[pct-l] Computers on the Trail

[jeffmoorehead1 at cox.net (Jeff Moorehead)]

I think in this day and age of small digital items of immense convenience 
(like a GPS, cell phone, MP3), it is a very wise idea to carry a GPS unit. 
But it's knowing how to use it that is the real argument here. It's only 
knowing how to accurately translate your position to a map that unleashes 
the true utility of a compass or a GPS. A compass points north so that you 
can orient a map and take a bearing on a landmark-- not just to show you the 
way north. A GPS often fails in deep valleys and in thick forests. So does a 
compass in terms of sighting a landmark. Both are easiest to use on ridges 
and high relief mountainous areas. How many on the PCT actually carry a 
mapset that is complete and has enough resolution to give an accurate 
triangulation using a compass. How many are even practiced in the art of map 
and compass navigation? In my opinion, a GPS unit with built-in or 
downloadable maps, coupled with a waypoint set for the PCT trail trace, will 
consistently give a more accurate account of your position and will weigh 
considerably less than the mapset and a good compass that can set your 
position (even with the 2 oz solar AA battery charger featured on the list a 
couple of weeks ago). C'mon guys, put those satellites to good use! 
Remember, Jedidiah Smith didn't have a specific destination, but you do.... 
daily.

My 2 cents, although I realize I am outnumbered here...