Choose a GPS for mountaineering, peak bagging and Geocaching

TRADITIONAL MOUNTAINEERING ™
www.TraditionalMountaineering.org ™ and also www.AlpineMountaineering.org ™

TraditionalMountaineering Logo - representing the shared
companionship of the Climb ™

Search this site!
Read more:

Choose a GPS for mountaineering, peak bagging and backcountry travel

A Review of the Garmin eTrex H, the Garmin eTrex Venture HC and the Garmin Legend Hcx

I now recommend the simple Garmin eTrex H just now available in stores nation wide for $100.! November 7, 2008
An alternative is the Garmin eTrex Venture HC. See why below.

The new Garmin (H) has a "High Sensitivity Receiver" based on a new Garmin proprietary antenna system.
It is reportedly equal to the expensive High Sensitivity Receiver antenna offered by Garmin on high end models such as the GPSMAP 76 CX and CSX costing $482.00!

"With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, eTrex H locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on eTrex H to help you find your way when you need it the most."

Carry a USGS Quad map and Suunto M3 adjustable declination base plate compass.

Garmin is offering the new High Sensitivity Receiver on several eTrex map models such as the Venture HC and the Legend Hcx!
The eTrex Legend HCS is listed for $289. including lots of memory and the USB cable.

1. Questions about the Garmin eTrex H, $100.00
Here are emailed questions from a reader in Georgia:

Subject: Questions
I am looking for a GPS unit that will be practical for winter mountaineering, alpine climbing, and general hiking (as in dense forest).

My biggest considerations are accuracy, weight, battery life (also in cold weather), and all the essential necessary features. Do you have any suggestions? At the moment I am looking at models that I saw on your website like the Garmin Geko 201 and the eTrex Legend. Which of these would you recommend?

Are there any other units I should look into (let's say price doesn't matter.
Thanks!!
--Rich

Hello Rich-
Thanks for asking about the best GPS for mountaineering!

In fact, if you Google "best GPS for mountaineering and backcountry travel" I am listed first (and second!) in the world. How about that?

I recently revised this page to recommend the Garmin eTrex-H. It has the new Garmin High Sensitivity Receiver which will help in dense forest cover as well as the few Garmin high end models that have been out for a while.

In short, the simpler the better for mountaineering and peak bagging: the battery life is maximized, they are harder to screw up, etc. Do not get a GPS with an altimeter or a compass. They are humbug!!

The GPS and a map and base plate compass cost $137, together. Price may not matter, but the higher the price the more gimmicks that use up power and are
harder to use when you are stressed out or hypothermic!

In short, map based GPS models are 1:100.000 vs. your Quad map that is 1:24,000. The map models like the Legend are good for getting to the trail head and not much more for mountain adventures.

I understand that all GPS models have the same accuracy, about 4.1 meters! I seldom use my Legend. I keep it in the rig.

I keep the Gecko 201 (off) in my pocket in the cold. It fires up very quickly when I need to use it. Same for the eTrex-H. Keep your digital camera in your other pocket!

Always carry extra batteries. Put in new ones for a big trip.

Mainly, you need to know how to use your map compass and GPS, together.
Hope this helps?
--Bob Speik

Subject: What is the Best GPS for Mountaineering?
Bob-
Thanks for the quick reply!! I was just wondering one more thing. Since the Etrex H and the Gecko 201 don't have any built-in memory, how are you able to store waypoints in them when the unit is turned off and do these units lose information when your batteries run low and you have to change batteries? Thanks.
--Rich

Hey Richard-
All GPS receivers have a capacitor or something that holds the waypoints even if the batteries are being changed. The waypoints are held for a long time even if the batteries are "dead".

The "memory" they are advertising is for the map models. The Legend can load the maps for say The Cascades in Oregon plus the PCT in Yosemite. But if you are motor home folks you may want to pay more for extra memory and store the road maps for a larger area, say all of Oregon. GPS units are designed for many users world wide, not just for hikers. The additional memory is not needed for non-map GPS receivers. If you are challenged, you can buy memory that is loaded with say, Florida Roads and Highways.

Richard, have you read my 11 page Seminar Handout? (Google: map, compass, GPS and read the world's two top listed web pages ;-).

Where in the world are you? Glad to answer your good questions ;-)
--Bob Speik

Subject: Re: Question: Best GPS for Mountaineering
Hi Bob-
Okay, so this is really the last question I have (you've just been too helpful)!! I was wondering about geographic elevation and if it is displayed on every GPS unit, including the eTrex H? I looked over the owner's manual online for the eTrex H and it didn't mention a displayed elevation anywhere. Thanks again!
--Rich

Hello Rich-
I am always interested in answering good questions! Yes, all GPS receivers report the elevation. I too looked at the Garmin on line Manual. I could not find the list of many options one can choose to show in the Course window or on the Trip Computer Page. Elevation would be one of these small window options

Historically, reported elevation was very in-accurate (hundreds of feet off) before 2002 due to "Selective Availability". Google "How about GPS accuracy" to read about Selective Availability.

GPS manufacturers added an altimeter to some models for an extra $100. Since any barometric altimeter needs to be adjusted very often as weather changes during the day, GPS manufacturers actually suggest you adjust your altimeter to the altitude automatically reported on your GPS, (if you do not know the exact altitude or the exact barometric pressure at your location).

In short, the reported altitude on all GPS receivers is reasonably accurate and probably better than an included or a wrist barometric altimeter.

It might be noted here that early-on the GPS manufacturers opted to provide dis-information and mystification as a sales tool for these new gizmos. An example, one manufacture, who offered only a two satellite antenna , puffed that they had "12 satellite technology" - two, then two more, then two more, etc. (and not 12 at one time!) Then, folks were told they needed a compass too. GPS compasses are accurate to only about 5 degrees (vs.. 2 degrees for a base plate compass, held at the waist (not at eye level with shaking hands in a storm), and these GPS compasses turn off after the user walks a few feet so as to save power! Bah! Humbug!

Enjoy your eTrex H, Rich!
--Bob Speik
PS: Be sure to buy National Geographic's TOPO for $99 (for Oregon) with all the 1:24,000 Quad maps and use it on your computer with your GPS.

2. Questions about the Garmin eTrex Venture HC, $150.00
Here are questions I answered on nwhikers.net

nwhikers.net
Views: 1756 Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:49 pm Subject: GPS and Topographical software

Hi Tom-
Yes, the eTrex H ($99.00) and the eTrex Venture HC ($170.00) both have a new High Sensitivity antenna and they are a big step up from the original eTrex models.

The eTrex H sells for $99.00 everywhere. REI has an unbeatable return policy.

Note that the eTrex H does not come with a cable ($35.00 +-). You can use the same Garmin "serial port" cable as you have for your "old" Garmin GPS.

If you have a newer laptop computer, you will need a "USB" converter costing about $50.00. I suggest you buy the eTrex Venture HC that comes with a USB cable and can hold Garmin's proprietary maps. It costs about $170.00 and includes the USB cable.

The Venture has downloadable map capability like the original eTrex Legend. (See below!) The memory is a bit larger than the Legend, (14MB vs. 8MB) however, I have used the Legend for several years with maps of the areas I like to explore and climb. It just takes a moment at your computer to change the maps to different areas using the proprietary Garmin $99.00 Topo program. Note that all GPS handheld receivers use maps at a 1:100,000 scale, not suitable for backcountry adventures. You need 1:24,000 scale paper maps. Read more here.

Need more information? Just Contact me from my website: www.TraditionalMountaineering.org
---Bob Speik

3. OK, now how about the new Garmin eTrex Legend Hcx, $250.00, with 1:24,000 USGS Quad map capability!!!
Yes, it is true! For years, I have been explaining that all GPS receivers display maps at only 1:100,000, which I explained, was often not accurate enough for modern detailed land navigation. There was not enough memory in the Garmin or Magellan lines to hold the 1:24,000 map data.

Garmin added a new line of hand held receivers a few months ago. They featured an new high sensitivity antenna system and the ability to expand the memory of traditional GPS receivers with an SD chip slot in the waterproof battery compartment.

We picked up quickly on the giant step foreword with the new antenna system. It is truly extraordinary! The new H antenna system was made available on the basic $100 unit of the popular work horse eTrex series. We recommended the Gamin eTrex H and the Garmin Venture HC for it's traditional mapping capability and its new USB connector needed for lap tops and more.

We did not pick up on the SD chips memory potential, noting that having 1,000 way points and 50 tracks was just not important. We advise folks to go into the back country with just the few waypoints you will use and keep the rest of the data on their computer program - MapTeck's Terrain Navigator or National Geographic's TOPO.

Then, just a few weeks ago, Garmin introduced USGS Quad topo maps loaded on SD chips that can be displayed on its updated map capable models such as the subject Legend Hcx, for Oregon and Washington, etc. for just $99.00. No, the SD chip maps are not viewable on your computer. You will have to buy the topo map programs explained above.

Be careful what you wish for! The jury is still out on the question of WHETHER OR NOT the long desired 1:24,000 topo has too much data for the small GPS screen. More on this soon. You should insist in the store, on checking this question for yourself. It will take you and the informed sales person a bit of time to make all the adjustments and find an area you are familiar with such as The Badlands so you can decide if this is just too much information.

What am I doing? I am sticking with my new eTrex Venture HC, for now. If I do upgrade I will return my unit to REI and purchase the Garmin Legend Hcx and the Oregon / Washington SD chip at an added investment of about $200.00. I will always carry the printed 1:24,000 letter sized maps I print at home. The GPS screen is very hard to read at 1:24,000. (REI does not carry the Magellan National Geographic 1:24,000 topo map models, and I have not checked them out personally.)

(I still use my Garmin Geko 201 if satellite reception is not a problem. It fits in my shirt pocket or the to of my pack. About $99.00 for a refurbished model from REI.)

4. OK Bob, what about the more expensive Garmin GPS Models?

Yes, you can pay more, but do you need more? Do you need a barometric altimeter? Do you need an electronic compass in the GPS? Can it take photos of your points of interest? Can you phone home from your GPS. Will it tell you if your anchor is dragging? Will it tell you that the wind and tide have set you off course?

Altitude: Use the altitude reported from the satellites, accurate in every new GPS. Your GPS manual does not emphasize that you must adjust your barometric altimeter several times a day as the clouds pass overhead, but they do note you can adjust the GPS altimeter by using the altitude reported from the satellites by every GPS.

Electronic compass: Buy and carry a Suunto $30.00 declination adjustable base plate compass and learn to use it as a protractor with your Quad map. The GPS compass may be accurate only to 5 degrees. Not good enough for a knowledgeable backcountry traveler!

Turn these unnecessary extra features off to save battery power!

What was it like in the old days when George Bush was President? OK! Here ya go--

"You teach Backcountry Navigation. Which GPS do you use (and why)? REVISED, see above!

The distinctive yellow Garmin eTrex GPS receiver simply meets our detailed traditional mountaineering requirements at the amazingly low price of $99.00. Authorized sale prices are even less, from time to time. You will need to buy a data cord for $35.00 for the eTrex when you purchase a computer map program such as MapTech's Terrain Navigator. Note that I now use the Garmin eTrex H. See above.

The see-through blue Garmin eTrex Legend is a fun upgrade that lists at $182.00 and sells for $160.00, including the data cord connecting the GPS to your computer. Note that I now use the eTrex Venture HC. See above.

The Legend is the most affordable unit that can take downloadable proprietary Garmin Map Source Topo maps. The three Garmin Topo map CDs for the entire USA cost about $100.00, about the cost of the 9 MapTech Terrain Navigator CDs for Oregon, which have required detail for the backcountry. But if you completely disregard the simplistic topo map functions of the Legend's Map Source Topo, there are some advantages such as somewhat faster data input with a toggle switch instead of cursor buttons and more information and flexibility in data display. The Legend also has an "Information" page (not found on the original eTrex), that lists speed over the ground, time moving and time stopped, exact distance traveled over the ground and more good things to know.

Since writing all of the above, Garmin has introduced the Geko series of three models. The Geko has become my favorite GPS receiver! I use the Geko 201 model which has the required capability to connect with my computer. The Geko 101 retails for about $100; the Geko 201 is about $150. You will have to spend an additional $35.00 for a data cable to connect to your computer. The Geko 301 is quite expensive at $246, because the model includes two unnecessary features: an electronic compass only accurate to 5 degrees like the one in your car and a barometric altimeter which must be reset several times a day to the accurate geographic elevation that is constantly reported on any GPS. The Geko also has the "Information" page (not found on the original eTrex), that lists speed over the ground, time moving and time stopped, exact distance traveled over the ground and many more good things to know.

The Garmin eTrex and eTrex Legend are available at discount stores including Cabela's, West Marine, REI, GI Joes, Wal-Mart, and Fred Meyer stores in Bend and on the web. The Geko is available from Garmin.com. Perhaps the unit was cutting into sales of the other Garmin models. I would like to ask Garmin, but I am unable to wait 30 or 40 minutes to speak to a representative "who is helping others". A former Garmin retailer said the Geko was wrongly perceived as a child's toy, since it had built in games and it did not sell well. Too bad, I use it primarily!

I use the nine CD $100 MapTech Terrain Navigator computer map program which contains all of the original USGS 1:24,000 Quad maps for Oregon! The program also contains all of the USGS 1:100,000 topo maps for Oregon. I plan to do a page on Best Computer Topo Map Program in the very near future.

The Garmin Map Source Topo covers all of the western states in one CD by using 1:100,000 and (most importantly) by eliminating virtually all topo and and other detail. See my page on "Which is the best computer map product for backcountry users". --Bob Speik

This is how I use my GPS!

I decide to do a hike or climb that sounds interesting. Let us use as an example, a hike to the top of Vista Butte from the Vista Butte Trail Head on Cascades Lakes Highway near Bend Oregon. I downloaded a map from the USFS website that shows this adventure as a winter ski or snow shoe trip. I open my Terrain Navigator program on my computer. I select Vista Butte from a "Find" list. I compare the trails shown on the Quad map with the USFS map. Using the mouse, I click several waypoints from the Trail Head to the top of Vista Butte. I name them VISTATH, VISTA1, VISTA2, VISTA3, VISTA4, VISTATOP and VISTA5 and download them to my GPS in a flash. Lastly, I print a letter sized (horizontal) map in color with UTM gridlines. I have been doing this for a while so it takes me about ten minutes.

I use the Geko to GO TO the Trail Head (a wide spot along Cascades Lakes Highway). I check the distance of my parked car to the VISTATH waypoint and find it is just a few feet from perfect. I consciously decide I do not need to mark my car. My companions do mark the car (AAA) or they will have to pay up $1.00 to the goof kitty. At the top viewpoint, I create a new Waypoint that I can download at home, rename and correct the VISTATOP location. We decide to go right down to the car which is now the GO TO. As we follow the terrain, the Pointer Page adjusts direction, always pointing to the car. That's all there is to it!

At the summit, the Geko GPS confirms the exact elevation. We check it on the Quad map I printed. (One of my companions had a barometric altimeter function in his more costly GPS, so we corrected the reading by adjusting the barometric altimeter elevation to the more accurate GPS geometric altitude. We noted his downloaded map in his GPS did not show any of the trails or named features. When we zoomed in for more detail, we lost all recognizable references to just a few lines on the tiny GPS screen. We decided the maps loaded in the GPS were best suited to use while driving. We did not need a compass on this adventure as the GPS pointer became active after just a few steps.

Here's what to look for in buying a GPS:

FIELD FUNCTIONAL DESIGN:
Well-known manufacturer and warranty; Strong, water resistant or waterproof design; Reasonable weight and size for hand-held field use; Keypad designed for use in the outdoors, with gloves; Small and available battery size; Cable Port for connection to a personal computer.

NORTH SETTINGS:
True north or Magnetic north can be selected. Only True north is compatible with map use. Your base plate compass and your GPS should both be adjusted to give True north bearings.

COORDINATE GRIDS:
A coordinate grid overlays a map like streets overlay a town. (Go to the south east corner of Highway 20 and 27th Street.) The Selected Grid system for Land Navigation (LN) should be the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). This system provides an easy and accurate way to directly relate coordinates given by the GPS (which is its basic function), to the map. (Latitude/Longitude may be used by those familiar with the system as pilots or as navigators on ships at sea, but it is outmoded for LN and the skill and required tools of relating Lat/Lon position coordinates to the map need not be learned by the land navigator.) The wonderful world-wide game of Geocaching provides Lat/Lon coordinates but local experts convert these to UTM/UPS when it is necessary to mark those coordinates on their USGS Quad Maps. Using UTM coordinates from a GPS in the backcountry, one can pin-point ones location on a USGS map within a few yards. Amazing!

MAP DATUM:
The Selectable Map Datum must include World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) and North American Datum 1927 Continental (NAD27-CON US). The datum in your GPS must be the same datum as was used to develop the coordinates. For instance Geocaching.com uses WGS 84. If you are using a different datum you will never find the cache. Also, the GPS must be set to the same datum as the map - NAD 27 CONUS for use with USGS Quad Maps. Failure to have the correct datum can create errors of hundreds of feet. Happily, your GPS will convert for you from degrees, minutes and hundredths of minutes in WGS84 to UTM meters in NAD 27 CONUS. Also, Geocaching.com provides a computer conversion from Lat/Lon WGS84 to UTM/UPS NAD27CONUS

WAYPOINTS:
The Grid Coordinates of a location are recorded and saved as Waypoints. The GPS must store at least 200 Waypoints. Some store 500, but more is not better, because it is best to up-load and record your saved waypoints on your computer in a separate mapping program such as Garmin's Map Source Topo or Maptech's Terrain Navigator, to reduce the clutter and complexity while using your GPS in the field.

WAYPOINT MANIPULATION:
Access to the Waypoints must be simple: a keyboard menu selection to a list and a scroll function through the list to the selected Waypoint. The Garmin eTrex uses buttons, the SporTrak uses a mouse and eTrex Legend uses a "joy-stick". They all work very well with heavy gloves. Waypoints must be easily stored from the present position and from coordinates calculated from your map, posted on Geocaching.com, printed in a guide book or emailed to you by a friend. The unit must allow you to name the waypoint and change it's details so that you can identify it and input it for GO-TO navigation. The list must be available both alphanumerically and by proximity to your current position - Nearest Waypoints. You need to be able to select and delete groups of waypoints.

MARK WAYPOINT:
MARK, allows you to easily mark a location by creating a Waypoint by number or re-name it for recall. MARK also enables you to input a UTM location that you have obtained from your map, from Geocaching.com, from a guide book, etc.

GO-TO FUNCTION:
Navigation with the GPS begins when you GO-TO a Waypoint. The information given will include the Bearing and Distance in miles (and feet) from your position TO the Waypoint.

ROUTES:
A Route is a list of up to say 20 Waypoints that describe a varied line of travel that you wish to follow. This is an important function because it allows the GPS to guide you from one Waypoint to the next in order, by Bearing, Distance and Time in its varied scales. I don't use this feature very much.

TRACKS:
The Track feature very accurately records your course over the ground. The GPS has limited storage for track points and this feature can be turned off and on. The track will record over itself if it is full. However, individual tracks can be saved under a simple name in the GPS and uploaded to your computer mapping software, saved and printed on letter sized maps for future use in the field. The popular idea that you can follow the "breadcrumb track back" may be OK for boaters but is not very useful for backcountry navigators.

SCREENS:
GPS receivers have several screens to provide related information to the user. Some GPS units have so many screens with programmable information that they are virtually unusable. Here are the necessary screens and some that are nice to have:
SATELLITE SCREEN:
Shows a visual diagram of all the >satellites, which ones are connected to your receiver, the and the strength of each connection. The calculated accuracy at the moment may also be shown, say "9 feet".
NAVIGATION SCREEN:
Shows a "compass-like" diagram, and programmable information which should be confined to Distance and Bearing to the selected Waypoint. The most important feature of this basic screen is the directional arrow, sometimes confused with a compass arrow. The arrow (in a graphic that looks like a compass but is not) always points toward the active GO-TO The skilled GPS user can follow the directional arrow right back to the trail head. This is not like a compass where a different technique must be used. Since the GPS can die, the navigator must have the skill to use the modern adjustable base plate compass, with the map and the GPS. Or the GPS user may die!
MAP SCREEN:
Shows a visual track of the pointer (you) on a screen which may have your nearby Waypoints depicted. The Garmin Legend shows you on your selected topo map downloaded from their separate TOPO map program. I did not think this was a useful function due to the required 1 to 100,000 plus detail but I have changed my mind and I use the Legend, primarily. The Legend can be loaded with up to 8 MB of optional topo maps for say, the climbing areas of Oregon, Washington and Northern California. The Garmin MapSource Topo companion software in a three CD set, lists at nearly $120, so be aware that you may want to have this topo detail in the backcountry. The eTrex and SporTrak do not do the little maps.
MENU SCREEN:
Leads to MARK, WAYPOINTS, ROUTE, TRACK and SETUP choices
OWNER'S SCREEN:
The Legend allows you to input your name and address so an honest finder can contact you. That's nice.
COMPUTER SCREEN:
The Legend adds a Trip Computer screen with lots of fun information including Total Hours and Total Hours Moving, Sunset and about fifteen other bits of information. A nice Big Numbers feature lets you select the information you want including Bearing, Name of Final Destination, Current Location, Moving Time or Altitude. Despite the Big Number option, the Garmins have very small numbers in the Lat Lon or UTM coordinates. The SporTrack gives you a fighting chance to read the numbers in the field.

NAVIGATIONAL INFORMATION:
When the Route or GO-TO functions are active, navigation begins and the GPS will provide the following information on various pages:
BEARING:
A Bearing is simply the compass direction expressed in degrees, (360 clockwise from North,) from one position (you) to another (a selected Waypoint). This Bearing may be expressed in True North or Magnetic North format. Choose True North and combine it with a hand-held base-plate compass with built in declination that is adjustable to your location (17 degrees for Central Oregon). Read more . . . What is the best Compass?
COURSE:
Your actual Course over the ground. Don't confuse this with the Bearing to the waypoint location you want to GO-TO.
DISTANCE:
The Distance between two points on the GPS, is the straight line distance, expressed in miles (and feet) or kilometers as you choose. (Your GPS will measure your track, your actual course over the ground.)
SPEED:
Speed can be expressed as Speed Over the Ground (SOG) or as Velocity Made Good (VMG). SOG is the same as your car odometer; VMG is the rate at which you are approaching your objective. This feature is not very useful for the hiker but it is great for the pilot and boater.
STEERING:
Steering functions allow you to follow a Route by seeing on a screen that looks like a highway that you are to the right or left of the direct line to the point, and how far you are off the straight course line (Cross Track Error). We turned it off in the SporTrak. This feature is not very useful for the hiker but it is great for the pilot and boater.
PLOTTING (TRACK):
Plotting functions can show you on your little screen, the direct course line and your actual course line over the ground on your way to your next point. The scale of the screen can be changed and nearby Waypoints can be plotted. Because of the scales required, this function can not be relied upon to get you back to camp or your rig.
ESTIMATED TIMES:
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) and estimated Time in Route (ETE) can be shown. This feature is not very useful for the hiker
ELEVATION:
Accuracy of the elevation function of the GPS has improved greatly with 12 channel GPS receivers and the cancellation of the governments SA policy by then President Bill Clinton. Use your GPS to adjust (correct) your wrist altimeter/barometer several times a day. Do not waist your money on a GPS with an Altimeter (or a digital compass which is only accurate to 5 degrees and can not be used with a map)!
DATA FORMATS:
User defined metric, statute or nautical miles can be selected. Select statute miles.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This additional data is provided free of charge by the eTrex Legend. Current Destination, Current Distance, Current ETA, Current ETE, Final Destination, Final Distance, Final ETA, Final ETE, GPS Accuracy, Location Lat/Lon, Location Selected (UTM?), Maximum Speed, Moving Average Speed, Odometer, Off Course, Overall Average Speed, Pointer, Speed, Time of Day, Sunrise, To Course, Trip Odometer, Trip Time-Moving, Trip Time-Stopped, Trip Time Total, Turn, Velocity Made Good, Vertical Speed, Best Time to Hunt, etc.

The Garmin eTrex Vista HC $350.00, adds only a compass (which can not be used with a map as a protractor) and an altimeter (which must be set several time a day from the Vista's GPS function.) The Vista costs a lot more, but hey, it is "Top of the Line". But if you decide not to buy a Vista and buy a Legend instead, please donate half of your savings to TraditionalMountaineering. Use our Pay Pal Donate Button! We'll give you a free class!

Thanks for asking TraditionalMountaineering!

Garmin eTrex eTrex Legend Geko 101 and 201
Hover your mouse for name of unit (unless you can read it on the image)

WARNING - *DISCLAIMER!*
Mountain climbing has inherent dangers that can, only in part, be mitigated

Backcountry Navigation
Topographic maps of the backcountry work with your compass and GPS
Why is the GSM digital cell phone best for backcountry travel and mountaineering?
What is the best GPS for mountaineering and backcountry travel?
What is the best Compass for mountaineering and backcountry travel?
How accurate is the inexpensive hand-held GPS today?
What are some good Central Oregon Geocaches?
What is the Public Land Survey Grid? pdf
What is the UTM Grid? six pdf pages
How do you use your map, compass and GPS together, in a nut shell?
How can I learn to use my map, compass and GPS?
Do you have map, compass and GPS seminar notes? six pdf pages

Map, Compass and GPS
Map, compass and GPS navigation training Noodle in The Badlands
BLM guidelines for Geocaching on public lands
Geocaching on Federal Forest Lands
OpEd - Geocaching should not be banned in the Badlands
Winter hiking in The Badlands WSA just east of Bend
Searching for the perfect gift
Geocaching: What's the cache?
Geocaching into the Canyon of the Deschutes
Can you catch the geocache?
Z21 covers Geocaching
Tour The Badlands with ONDA
The art of not getting lost
Geocaching: the thrill of the hunt!
GPS in the news
A GPS and other outdoor gadgets make prized gifts
Wanna play? Maps show you the way
Cooking the "navigation noodle"

Lost and Found
Three climbers missing on Mt. Hood, all perish
Missing California family found, dad dies from exposure and hypothermia
Missing man survives two weeks trapped in snow-covered car
Missing snowmobile riders found, Roger Rouse dies from hypothermia
Longacre Expeditions teen group rescued from the snowdrifts above Todd Lake
Lost climber hikes 6.5 miles from South Sister Trail to Elk Lake
Hiking couple lost three nights in San Jacinto Wilderness find abandoned gear
Expert skier lost five days in North Cascades without Essentials, map and compass
Climber disappears on the steep snow slopes of Mount McLaughlin
Hiker lost five days in freezing weather on Mount Hood
Professor and son elude search and rescue volunteers
Found person becomes lost and eludes rescuers for five days
Teens, lost on South Sister, use cell phone with Search and Rescue
Lost man walks 27 miles to the highway from Elk Lake Oregon
Snowboarder Found After Week in Wilderness
Searchers rescue hiker at Smith Rock, find lost climbers on North Sister
Girl Found In Lane County After Lost On Hiking Trip
Search and rescue finds young girls lost from family group
Portland athlete lost on Mt. Hood
Rescues after the recent snows
Novice couple lost in the woods
Broken Top remains confirmed as missing climber
Ollalie Trail - OSU Trip - Lost, No Map, Inadequate Clothing

Your Essential Light Day Pack
What are the new Ten Essential Systems?
What does experience tell us about Light and Fast climbing?
What is the best traditional alpine mountaineering summit pack?
What is Light and Fast alpine climbing?
What do you carry in your day pack?    Photos?
What do you carry in your winter day pack?     Photos?
What should I know about "space blankets"?
Where can I get a personal and a group first aid kit?    Photos?

Carboration and Hydration
Is running the Western States 100 part of "traditional mountaineering"?
What's wrong with GORP? Answers to the quiz!
Why do I need to count carbohydrate calories?
What should I know about having a big freeze-dried dinner?
What about carbo-ration and fluid replacement during traditional alpine climbing? 4 pages in pdf
What should I eat before a day of alpine climbing?

About Alpine Mountaineering:
The Sport of Alpine Mountaineering
Climbing Together
Following the Leader
The Mountaineers' Rope
Basic Responsibilities Cuatro Responsabiliades Basicas de Quienes Salen al Campo
The Ten Essentials Los Diez Sistemas Esenciales

Our Leader's Guidelines:
Our Volunteer Leader Guidelines
Sign-in Agreements, Waivers and Prospectus     This pdf form will need to be signed by you at the trail head
Sample Prospectus    Make sure every leader tells you what the group is going to do; print a copy for your "responsible person"
Participant Information Form    This pdf form can be printed and mailed or handed to the Leader if requested or required
Emergency and Incident Report Form    Copy and print this form. Carry two copies with your Essentials
Participant and Group First Aid Kit    Print this form. Make up your own first aid essentials (kits)

About our World Wide Website:
Information
Mission