silversand wrote:
We have not been "out West" in the boondocks since 2007, so we have never considered an EPIRB nor SPOT-like device here in the East.
We have never been to a locale here in the East where we had not been able to obtain a cell sig. And we've been to every state from Maine (even north Maine) to south Florida (including into numerous State and National parks). I suppose there exists a few extremely remote areas in the East without cell sigs (perhaps Mount Katahdin, or some remote mountaintop in the Smokies; or up in James Bay, Quebec), however, I can't see us ever camping "up there" with our rig, nor climbing them any time soon.
If (when) we eventually ramble back "out West", we would probably consider an EPIRB (rather than something like a SPOT). Just my preference to register and rely on the GEOS Emergency Response Center (government & international agencies, rather than a private corporate network; my EPIRB of choice would work with: the COSPAS-SARSAT program). Whatever you do, make sure that your chosen device can actually get a signal out from a slot canyon (or, geospatially-similar terrain) !
Good luck,
Silver-
*Note: there are members in this Forum who are trained SAR people. One of them will probably chime in on this one...
You've had an exceptional experience if you've never been without cell coverage. Just off the top of my head I can think of a half dozen spots within 20 miles of my home that have no cell coverage. And they are not incredibly remote, isolated, or in spots with terrain interference. There are simply large gaps in cell coverage, all over the US, any time you get away from major highways or larger towns.
When I start traveling more again, especially alone, I plan to invest in a satellite-connected emergency comm device. The exact device will depend on what seems to be the best suitable technology for me at the time. I would never depend on a cell signal for my only communication.
