>>2538630I always have a handheld GPS and a PLB when I'm /out/. I will sometimes bring an inReach to stay in touch with friends and family.
Whenever I'm hunting (or going /out/ at all), I have five rules:
Safety, safety, safety, safety, safety.
Shamelessly borrowed from Jim Shockey, but that doesn't change the validity of the sentiment. Being prepared never hurt anybody, lack of preparedness certainly has. You have to ask yourself what you what is more important:
Being called a wimp on the internet by some rando who probably never goes /out/, or not ending up dead in the wilderness because something happened and you had no way to call for help. For me, the latter is far more important.
That doesn't mean living in fear or never taking risks. Just don't talk yourself out of taking logical safety precautions either due to peer pressure or money.
>>2538699>>25387141. GPS units are significantly more durable than phones. They are better at standing up to impacts and have much better weather resistance.
2. The battery lasts longer; and if you use a unit that takes removable batteries, you can easily replace them.
3. They have more features for navigation.
4. Not everywhere has mobile phone reception.
