Craig, I can't disagree with you on the compass. I chose the military model primarily because of the night lite (although I haven't used it at night yet). Maybe I will have to purposely get lost at night to use it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> As for the GPS it obviously has it's place. I have been in some pretty big woods (think Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri). Find yourself a LONG way from your vehicle on a dark, overcast day. You and I are together. You head for the vehicle with your compass and even your topo. I will head for the vehicle using my GPS. I will hit the vehicle dead on the first try. You will eventually get there after considerable meandering, backtracking, stumbling thru thickets, etc. Everything has it's place. Thanks for responding. Always good to get a different point of view.