Hi
I am a GPS user. Its a complicated device, difficult to relate your GPS location to a map, can run low on batteries BUT - it knows where you are, and it can find discrete points on the surface of the Earth and no map or visibility is required to find your truck using one.

Compasses only point to magnetic north? To use a compass for more than casual use - like north is thata way, you must know and understand magnetic deviation. You must be able to orient your map to true north. Your map must be accurate and show the trail you are on - what you are not on a trail, or its Winter and the trails are covered by snow. If you can get some bearings on known high spots, you might be able to triangulate your position if you have a pencil and straight edge, or a GPS - Map converter tool. If its raining your map can get wet, if its foggy you can't see anything to get a bearing. All you will in fact know if you are lost with a compass is - north is thataway.

However my GPS can and has located my truck under pretty bad conditions of fog, rain, snow and darkness. I often ski Xcountry at night by GPS.

But if yer gonna be a heavy GPS user, you will need a computerised topo maps and Google Earth to set way points and to relate to where you are. When worst comes to worst I put the maps back in the pack and follow the GPS.

Also if an approach was made through very tricky mountainous country, a GPS can help you follow EXACTLY the same path getting home.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />