High Sierra Topix

"Now if you were to take a satellite phone I would feel a loss of wilderness because at any time someone could reach me."

You can choose not to answer

When carrying a Satphone years ago, for two seasons, it was turned on only when
making a call, it's not like a cell phone that you have on all day Rogue.

I carried a sat phone for a number of years when I hiked with my husband. It gave me a sense
of security to know I could contact someone in an emergency as we were often on 9-day mostly off-trail Sierra trips and my husband would take long day hikes while I often stayed at camp. I now carry a SPOT for all the reasons others have mentioned here. I also backpack solo sometimes. Having it in my pack doesn't detract at all from my wilderness experience. I use it mainly to send OK messages.

We won't have requirements to carry PLBs as they will be superceded by satellite coverage, which will also make search and rescue turn into recovery teams...

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

Perhaps all around it's the tinkerbell effect which for those of you that don't know that means something that is only real because we believe it is.

I still choose not to carry one for myself. Only when I am lying hopeless some where unable to move facing death will my real opinion for myself be revealed.

RoguePhotonic wrote: I still choose not to carry one for myself. Only when I am lying hopeless some where unable to move facing death will my real opinion for myself be revealed.

A little dire there Rogue, but realistically, I share much the same sentiment.

IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.

Markskor wrote:
IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.

Yes, that is the main benefit, but what about the SAR members that would be
coming out to look for you?

Rogue,

Since you mentioned not having any family you care about or they caring about you
your attitude is somewhat understandable, maybe when/if you get married your
views may change, and when/if you have a child they will change.

Well yeah not having a family is the issue. Anyone else that does I completely understand their views.

maverick wrote:

Markskor wrote:
IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.

Yes, that is the main benefit, but what about the SAR members that would be
coming out to look for you?

Being as I seldom keep to pre-made trail plans - my chosen routes, usually being flexible depending...
(BTW, impressed with Rogue's 3-month plan...wonder what parts will be undoubtedly shelved as conditions unfold),
Just to be clear - I do not expect or do I want any SAR folk out looking for me unless personally requested.
Other than a head lamp, No electronic devices carried, No cell phone, (do not even trust Steripens as unreliably electric)...
No SAR anticipated, so no safety net - same old habits.

markskor wrote: Just to be clear - I do not expect or do I want any SAR folk out looking for me unless personally requested.

You can say it all you like, but it won't change their operational procedures... there is to date no way to waive a search. Just like you can't tell an ambulance not to roll to your house or police not to respond to a gunshot.