the last couple trips i've made have been in some well used areas.
i'll be getting knee surgery in the spring so i've been staying on easy portages with other canoe trippers around.
in the past i've been up in Canada where i did not see anyone for a week.when i get back to the real backwoods again i plan to wear the PFD when i'm on the portages.
falling or getting injured on the carry would be worse than a swim to shore.at least lake side you would have water and the chance to wave down passing canoes or be in the open where flashing a passing float plane is easy.
back in a carry you may as well be in the woods.with the PFD on shelter and a fire would be handy and you would not be tempted to drag yourself along to get to your pack possible doing more damage.
this is where the PLB is the life saver.i the past i never thought i would want or need one plus the cost was a factor.
then i had some car repairs done and looked at the bill and put it on the card.it hit me that for half the car cost i could get a PLB and cut the survival gear and hassles in half.