Tech Review - The PLAN

So it's only the beginning of February. We've got a plan, but we'll see what happens when we're actually on trail. We enjoy what technology has to offer in terms of entertainment and ability to capture memories. The following photos is what we're planning to bring with us, at least at the moment. We understand that it's "heavy" at a little over 2lbs total, but we're willing to deal with that in order to have the benefits of each device.

Top Row Left to Right:
Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS:  Just a point and shoot digital camera for Julia to have on-hand at all times. She's had another one of these for YEARS now and has always loved it, so we're looking forward to having a new one with us for this trip!

iPod Nano(s): The silver one is 2Gb, while the purple is 8GB. These are a bit of a given. They're lightweight and will offer a ton of entertainment in the way of music, podcasts and audiobooks.

iPod Touch: The iPod Touch will serve a huge purpose. It's 32GB memory will be able to hold a LOT of entertainment. I'm thinking of buying all seasons of Big Bang Theory and maybe we can watch an episode per evening or something. Beyond that, and probably most importantly, I've downloaded all of Halfmile's PCT maps into iBooks. It's 476 pages of paper that we won't need to print ($$$) and carry. We WILL though have some paper maps with us as well, at least to start, we'll see after that. I've also downloaded a bunch of articles and studies and general interest reading stuff into iBooks as well. We'll see what the battery can handle.

Pelican iTouch 1015 Case: Had to buy this case to protect the iTouch. It's waterproof, dust proof and shock proof. It's got a jack so you can plug in and listen even when it's in the case. Its one drawback is that it's HEAVY, so we'll see if we stick with it or not. I think we SHOULD, but we'll see.


Middle Row Left to Right: 
Kodak Playsport: I bought this last April (2011) and we used it a bunch over the summer and really liked it. It's waterproof and rugged, so it will hold up well against what I'm about to put it through. It shoots 720p and 1080p and I've been happy with it so far!!

SticPick: Just a simple little device that allows you to affix you camera (both of ours will work) to the end of your trekking pole so you can get a great shot of yourself with whatever amazing scenery is behind you at the given time.

Energizer Lithium Batters: Very long life on these batters. The AAs will be used with the iGo to recharge our electronics when we're on the trail and the AAAs are back-up for the SPOT GPS and our headlamps.

iGo Charger: Great little device that takes AA batteries and with a variety of different attachments, you can recharge any device on the go.

SPOT GPS: This is a great way for family and friends to track us and stay in touch. We'll have a page set-up with a map that people can see (within 10 minutes) exactly where we are, it's incredibly accurate. There are a couple other features that allow you to send a customized message to a list of contacts, letting them know you're ok, or need help or to be picked up etc. We'll use that just to send to our family so they know we're doing well! The device also has an SOS button that, in an absolute pinch (life and death) you can call for emergency help.

Bottom Row Left to Right:
OR Case: Just a lightweight case in which we can store / organize of this fantastic tech gear!

Huawei Cell Phone: Lightest, simplest and CHEAPEST cell phone Mobilicity has. This guy will be used to call and book hotel rooms, contact family and friends and do whatever else you do on a phone. We're on the T-Mobile network when we're in the U.S., which I hear is terrible on the PCT, so yay (sarcasm) for that.

SD Memory Cards: We have a bunch of these (~6) ranging from 4GB - 32GB and they'll be mailed home once full. We may have to buy one or two extra, but we'll see.