[pct-l] Navigation 'kit' options

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

I've gotten grief for admitting this in the past, but my navigation  
gizmos included the Data Book and the Wilderness Press Guidebooks and  
a watch (Huh? What's a Data Book?). I'd say for me 99% of the time  
all I ever really needed to know was how many miles I'd gone. I only  
got lost once on the PCT and maps and compasses couldn't help me make  
sense out of anything. I don't know how to use a GPS. Maybe someday I  
will learn. That sounds like the most minimal, except for all the  
battery charging and fussing about figuring out the software. Map and  
compass are sorta worthless in the deep forests of Oregon, not that  
you'll actually ever be lost in there.

On Mar 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: Elizabeth Clements <elizabethjoyclements at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Navigation 'kit' options
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Thanks to you all who have shared your perspectives, stories, and
> support regarding experience level.  I have another more general
> question about navigation and technology.  I know there are various
> gadgets, gizmos and do dads out there nowadays, and I'm wondering what
> everyone is using.  I was thinking about going a more old fashion
> route with printed maps and compass set-up, but it sounds like a lot
> of people are utilizing I-phones and the like.  Since I don't have a
> smart phone, I'm looking into other options.  If I don't take a phone,
> what is the best, but minimal navigation 'kit'?  Would it be better to
> just invest in a phone (that has maps, gps and such built in) and skip
> the other options for lighter weight, or does battery/charger weight
> basically just counteract that strategy?  Plus if the phone dies or
> doesn't get reception, then I won't have any wayfinding tools except
> nature.  Thoughts?
>
> Again, thank you.