Map & Compass
SCORE 25
MSRP: ~$24.00
Map of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area:·
http://www.amazon.com/Boundary-Waters-Canoe-Area-Wilderness/dp/1597754137/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349232380&sr=8-2&keywords=bwca+maps
Compass
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=silva+compass&hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS452US452&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&biw=1280&bih=713&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=281223987299714260&sa=X&ei=b6drUPKKFeLs0gGU44A4&ved=0CGkQ8wIwBA
What! How can a map and compass be the number one item? Well, they met all my criteria. I used them every day. (Well the map anyway.) The map was always with me in the canoe. Although the GPS was usually on I referred to the map more often than I did the GPS. The map and compass perform flawlessly. They are light, compact, and durable thanks to the maps’ being made of waterproof tear-resistant material. They were essential for our safety, more reliable than a GPS, and having a map to read every day is most enjoyable. I might go without a GPS but I would never go without a map and compass.
Tomorrow I share the bonus item. The one item I did not bring but I might on my next trip. Stay Tuned.
FINAL EVALUATION: A good map and compass are the perfect items. Of the items on my list they are arguably the only essential ones. Don't leave home without them!
To see item 2 click HERE
To see the evaluation criteria click HERE