[Slugman]

Don't listen to the GPS haters out there. Nothing else available in this world will better tell you where you are exactly than a quality GPS unit, properly used, in conjunction with a detailed topographical map. A compass isn't even close, and the skill to use it with any results at all beyond simply telling you the direction it's pointing is difficult to acquire. If someone tells you to rely on a compass but not on a GPS, you can bet they are not experienced GPS users, and therefore their advice is suspect. Some will tell you that they always know where they are without help. Good for them. They don't need GPS or a compass. But if you are not one of those people, then a GPS is far, far better than a compass, and just as reliable. Bears and cougars do attack people on occasion. Sarcasm about how agressive the bears are in any location will not protect you if you are attacked. Do whatever it takes to feel comfortable in the event of a bear or cougar attack. If that's nothing, then fine. If it means a gun, that's fine too. For me, hiking alone after dark frequently, "nothing" just isn't an option. I use bear spray and a big knife, not because I think I'll need them, but because I feel better having them than not having them. So I get a benefit from them on every hike.

[silly_traveler]

it is hard to find people to go hiking with! i only have 2 to pick from! therefore can't help it but go alone sometimes. it's good to get out, partner or not. as with GPS vs. compass.... i just bought a compass today, first one ever yay! it's only my second year of hiking, so far i've just been using directions and trail notes from websites. what about trekking poles, what are people's opinion about those?

[peppersteak'n'ale]

[Foist]

[peppersteak'n'ale]

[Foist]

[Backpacker Joe]

Hey PSA, I use my poles going up hill all the time. I like how you can torque down on them and use your upper body to help propel yourself up the hill. Interesting. Certainly they help down hill as well.

[Tom]

A GPS is great until your batteries run out, you lose reception, etc. A GPS is no excuse for not bringing a compass or knowing how to use one. I bet many GPS out there wouldn't be able to tell you how to set declination on a compass, much less know if the red arrow points north or south.

[Phil]

I had a GPS. Unlike my compass, wouldnt work under the trees.

[peppersteak'n'ale]

[Solo Steve]

Speaking for myself, a single pole of diamond willow gives me a 'third leg' (careful now!) and that sense of extra balance. However, friends, this is but a tangent! Speaking for myself again, I welcome the opportunity to hike with friends and club groups, but I do find a thrill in the total silence that you can only find alone on a backcountry trail. When I venture out alone, I make sure my wife knows my plans, and stick to those plans, and make a cell phone call to check in when I can. REI guy shouldn't get us all worked up, IMHO.

[silly_traveler]

what does IMHO stand for?

[TeeJay]

In My Humble Opinion

[Allison]

[dev4net]

I'm glad the GPS/compass topic came up because it's interesting to hear what your thoughts are. However, I suspect, like many topics, it's mostly personal preference. For me, I work with technology every day all day. When I'm in the woods, I don't want to use it. So I've decided [for myself] I'll just read my BEWMAC book and try to only use my new compass and my topo maps, which just arrived yesterday ... woohoo Just to be on the safe side, I'm probably going to pick up a bluetooth GPS device for my pocket pc phone, but I'll only use it as a desperate backup.