Hot take: I spent $80 on a detailed map set for the Wind River Range and never opened it

I bought the Earthwalk Press maps before a 5 day trip near Pinedale, thinking I needed the extra detail. My phone with Gaia GPS and a basic paper backup was totally fine, and the fancy maps just added weight. Has anyone else bought gear for a route that turned out to be a complete waste?

3 comments

3 Comments

nguyen.lily27d ago

Been there. I bought a whole set of waterproof trail notes for a section hike, still in the wrapper. My rule now is if the phone app and one good paper map cover it, the extra stuff stays home. Saves a ton of space and weight.

miles_burns27d ago

That "still in the wrapper" feeling is way too real.

max_torres4426d ago

Exactly. That wrapper is basically a tax on future you. My move is to test any new gear on a local overnight before it ever touches a real trip. If it doesn't get used or feels wrong, it goes back in the closet. Saves you from finding out your fancy new thing is useless when you're miles from the trailhead.