TRAUMAhead wrote:Even when I'm home, I seldom like doing things solo like eating out, going to a movie, shopping, etc. Maybe it's just a comfort mindset, I don't know.
The mindset might have a lot to do with it. I can go from a group, to solo, and hardly make note of it. I can be by myself for several days and have to remind myself of that. But that is just me. I have friends who would freak out if they found themselves alone. Even when backpacking with a group, which I prefer, I like to do the hiking part alone. I'd rather save the chit chat for camp and listen to nature while on the move.
If I am going to a fairly remote area by myself, I'm bringing a Sat Phone. For something like the AT, where someone should be coming by within a few hours (depends on the season), communication is not as important.
Someone mentioned the SPOT. A great device and concept. It gives your loved ones a piece of mind when you check in (if the signal goes thru). It SHOULD give YOU some piece of mind that help will be coming if the **** hits the fan. I am not familiar with the gen 2 SPOT. Gen 1 was not very user friendly and nearly worthless in tree cover for non-emer functions.
Personally I prefer the Sat Phone but a gen 2 SPOT would probably suffice.