Note that this references the 2 generations older devices. The current inReach made by Garmin is a significantly different device and does not have this issue.

Having some means of signaling distress is, IMHO, essential. If I were king, I would make them mandatory if beyond cell phone range. If I were king, I would change a lot of things. :=)

What device you choose depends on your needs. The most basic is a PLB. It summons rescue, but that's all it does. Devices such as SPOT and inReach and a Sat Phone cost more and do more, which may or may not be of value to any particular person.