best computer for the backcountry?

The best computer is the brain — especially one that's supported by a decent memory drive built up over the years with backcountry experience.

I am sure there are people whose work is done using computers in the backcountry as well as other high-tech devices. I don't know exactly what jobs… probably forestry related, ungh! Still, I can see where it might fit and for sure lugging a brick like this would be made easier if you knew how to do it the light way.

I recall reading an article in the last few years about a geologist that used a laptop in the Grand Canyon as part of work they were doing to study collapses. The article didn't say much about the PC, it was geology related, but clearly one was involved.

That didn't take long, which is encouraging … Benjamin nailed the answer I was looking for.

Or as I like to state it "The one you were born with, dangit"

Jim:

As they say, great minds think alike.

Computing platforms can do a couple of neat things that the brain can't. While it is not the best, I carry a PALM Treo for the following purposes:

1) Inexpensive GPS. I don't navigate by GPS ever, however for an extra ounce my Treo can be a full-featured GPS. This is fun to play with, and I like to think that if I ever had to call for help for a hurt hiker it would be nice to be able to give co-ordinates. Also, if I ever got really lost or really blinded by a whiteout, it's nice to know that I could turn on the GPS and tell it to lead me back to my car. (Also nice for finding trailheads, which can sometimes be harder than navigating in the bush!)

2) Trail updates. While there isn't a lot of cellular coverage of wild areas in Canada, there is some and it's nice to be able to send a reassuring note with a photo or short video back home to those who worry.

3) Trail journal. It stays darker longer up here (at Christmas we only get about 8 hours of daylight, and I live quite far south) and it's nice to be able to record some thoughts while passing the time in the evenings. I can optionally carry a lightweight (a couple of ounces) folding fullsized keyboard, too, on which I've written hundreds of thousands of words in the city.

4) Music. I hate hiking with headphones, but when I solo I sometimes jack in for an hour and listen to podcasts, videos of myself and my girlfriend, or even the odd TV show or DVD if I am really feeling lonesome. (Despite being a bit introverted I am really not wired for solo hiking.)

All of this in a compact and lightweight package. And let's face it: lots of us carry our cellphones hiking anyway! Even if just for fear of leaving them in the vulnerable vehicle…

On the topic of cell phones I have used text messaging to send notes to hikers that I knew had their phone with them. While people generally have their phones turned off while they are in the backcountry, a text message has "guaranteed" delivery meaning that the system will hold the message until the next time the person turns on their phone and connects to the network. I know the hiker will get the message at SOME point and they don't have to check voice mail/etc which is a plus because in a lot of places you might not get enough signal to make a good call but an SMS message doesn't need much signal.

I will carry an iPod Nano if I think I might have to spend a lot of time tentbound in the dark. I'll pack Audiobooks on it. I can listen in dark or dim light without using up light source batteries. Ever try to read for an hour by the light of a Photon Microlight? The Nano is great for this as it is very light but make sure you remember it's not water resistant (then again neither are books)… ;)