My Washington…again

A unprepared hiker dies in NH. I’m posting the link where I first ran across it, Ann Althouse. She links to a Daily Mail story. I will refrain from talking about Darwin Awards. This is just sad.
https://althouse.blogspot.com/2022/12/she-had-no-map-compass-or-matches-no.html

Another article, with some commentary from a New Hampshire Fish and Game captain.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news/loc...893d9ddac2.html

Sad and like it is so often, unnecessary death. Surprised in the suggestions offered, there was no mention of a beacon, unless I missed it. <sigh>

I did not the mention of a beacon or sat com either.
That is even more surprising as many Youtube hiker and camper channels list devices like the Garmin inReach as an item they carry for every hike - even in good weather conditions and on frequented trails.
A device like that might have been of more benefit than matches. I carry BCB life boat matches. In a 60 mph snow storm I might still have trouble starting and maintaining a fire.

That's a weird one because she clearly had a fair bit of experience with NH mountains. I have climbed none but I've heard plenty of times that you climb Washington prepared to spend the night in a blizzard even on the nicest summer day. Now even if you think that's overkill, going up that light in the winter seems insane. I second (or third, or whatever) that she should have had a PLB. Say what you will, but the new iPhone 14 / and this T-Mobile/Starlkink tech (if it happens...) will save the lives of people like this (but is certainly not a replacement for dedicated satellite devices, at least not yet).

Doug Shoe Bushcraft has a recent video on three deaths of hikers in the NH mountains. Good advice for people, though sadly those who need it, probably wouldn’t watch it. Some good links in the description.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERLrZHSAifA