[at-l] Re: [ at-l ] maps

[baltimorejack@xxxxxxxxxxx (Jack Tarlin)]

Have to disagree with what a couple of other folks said.... I don't think
that Trail maps are overly expensive or overpriced, considering how useful
they are.  And I absolutely disagree with the contention that they aren't
needed because of abundant trail markings, the presence of other hikers,
etc.

Going into the backcountry without good, current maps, and the ability to
use them is simply not a particularly intelligent thing to do.

This subject has been done to death, but in brief, here are the advantages
to maps:

1.  They'll tell you where you are in relation to where you've come from,
and where you need to go.

2.  They'll provide vital information on terrain, which is invaluable in
planning your hiking day:  Do you want to know where it's easy to do big
miles or consecutive 20 mile days?  Do you want to know where you'd be crazy
to try?  Do you want to end the day on a mountaintop with a good sunset?  Do
you want to get each day's big climbs outta the way before it gets too hot
or before you're too tired?  All this info and much more can be gleaned from
your map.  Without them, you're hiking blind, with no idea of what lies
ahead interms of terrain or topography.

3.  Studying the maps is invaluable when planning your scheduling, pace,
maildrops, etc.  Obviously, 65 miles of southern Maine is NOT like 65 miles
in Central Virginia, and studying the maps and trail profiles will provide
invaluable information on how difficult a stretch is likely to be; this in
turn will give you a better idea of how long it'll take you to navigate a
particular section, how much food is likely required, how many days to
allot, etc.

4.  Maps are invaluable in an emergency situation, especially if you have to
get out of the backcountry in a hurry, or need to evacuate someone else.
Maps will point out side trails, paths, lumber roads, etc., and maps will
tell you where these features go.  This is ESSENTIAL if you have to leave
the main trail for any reason.  Going down these side paths and trails
without a map to tell you where they lead is a form of Russian Roulette.

5.  Maps can save your life if you get lost; likewise, they'll enable you to
help others.  Without maps, you're not in a position to assist anyone.  On
nearly all of my hikes, I've used maps to assist, locate, or evacuate hikers
with emergencies.  Whether it's helping a family find their lost dog, or
helping a scout group find their campsite, or whether it's trying to find
the best place to evacuate a hiker with double leg fractures----believe me,
these things can and do happen out there, and without maps telling you
exactly where are, where you're going, and where you need to be, you're not
in a position to help anyone.

6.  Maps will point out alternative water sources during dry spells, and
will tell you where the water leads.  This was a life saver during last
year's drought.

7.  Maps will help you plan alternate routes if the trail becomes
impossible, as has happened several times in recent years due to tornadoes,
flash floods, impassable streams, etc.  Several years ago, massive flooding
in Maine caused several streams to become completely impassable and were
absolutley unsafe to cross.  Dozens of hikers had to navigate/bushwhack
around them; without maps, these folks would probably still be out there.  I
should also point out that the mapless hikers were totally helpless in this
case and were totally dependent on the folks with maps.  Their carelessness
rendered them absolutely incapable of taking care of themselves, and forced
them to totally rely on others.

I could go on, but I think the point is made.  Unless you're travelling on
land you're intimately familiar with, you shouldn't travel in the
backcountry without a map.  There's a zillion ways to save money on your
thru-hike, but going without maps is a lousy way to save a few bucks, and
while I have no doubt that plenty of folks have managed to get from Georgia
to Maine without 'em, this doesn't alter the fact that travelling mapless is
reckless, irresponsible, and potentially very dangerous.  If you doubt me,
then ask anyone who's worked in Search and Rescue in the outdoors----a
ridiculous percentage of folks who get in trouble in the woods and mountains
are either travelling without maps, or can't use the maps they're carrying.
To me, this says a great deal.

If you managed to thru-hike without maps, that's fine, I think that's great.
  However, advising others to do likewise is not, in my opinion, wise
advice.  They are as vital a part of your gear in the backwoods as your
boots.



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