Quote:
One thing I would really like to use a GPS for is canoe trips. However, I'd have to bring an extra pack for the batteries- paddling several hours a day would go through quite a few on a week long trip. ... I bring the GPS, just don't turn it on.


You don't need to keep the GPS on all the time. Just turn it on when you need to get a sense of where you are relative to where you were (saved waypoint) and where you want to be (pre-entered waypoint - preferably using a PC & a PC-interface, but could also be entered using a USGS Topo map with UTM gridlines and a UTM grid tool). In between GPS readings, use your compass to follow the bearing taken off the compass.

I tend to be VERY battery conservative while out and about, whether it be flashlights, radios, or GPS's.