Used to rely on Guthook step by step, now I just look at the terrain and bail points before I go

Brian Thompson · 2026-09-09T05:25:04.189334+00:00

Two seasons back on the Collegiate Loop I got boxed in above treeline with a thunderhead building because my head was down following the little blue dot. I made it to treeline but it was close and stupid. Now I spend 20 minutes at home with CalTopo and a paper map, marking bail routes and water sources. I still carry the phone for weather, but I only check it at camp. It made me slower at first, but I have not had that panic feeling since. Anyone else ditch the turn by turn navigation once they got burned by it?

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Used to rely on Guthook step by step, now I just look at the terrain and bail points before I go | Backpacking Routes - Guest Forum