Navigation is no different than firemaking. The key concept is redundancy; GPS,compass and chart/map, knowledge of the stars and nature's indicators to determine direction. There is also a almost 'mystical' reason to learn and use these skills. I am defining myself in the natural world in our language; true north, , latitude etc. Other dialects, such as magnetic north are used by other creatures on their journeys. GPS is like online music, C.D.s, tapes, L.P.s etc.They're nice, convenient and wonderfull documents. But somehow hearing a musician play Mozart in real time is not dissimilar to plotting a course at night ( second star on the right, and then straight on until tommorow.) <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I also use a Garmin eTrex and it helpful, but I would never substitute it for a compass. More important than either for outdoor navigation is a good quality topographic map; only it can inform you of the cliff or deep canyon that lies between your objective and your present position.

Even with extra batteries, a GPS has a finite life (about one day per set of batteries for an eTrex if it left on for normal periods). My compass will go on performing, with no spare anythings, long after I am not. They are simply more reliable and foolproof than anything electronic. Or let's put it this way - which could be pulled out a PSK and perform reliably after being packed away for about two years - a compass or a GPS?

About ten years ago, I was using an early model Magellan, and following the instructions, I had packed along a spare set of battereis in a spare carrier (the unit would lose all settings and memory once it had been deprived of battery power for longer than two minutes). Working along, I got the message on the GPS screen - "replace batteries or lose data" I quickly and smoothly inserted the fresh carrier and turned the GPS back on, only to see a blank screen.. Fortunately, I had been hand recording readings as I acquired them. Murphy's Law does apply to GPS...

Zip06,

I also availed myself of the good deal that Brunton is offering on the 25TDCL some months ago. It is virtually the same as the 15TDCL but is a bit wider if memory serves me correctly.

Glad to hear that the evaluation was of some use to you guys.