Young guy at the campsite last weekend asked why I still use a paper map

He was using his phone for GPS and said paper maps are obsolete. I told him I've been camping since 1998 and my Garmin died halfway through a 4 day trip in the Smokies two years ago. The paper map never runs out of battery and doesn't need a signal. Plus there's something about tracing a trail with your finger that a screen can't match. Anyone else still carry paper maps when you head out?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade471mo ago

Wait wait wait. He said paper maps are obsolete? Did you show him your Garmin story? I would've lost my mind if someone said that to me after I'd been camping since 1998. I still have a paper map from a trip to the Smokies in 2005 that has raindrops and coffee stains on it. No phone or GPS can tell you where the best fishing hole is like a local ranger can draw right on your map. Battery dies, signal drops, but a folded up map in your pocket will never let you down.

felix3851mo ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? I mean, yeah, paper maps are great and all, but people have been saying things like that since forever. I remember when GPS first came out everyone said it was the end of the world. Now you can't even buy a car without one. And honestly, if your phone dies you're probably in trouble for other reasons too. A paper map isn't going to call for help if you break your leg. Don't get me wrong, I love a good paper map as much as the next guy, but getting mad about it just seems like a lot of energy to waste.