I mostly agree with this. Wilderness for me is about getting away from the noise of life. But I will also say that trudging up the switchers, it was nice to have the iPod and a little music. That section is a big mental challenge. Scenery barely changes and the switchbacks just keep going. When I did Whitney a few years ago, I had never done a day hike like that, and I don't know that I would have made it without some music to keep my feet moving.
Now that I've done some other big hikes, I know I can handle the mental challenge and wouldn't bring the music. Point being, I was glad I had tucked the nano into my pack before I left; it saved me from that section!
