Interesting thread guys. Mad, I agree 100% not just with what you've said, but also the sentiment.
My all-encompassing response when it comes to the issue of technology is thus:
Whoever you are, get into and enjoy the Great Outdoors. Just know and respect your limitations.
You don't take a young Scout, drop them at the top of a mountain, and say, "Figure it out. Get yourself home". No. We teach them in layers. So why are we less patient with adults who have never been taught?
If someone needs a bloody satellite dish to feel comfortable walking into the bush, so be it. I'd rather someone out there who knows their limitations and acts/packs accordingly than someone who was scared by experienced people into taking less than what keeps them safe.
I've hiked many different terrains and climates. I am not even CLOSE to being amongst the most experienced trampers on this site, particularly here in NZ. But the one thing I pride myself on is knowing my own abilities/limitations, and each time challenging myself just that little bit more.
Someone needs an iPad. Yeah, all of us here will quietly chuckle to ourselves. But if that friggin' iPad keeps some wet-behind-the-ears foreigner from becoming the focus of an expensive, dangerous search by emergency services, than I say, hey, not only take your iPad, but take a charger and satellite phone too!
My point is, we are all at different levels of our outdoor experiential journeys. Those of here on these forums have at least a moderate level of experience and skill in the outdoors.
The vast majority of those out there don't.
So next time you're in a hut and some bloke is typing away on his laptop, raise the topic of navigation, gently. If they don't know about map skills, take the time to teach them something. You'll BOTH feel good about yourselves afterwards, and there's now one less tosser who's likely to get themself into trouble.
As for me and technology, depends on what my reason for a trip is. If it's a speed thing (and I'm doing a lot less of those these days), I might crack out the GPS.
But the upcoming TAT trip I'm doing, I know it's mostly a footpath (except where I'll be hitting snow-blown peaks I've never been to).
In my opinion, NOTHING beats a map and compass. Nothing. And I teach youth to rely on these and their skills to utilise those tools. And that GPS' are a great tool too, BUT NOT ONE YOU CAN RELY ON.
For the TAT I'm taking maps and a compass. As for 'technology', I'm taking: torch, PLB, and phone. The phone is triple use: method of contact (mostly in and around towns, obviously), camera and e-reader.
That's it.
Actually, no it's not. I'm also taking a voice recorder. I don't want to spend my whole time writing blogs etc. I want to savour the journey. So I'll record certain thoughts and write about it later. It's all about being in the moment. :)
