> I really don’t think it should change anything in risk calculation and preparedness though. If you have to use it, it still represents a complete fail for you as an outdoorsman. The downside is that their easy availability makes people more likely to engage SAR when they should just suck it up or not have gone out in the first place.
Thank you! Exactly and agreed 100%. Even when out-and-about in public in the city, I can deploy it in a few seconds (either via the device itself or my Garmin watch), in addition to calling 911 for someone in distress, so the exact GPS coordinates of the incident are shared. This ensures that no delays occur with rescue on my end.
I am big on preparing and I look needing SAR operations as a huge systemic failure. It is true that all it takes is one mistake to end up in such a situation.
As I said, I have health conditions. Backpacking for days in the wilderness (no matter how prepared or "responsible" I may be) is not possible and is unsafe in my particular situation. I can go on day hikes though, generally, without issue with adequate preparation.
For people criticizing the use of such technology: Have you called 911 before for an incident where there are not a lot of addresses/cross-streets/markings, such as at a national park? Do you realize that SAR resources are precious and extremely limited? Do you realize that SAR operations can be quite dangerous, even for the well trained and seasoned professional?
I should point out that I also spend time on the water, and I take my Garmin inReach Mini with me, in the inReach Mini Dive Case. I have it clipped to my lifejacket with a carabiner clip, which I wear at all times during water activities. It should be pointed out that the Garmin inReach Mini is useless underwater, as electrical signals cannot be transmitted through water, which is something everyone should be aware of. The same goes likewise for any PLB.
When on the water, the inReach Mini likewise works best with a smartphone (iPhone, in my case), which I keep in a dive case, also clipped to my jacket.
Thankfully, I have never had to use my Garmin inReach Mini. I don't "hope" it never happens. I plan as much as possible, to avoid a SAR situation at all costs. I also look at it as a responsible thing to have, both for myself, and also in case someone nearby is in trouble.