It was interesting to see that he only takes the PLB for 2 of the 5 regions. He has it in the Desert Southwest and High Sierra, but, didn't choose to carry the extra 11.3 ounces for the other three sections, which include the Rockies in the fall?

I'm thinking a PLB is pretty good insurance for 11 ounces, just keep it in the pack for the whole trip. That would be my vote, fwiw.