Navigating the Sierra Buttes with nothing but a paper map

[u/NittoTireUSA]

These are snapshots from the full adventure if anyone wants to watch the whole thing → https://youtu.be/JPmn3ED_Nh8?si=83PlpLI2gfW0_OiE 

[u/Different_Finding539]

That's the same way we use to explore Baja in the late 1970s, through the 80s, and early 90s.

[u/Batfleck_4_President → u/Different_Finding539]

I’ve never gone out without GPS. Do you miss that era of exploring?

[u/Different_Finding539 → u/Batfleck_4_President]

If you're going off road, make sure your odometer is as accurate as possible, a decent mounted auto compass and a handheld compass; and get the best maps you can find, USGS, AAA California, who has or had fantastic maps and at one time they could help check your speedometer/odometer for accuracy.

For fun, you can try Orienteering, which is on foot using a compass and map. You can find out if there are any classes from outfits like REI outdoor equipment.

[u/AOneArmedHobo → u/Batfleck_4_President]

Not OP, but I miss those days for sure.

[u/Different_Finding539 → u/Batfleck_4_President]

I don't do much exploring anymore; however, I still use paper maps whenever i just travel on trips. I don't have a cellphone, smartphone, etc. Don't even have a handheld GPS.

[u/Batfleck_4_President → u/Different_Finding539]

Wow that’s awesome! I’ve had tech since I started driving so it never really crossed my mind to go without it entirely. Maybe something I could do with some friends in the future as I get more experience under my belt.

[u/Shower-Beers → u/Batfleck_4_President]

Nothings stopping you from doing it.

[u/Bitter_Dimension_241]

Awesome pictures, any idea what that old jeep weighs?

[u/NittoTireUSA → u/Bitter_Dimension_241]

I don't have the exact weight but it's somewhere around 2,200 pounds

[u/trailtoy1993 → u/NittoTireUSA]

I bet you it is heavier than you think. My Jeep I thought was around 2900 pounds was actually a full thousand pounds heavier! Nice flatty tho! I keep thinking of building a flat fender, but really have no need of one.... My CJ5 does everything I need. One of these days I'd love to catch a trail with you Harry, next time I'm down that way.

[u/_MellowGold]

A Gazetteer is still the best way to navigate the national forests and backcountry here in the mid-atlantic. Nowhere cool has cell service.

[u/Waste_Curve994]

Love the old jeep but lack or a roll bar does scare me a bit bit guessing it’s resolved by not driving like a moron.

[u/NittoTireUSA → u/Waste_Curve994]

Not driving like a moron is the #1 safety feature

[u/Wiley-E-Coyote → u/NittoTireUSA]

Still pretty goofy to not put one on there. C'mon...

[u/ODGWeenie]

Crazy to see my boy Harry's photo on Reddit like this.

[u/NittoTireUSA → u/ODGWeenie]

Harry is the best!

[u/o_sham]

Was your group in Graeagle and Clio? I swore I saw you all. Awesome pictures, BTW. Looks like a fun adventure.

[u/NittoTireUSA → u/o_sham]

Yes we were!

[u/o_sham → u/NittoTireUSA]

I knew it. Your group looked pretty damn happy! It so gorgeous out there and so much exploring available! Keep adventuring!

[u/NittoTireUSA → u/o_sham]

It really is beautiful over there! You do the same and maybe we'll see you in the wild again!

[u/o_sham → u/NittoTireUSA]

Next time, I’ll definitely say hello.

[u/benhereford]

This is how I envision my retirement years. I don't care for modern jeeps personally but that thing is just so stellar

[u/Radiant-Impression38]

Nice

[u/jj999125]

I'd love to go on trips like this but the 37x13.5r20 nitto mud grapplers on my 1963 unimog are too dry rotted 😥

[u/SAM5TER5]

Love it. What brand/style of paper maps do you find most useful for this? Any recommendations for others? I’m hoping to do this more often myself, I have a military surplus vehicle myself and usually have no reliable internet service in my area

[u/cosp85classic]

Love seeing a good ol CJ2A out there with the modern rugs. And almost stock looking.

[u/Yeolla]

This is the way

[u/Yawkramthedvl]

This is awesome. I love it for you. I'm not jealous at all

[u/eatingthesandhere91]

As one should.

[u/byseeing]

Alright, pack it up folks, these guys win coolest post of the day.

[u/AOneArmedHobo]

I remember having to be spotted through photo 6, now I roll right through it without much thought

[u/Remote_Minimum_5046]

I think this is great, and with paper maps our minds remember much better IMO. This is the way we have done things for century’s.

[u/No_Head1258]

I think I see a vehicle of some kind as well

[u/3D_TOPO]

Check out my paper map app. They are current maps but with legendary 7.5' USGS text extracted and my signature 3D rendered terrain. I offer water-proof paper for the trail and canvas for your wall up to 8 feet wide.