This reminds me of something that happened more then a few years back. There was a fair (National Trail Day?) at the local open space preserve that included both the park rangers and the Sheriff's SAR team. I asked them both the same question: "What equipment or skill would you like hikers to have?"
The park ranger suggested a jacket and a book of matches. Then he related a story about an unexpected overnight where he lite two campfires and slept between them.
The SAR member told me to "Carry a cell phone and a GPS"
Building on that.
Let me interject a little additional balance in this debate. Just for a moment, let's look beyond the individual, however independent, come what may, I am responsible only for myself, attitude. All well and good when there were no viable, affordable alternatives. That is no longer the case.
Very few of us live in a vacuum. When we don't return from a trip, or something untoward occurs during a trip, stuff happens, very little of it without negative consequences.
Family and friends are affected. SAR personnel are put a substantially increased risk.
Personally, I think it is beyond selfish and self-centered when you decide not to take along an inexpensive device that addresses these issues. A PLB saves so much more than
your life.
It is NOT a substitute for being prepared, but it is an essential part of being prepared. There is simply no excuse not to carry a PLB at this point.
Just my not very humble opinion, of course.
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