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By Greg Bartlett

My family has been camping in many different venues. We’ve been camping in the desert, in the mountains, and in the foothills. We’ve gone backpacking, we’ve camped in tents, and we’ve used a motorhome.

One of the important things we learned early in our camping careers was to be careful to know where we were.

It didn’t help much if we got lost from our campsite, trail, or vehicle – whether our whole family did, or whether just one or two of us did while taking a day hike into the woods.

Among the equipment you take camping or hiking, including a GPS tracking system will help ensure that you don’t get lost. Especially for those who are hiking alone in the woods, or even with a friend or a dog, having a way for people to find you is not just a way to provide you and your family with peace of mind.

Sometimes a GPS tracking system can save your life.

One hiker in Canada who got lost sent out an emergency signal from his GPS device, an option many GPS tracking devices offer. Rescuers were able to find the man based on the information sent to them through the GPS tracking system. Another hiker who fell on a mountain was able to get aid quickly because of the accurate information that his GPS system gave.

If he had depended on a phone call instead of GPS, the rescuers would have not been able to reach him as quickly, since neither he nor they would know precisely where he was, unlike the GPS.

Many hiking areas recommend that campers and hikers carry GPS devices with them. For instance, one professional recommends that a camper or hiker in the Grand Canyon include a GPS tracking device while on a hike. Hikes in the Grand Canyon area can be long and, if you didn’t carry enough water or if you get lost or injured, treacherous. Being able to pinpoint your location for rescue teams will help ensure your safety.

Camping and hiking aren’t much fun if you’re in danger of getting lost. Take the necessary precautions and include a GPS device while you’re out hiking or camping. Not only can you and your family members have peace of mind, but if you get lost or injured and need assistance, you can be assured that your GPS tracking system will guide rescuers right to your location.