[Paddlewise] Barometers on Trips

    Debbie's description of the "CampingBaro" sounds very interesting.  The 
gadget freak in me want to run out and by one just to play with it. Oregon 
Scientific has, IMO marketed some strong and useful products.

    BUT . . . . . . . .

    Isn't this information available by looking at the sky and feeling for 
wind on your face? Certainly it would take more effort to learn to read the 
sky for weather but is there something that a barometer can do, that we 
absolutely have to know and can't determine by reading the sky? Maybe I'm 
just showing my ignorance again. If so I humbly apologize but I really want 
to know if I should have one of these.
    I always thought the low pressure systems were preceded by strengthening 
winds and darkening clouds and high pressure by weakening of winds and 
clearing skies. My approach in the past has been to check the weather 
forecast for local systems, draw on past experience and watch the sky for 
signs of change.
    If on the other hand, if the purpose of the barometer is to help 
forecast, where does the weather radio fit in? Is this to be a backup to the 
weather radio?

    I'm trying to be the safest seakayaker I can without any excess equipment

Thanks in advance for your opinions

Jed
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