Anyone Trek using GPS?

I know a couple of keen travellers who do a lot of trekking, particularly around Asia and southern America, though they swear by local guides to help get them from A to B and don't even bother taking things like their mobile phones or PDA's with them. I can't imagine going anywhere without technology so wondered whether anyone had any experience using GPS?

Local guides are of course indespensible, particularly on rough or dangerous terrain, though I would like the safety net of knowing exactly where I am. Anyone got any suggestions on the use of GPS for navigation, and in particular what devices are suitable for harsh conditions?

Re: Anyone Trek using GPS?

I think you have to make sure that you can download the maps or whatever you need for that certain area.

The other thing you want to make sure is when travelling in Asia or South America is to make sure it is a safe area to travel thru.

Good luck it is adventurous. It's brave in my eyes, have fun !

I think that technology is

I think that technology is good but you cant really go without the help of local guides. Satellites still missout smaller details of the terrain which these guides have with themselves. So IMO you should carry gps as well as go with the local guides and sherpas etc because they know their local area better.

Yes, GPS is kind of compass

Yes, GPS is kind of compass used in time of Columbus. A must when going into unknown areas as it regularly updates your current position in the map. Although standalone GPS units are reccomended rahter than ones in the mobilephones because they have terrible battery life and bad connectivity.