Ken,
Was browsing thru old posts and came across this one. I agree with you 100% about using GPS and UTM. I rarely find anyone that even knows what UTM is. A suggestion as to drawing grids on topo maps, I lightly draw EVERY OTHER ONE, vertically and horizontally, and it doesn't clutter the map up so bad. You still have four corners to find the correct block. Some maps are coming with the grids already drawn on them. There is a move afoot to get the USGS to draw the grids on ALL topo maps. It has been my experience that people that poo-poo a GPS simply don't understand them and won't, or can't, understand how they work.

You mentioned glow in the dark compasses. Be advised that the tritium military version works great and does not require any "charging" before use. Actually, in total darkness, it glows to the point that it actually projects to the wall or ceiling in a room after your eyes have gotten used to the dark. The old "glow" compasses had some kind of dangerous ingredient and have been outlawed for years. You can pick up the military compass on eBay for around $50 to $60. I have to say they are worth it. The "glow" material is said to last about ten years before it begins to fade away.

Speaking of batterys, have you tried the new AA lithiums in your GPS? I have a Lowrance iFinder Hunt and a pair of lithiums will last several weeks and don't weigh as much as alkalines.