John: yes, being Backpackinglight we look for weight saving options. Apparently there are these things called single page “maps” that weigh far less than a phone. The old timers managed with these pretty well!
However: I hear you in terms of needing some distraction at night when you’re looking to fall asleep. I used to carry the lightest paperback book that I could find, but eventually transitioned to the cheapest non back-lit Kindle, which is also the lightest in weight. This carries as many books as you might want for no weight penalty. The non-back lit version means that the battery lasts for a very long time indeed, especially if you don’t go on-line. So no podcasts!
this Kindle weighs a lot less than your phone and battery pack, but it does weigh about 7 ounces (???). That needs to be factored in.
I get lost at the drop of a hat, or worry that I am, so I understand the need for a map as well. I just think that gps is overkill on well marked routes like the pct.
what I like about sun gloves, beyond sun protection, is how they keep mosquitoes off the backs of my hands. I use poles so this definitely an issue. I hate Deet but carry it in season. A single spritz on the sun grubbies really does the trick.
given snow conditions this year, mosquitoes will be a big issue in the spring/summer.
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