RE: GPS (how good are Garmin eTrek series?)
I really like my Garmin Summit, I rarily use the mapping features but this model was the only one at the time that offered an electronic compass (which I use often and think should be standard with all GPS's). It is very easy to use and navigate, yes it takes time to track satelitte's in tough terrain but has proved it's worth on many occasions iuncluding finding the best route to a downed animal to drag it out or back to camp. Personally would never go into the woods without a compass and for scouting I prefer actual topo maps that I can lay out to pour over vsscrolling through ascreen. That said it is a nice tool none the less and very useful addition tomy pack.