Episode 33 | Digital Route Planning

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Summary

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk about digital route planning. There are a huge variety of digital tools out there, and all of them have different strengths and weaknesses, so the guys spend a lot of time breaking things down by software type, best uses, and pros and cons.

After that, Andrew interviews Misha Gopaul, the founder of FATMAP. They talk about the technology needed to create 3D mapping software, how FATMAP is trying to make ripples in the digital route-planning world, and the responsibilities that come with being a company operating in the outdoor space.

Finally, Ryan gives an update on the just-released Backpacking Light Trek Planning Masterclass and chats briefly about the upcoming Staff Picks article.

Outline

• Intro Conversation
  • Ryan’s Guac recipe!
  • Andrew is going to winter hammock camp this year
    • Enlightened Equipment Revolt V2
    • Enlightened Equipment Uprising
  • A brief overview of Ryan’s digital tool strategy
• Some of the most common digital route planning tools
  • Garmin Explore (bundled with Garmin products)
  • CalTopo
  • Gaia GPS
  • Google Earth
  • FATMAP
  • Guthook
• Planning a route from square one
  • Ryan starts with Gaia GPS
  • The three phases of route planning
• What sets digital route planning tools apart from map and compass
  • The process doesn’t differ between paper and digital
  • It’s a matter of convenience
• Segments vs. one large route
• Downsides to using digital tools
  • Too much info?
• Slope angle shading + satellite imagery layers
• Information inaccuracy
  • Mileage estimates
• When should you put digital tools away?
  • Connection to landscape
  • Speed and efficiency
  • When you need to develop your skills (they always fail at some point)
• Garmin Fenix watch uses
• FATMAP Interview
  • Misha Gopaul
  • FATMAP’s story and Misha’s background
  • Shifting outdoor market
  • What does FATMAP do better than anybody else?
  • FATMAP and community building
  • Misha’s favorite feature in FATMAP
  • Geolocating photos – a new feature coming
  • Building a business: “It’s always further than it looks. It’s always taller than it looks. And it’s always harder than it looks. – Reinhold Messner
  • More mountain metaphors
  • Solutions to hard problems
  • What’s at the heart of FATMAP?
  • What’s the responsibility of outdoor companies in issues of conservation?
    • FATMAP donates 1% of revenue from Explore memberships to Protect Our Winters and 1% For the Planet
  • Distributing people rather than consolidating people
  • Final thoughts on community building
• Trek Planning Masterclass
  • A methodical framework for complex trips
    • Route plan
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Strategy
    • Forecasting environmental conditions
    • Assessing terrain
    • Creating a supply list based on knowledge of the route
    • Inclement conditions and emergencies
• Staff Picks article
  • Gear that sticks around!

Resources

• Interested in a FATMAP membership? They are giving all listeners a one-month free trial to FATMAP Explore. Click here to redeem.
• Take our Trek Planning Masterclass. Improving your planning will lead to more fun in the backcountry!

Related Content

• Check out last year’s Staff Picks article
• The Navigation episode of our podcast pairs nicely with this episode.
• Take a look at our Navigation and GPS App Reviews and Gear Guide article.