SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Your GPS is an international navigation system that can determine your exact location in any weather conditions (using longitude and latitude). There are 24 GPS satellites circling the earth right now that make this technology possible for outdoor enthusiasts. The satellites work by analyzing the user’s location by comparing the difference between the time the user’s signal was transmitted and the time it was received by the satellite. Once the user’s position is pinpointed, the GPS can identify other important info, such as: distance to destinations, bearings and the time of sunrise and sunset.

Modern technology, like GPS, has greatly improved the rescue services that are available to backcountry riders. However, technology has also introduced a problem—yes, rescue helicopters can fly into remote locations to pick up you (and your two broken legs) but you should never bet your life on something that needs a full tank of gas or a charged battery to work.