Russ,

Although I have "issues" about a lot of things, this is not one of them. If it does not diminish the experience for you, fine. It has nothing to do with the size or intrusion of the device itself. It goes back to the mental intrusion. To me (YM obviously V) the requirement that I depend only on myself is one of the reasons I make some trips into the wilderness. There is a feeling that is lost when you "Can holler for help". I have a PLB. Most of my trips are for work. I carry a PLB for these trips and those where I am responsible for others. When I do not carry a PLB, I know and accept the risk involved.

Respectfully,

Jerry

I can understand and even appreciate that point of view, Jerry. But if you don't return the SAR teams are going to look for you regardless. Why not make it easier and safer for them to do their job?

"a small inconspicuous emergency beacon would somehow diminish a wilderness experience "

speaking as an older adventurer - these days I just aim to diminish my emergency-room experiences :-)

Pete2

same here Pete..the subject of modern gear somehow taking away the wilderness experience has been beat to death on the canoe tripping sites,with no agreement of course.
nylon or canvas,fire or Gaz stove,wool or polyfluff and so on.
in the end everyone just said "it's your trip"
and of course you could go as far as to say that having any kind of survival gear along is cheating and you have to face the wilderness,or backwoods maybe,one to one to have a true adventure otherwise your just a tourist.

There was a study just after WW2 about it with internment camp survivors ... if your google Force is strong you can find it. I don't have time at work right now, but interesting read.

As for technology, I like my newer fibers and sleeping bag and tent, but I've never bought a GPS and never invested in a PLB? Why? Cuz I know where I am (I don't usually stray too far off the trail), and I'm stubborn and cheap.