Windows Phone GPS and the PCT

I never needed GPS on the PCT. The only time you might want it is because you are hiking in a big snow year in the Sierra Nevada(or in Washington if you are going south). I also never used electronic maps either. I prefer carrying paper maps as I didn't need to constantly turn my phone on to look at them when I came to a junction. But that's a personal thing. I just bring it up as it shouldn't be a deal killer on choosing the phone you want.

Before you decide on a camera (phone or other type), decide on the types of photos you want to take on your trip and make sure the camera is capable of them. For me, I like taking photos in the early morning near sunrise and the evening hours around sunset as well as some star shots. The tiny sensors crammed with too many pixels in cell phones just aren't that good in low lighting without adding a lot of noise. So for me, that wasn't even a valid camera option. But in good lighting, they work just fine. So if you plan on taking your photos during the daylight, you'll likely be fine. So it depends on what you want.

Thanks Sean. Did/do you take a dedicated camera, or do you use the one on your phone?

Based on the type of photos I like taking, a phone camera was not an option. For the last few years, I've been carrying a Mirco 4/3 camera which is a mirrorless camera that takes inter-changeable lenses (made by both Olympus and Panasonic). It's essentially a tiny DSLR without the optic view finder.

Since I'm not using my phone as a camera or GPS, I don't need to carry a battery pack to recharge my phone in the backcountry which helps offset some of the extra weight of the camera; but obviously not all of it. Many thru-hikers still carry a stand alone camera along with their cell phone; usually a point and shoot, though a few carry either a mirrorless camera like me or even a DSLR. It really comes down to the sort of photos you want to take. For some hikers, a cell phone camera is all they want or need. Know what you want to get out of your hike. Just make sure you have no regrets later. A cell phone camera may be all you need, I just want to make sure you have thought about it some before you make your decision since electronics can cost big money.

If your think you really might be missing out on something by using a Windows based phone, then maybe you should wait and see what other phones come out over the next 3-4 months. You don't need to rush into it unless you need a new phone now. I've been using an android for a couple of years and have invested money in android apps. So for me, I'd have to spend more money on new apps if I changed to apple or windows OS. Consider how that can lock you in before choosing a phone OS.