Are Sat phones etc really needed?
How nesscsary is it to carry a Sat phone, cell phone, personal locator beacon or a SPOT?
I have said in other threads that any of these are unmistakeably handy in a tight situation, but how often does that need arise?
I have been in plenty of out of the way spots without such kit, and I've had problems out there too, but I'm still not convinced if I should bother taking one on my future travels. I only ask for opinions because it seems that these devices are becoming very popular among adventure travellers (particularly Sat phones which have dramatically reduced in price recently), and every person I seem to meet has one of these things. Most people say that they are for emergency use only, others for peace of mind, and some like them because they can call or text their mates from the middle of the Sahara.
To me, it takes away a bit of the adventure factor by having such easy comms to the outside world. I understand their benefits, but I'm not convinced about their nessecity. Those of you that have them - how much do you use them and would you be without them?
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BD.
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