Tom T, Solus,

Not at all trying to stir a debate, but I found long ago if I do not put in my 2 cents worth I tend to choke on it.

I love my maps and compass as well, sometimes taking a vintage Fisher map with the old krinkly paper, if I am traveling back over a route from 20 years prior.

Not being at ease with solo travel yet, I do take a GPS as a tie breaker if I am arguing with myself for too long about where I am at the moment.  I do not grab for it at the first thought of "hey this don't look quite right", but it gives me piece of mind to have it along.

Solus, Your comment about leaving the ChrisMar stowed has me wondering if you are navigating solely from memory ?
Sometimes after I trip I can barely remember what lakes I was on, let alone travel by dead reckoning.

Last admission of guilt.  We started taking a Satellite phone several years ago due to us all getting a bit long in the tooth, with some typical age related health issue.   Now we are expected to call home to hear a regular dose of life's drama that we go North to get away from.

Kind Regards,

MossBack