Reply #92: I disagree.

[Realityhack]

If she had set out without the car or GPS with a map and compass she could easily have had the same result as she left without enough water or any backup plan.
I don't like viewing this as a 'technology vs. nature' thing but rather a 'stupid vs. nature' thing.

Even if you are not bringing a GPS or 4wd vehicle extra water, redundancy, making sure you have a check in scheduled, etc. are important. I agree that she did not follow the basic rules for back country trecks never mind high hazard ones, but I disagree that it was an issue of depending upon technology. A compass can drop over a cliff as easily as a GPS so redundancy is required even there, etc.
And technology can be a great backup plan. Plenty of hikers rely on a GPS turned off in their pack as a back up if they get disoriented on their map. Or a PLB if all else fails.

Just my 2 cents but I am not convinced that 'don't rely on technology' is better than 'plan ahead' 'know WTF you are doing' 'be prepared' etc. In fact I think it is inferior as I firmly believe she could easily have gotten her son killed without any modern technology to help.