Unless I am going on a local trail that I know intimately, I generally carry both a topo map and a GPS. In some ways, I still prefer the paper map, although I have been using a GPS for more than twenty years.

Generally, the paper maps are more accurate. Google maps, which seems to be the basis for many folks GPS data, has at least two inaccurate road locations that I have found on very casual inspection. Neither error is so terrible that you wouldn't be able to find your way back to civilization.

Look at this way 72 or 22, he survived for 19 days successfully!

Yes if he carried some type of PLB or SPOT he could have been rescued early, but my Dad still hikes a lot at 77 and he will not take a cell phone with him, let alone a beacon. He figures that he lasted through 65 years of hiking alone without it so why start now. I figure its not worth the argument. But you will never catch him without his Mora knife, matches, leather gloves, toque, and a pack with a few extra items tucked in.

I am surprised this made the news.The media generally only posts when things go really wrong.This is the first story I have seen where there person did the correct things and made it out alive.I hope to see more stories like this....

BOATMAN
John

cliff bars; 10

cost $10-12

weight 2# (~1 kg)

calories ~2,400

Planning ahead? Priceless

Actually, the media makes it seem amazing anyone ever ventures off city streets and doesn't immediately drop dead.

"Wow, he made it 19 days!"

Our ancestors would probably mock us until we died of embarrasment. French Fur Trading Company, East India Company, Oregon Trail ... all of whom had lots of people living off the land (with a heck of a lot less!) for more than 19 days.

That being said, good on him.

I understand the overall fatality rate for travelers on the Oregon Trail was around 30 - 35 per cent. One could follow the route by the line of graves... And I agree, "good on him" - has anyone on the forum done anything comparable? I know I haven't(maybe twenty-four hours).