They didnt bring a knive, gps or cellphones/satelitephone?

The real hicking happened in late 90´s when today modern smarthphones/gps were not available, the film happens in our times but if this is based in a true story they should have stuck to the era, about 20 years ago...

You my friend are correct !! Seems like everyone has forgotten about a MAP !! I hear it atleast Twice a WEEK around my area(I-75 near Ocala FL), People are always asking how to get here or there, And they always say, My phone is "Whatever" or I don't have a GPS, And I always tell them to LOOK AT A DANG MAP !! But you would not believe the people that can't read a map, Especially the younger crowd !!!, And don't get me started on how many younger people can't tell the time on a watch/clock that had HANDS instead of being digital !!!. People need to stop depending on technology so much, And use there BRAINS a little more !!! Just keep this in mind when you depend so much on GPS's and CELL's, If ONE MORE Sattilite goes down,All GPS & CELL service is GONE !! Then how will you function ?? Use your brains People!!!

In the book, Bryson actually covers the threat from people at length. When the book was written, something like 6 people had been killed on the trail since its founding. Statistically, you're far more likely to die in an accident on your way to the trail than on it. You'd be better off swapping the weight of a pistol for more food. I'm not anti-gun or anything, it's just that usually you want to minimise the weight you carry, and something you almost certainly won't need seems superfluous.