PD170 is definitely a good one to start with, good call Mike. I completely agree about the GL2. They are attractive because of price at the start, but you need alot of accessories to get up to snuff with one.

As for the mics, you will definitely run both out in the woods. Ambient mic for nature sounds, lavs for voice. I usually have the ambient mic in my ear, and the lav mic earphone just hanging until interviews, cut-aways etc. With both in all the time, really hard to tell where the sounds are coming from (grunting, leaves crunching) Sounds liek they are coming from the center of your brain with both ear phones in!