Thought I'd add this little tidbit to the mix. This isn't exactly backpacking, but.
My friend Ken decided to not go backpacking with me but instead go on a stellar mountain bike ride. He and his other friends went to downieville. Ken got near the river and was a bit tired and he stopped. His front wheel was close to the edge and then he just rolled over the edge.
Anyway, he didn't have a PLB or a spot, and after his 25' fall with bike into the river, he couldn't press it anyway. Neck fracture.
His friends were behind him on the trail, and found him, stabilized him and went for help. This youtube video shows the beginning of the recovery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6fLiWjmZK4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
He worked hard to get back to a normal life. Driving again even. But.. Friends. not a device.
Another friend (Had dinner with him on Thursday). He and his motorcycle rider partners were on a trip down near king city, err central valley. one guy put his bike down and broke his leg. They had a spot device. pushed the 911 (yes, they have the logs of this).. it got pushed through 5 different orgs before it landed, and THEY DIDN'T DISPATCH!.
One guy took off on his bike back to the nearest fire dept to get paramedics out there.
Just saying..
Russ