I've never really used a GPS, and my main backpacking/hiking area isn't very conducive to a GPS (the Red River Gorge...LOTS of trees and LOTS of rock formations to bounce a signal around). I use a topo map and compass and don't really have any problems knowing where I am; however, knowing that you're likely to be mistaken on your EXACT location by a few meters/yards is a given. I don't really need to know precisely how many meters from the trailhead I am, so the benefits of a GPS doesn't outweigh the limitations. Like a previous poster, I do SAR as well and there is a big push to rely on compass as a primary means of navigation, using GPS as a backup or possibly to mark the exact locations of clues or a victim location.

I hate the fact that I see lots of folks walk into the woods without a map, relying only on their GPS to get them to where they want to go. Being able to "read" a topo map is just a necessity, IMO, and being limited to a GPS and your next waypoint would be just disappointing to me. Hell, most of the really breathtaking spots in the Red are off the trail. How would you know that they're even there?

I guess that, like with any other gear, what you carry should be the best tools for the job at hand and that meet your comfort level. If you need the precision, go GPS. If you can get by with a map and compass and some navigaiton skills, do that instead. If you need both features, carry both.

Just make sure you can read a d*^% map <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />