ajtiv: a GPSR is a tool, much more than a toy (although it is a fun one to play with). Don't get me wrong, but expecting to find a canister by using only a GPSR is like expecting to drive a nail with the palm of your hand. You might get lucky, but then again... (EDIT: I just reread this, and it sounds harsh - wasn't meant towards you, but more a generalization of what some expect they will get out of using a GPSR - sorry!) By the time I get on the trail, I am as familiar as possible about the route I intend to take (whether on-trail or off), particularly if I'm the so called leader, or solo. I leave my house with 2 sets of maps, one a commercial version, the other a closer, more detailed version of the difficult sections (i.e. summits, ledges, slides, etc.). Often times, I leave my set in the car (overkill), and only take the commercial ones. I never leave my compass behind, and carry 2 in winter. Yes I take along my GPSR, but often don't use it. Post'rBoy never lets me forget how I'm cheating. In the same way he drives a Toyota and I drive a Subaru, it's personal preference - different tools for the same job.
Some folks have a great sense of direction. I don't. My instincts sometimes fail me. When I'm tired my judgment is further clouded. It is reassuring to me that I always have the option of checking my progress against the GPSR. To me, it's a tool that allows me to focus on other things going on around me, instead of rehashing my route decisions.
I decided to buy my GPSR after a winter whiteout traverse from Edmands col to Lowe's Path. There was no apparent trail, staying on the Gulfside left us in the teeth of the wind, so we were solely on map and compass. I kept second guessing myself for the entire trip which made it feel a lot longer than it actually was (my brother and I both had opinions of what direction would be the most efficient). We both kept thinking that we had overshot Lowe's Path, and were above King Ravine (as it turned out, we hit Lowe's within 100 feet of where we expected to). With the ability of getting a fix from 3 or more known waypoints (Adams, Grey Knob, Crag Camp, Jefferson), I could have verified my position quickly, reassuring myself (and my brother) that we were on the right track, and kept myself (and him) calmer. To me that is what makes it a valuable tool. It allows me another source to consult before letting my mind play tricks on me.
I guess when I next hike with Arm, I'll have to keep the GPSR off