you can download and save.
• A GPS with wireless transmission capabilities will allow you to communicate with other units and share data.
• A GPS should also have a simple compass that informs you of your direction when moving.
• Look for a GPS with topography maps for information about the terrain around you.
• Also, look for a GPS with either an altimeter, barometer, or preferably both. This will allow you to get very accurate readings regarding your position and elevation and provide information about the weather.
• Of course, any GPS should come with map data and allow you to download extra maps for increased accuracy.
• Some GPS systems have radio capabilities, so you can easily communicate with others, and some have satellite phone capabilities.
• You should look for a GPS system with several channels; the more channels your receiver has, the better the data will be that you receive.
• Consider whether you want a swipe screen or buttons for control. For example, if you wear gloves, you probably want to go for one with buttons.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that a GPS system can come in very handy when you’re out hiking. Think of it as a safety tool in addition to a navigational guidance system.