To be honest, there are no technological advances that have had any benefit to me whatsoever. In fact, they have made my overall experience in the backcountry considerably worse. The invention of the mobile phone, GPS and the number 1 nemesis of mine, the internet and social media. Crowds of people with little to no backcountry ethic or love for that matter. Litter, trail erosion, crowded trails, loose unruly house dogs, unsociable people, list chasers and gridiots that can barely sustain their ego's. The posting of countless selfies and trip reports of the most popular trails leading to continuing erosion at the cost if Instagram and FB fame. I have made some adjustments that have mitigated some of these issues, but alas, it will continue to get worse, not better. I'm glad I climbed FR so many times, my memory is enough now and I can write it off as a lost cause for good. I'm very fortunate to be 59, I lived and climbed at a time, when the Whites were still pure and the backcountry was a haven for a few like-minded enthusiasts, that shared a comradery and passion, everyone you met was a friend. Guyot shelter on a Saturday night with just 3 friends, Desolation shelter all to yourself and nobody around sometimes for 3 or 4 days. Carter Notch hut on a winter weekend, 5 people and the caretaker sitting around drinking and talking backcountry. Yes, it's cliche, but those were the "good ole days" and nobody could convince me otherwise.