AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-gps-backup-map

You are navigating with a phone or GPS. What should you bring as a backup?

A physical map, plus an extra battery.

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  1. A second phone charger cord only
  2. Nothing, GPS works everywhere
  3. A physical map and compass ✔

Why: Batteries die and signals drop. The Park Service says to bring a physical map as a backup and pack an extra battery for your phone, and know how to use a map and compass.

Huh, didn't know that: Navigation is the first of the 10 Essentials on the Park Service list.

The dad joke
My GPS lost signal and so did I.
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References

Answer: A physical map and compass. Batteries die and signals drop. The Park Service says to bring a physical map as a backup and pack an extra battery for your phone, and know how to use a map and compass.

  1. National Park Service: Ten Essentials www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm
    Bring a physical map as a back up.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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