Probably because as an editor at Cnet he was very likely a gadget-guy. And probably had the income to spend on such gadgets.

As an aside, it is possible he had one. A built in GPS may not do much good in a situation like this since he couldn't take it with him. Likewise, a road oriented GPS likely wouldn't have things like Forest Service roads. I was under the impression they were on a FS road.

Again, lots of food for thought.

-john