PLB or no PLB ?

[Mags]

]

In this entire thread, no one spelled out what a PLB is.

Spelling out what a PLB means is also like asking us to spell out CD, VCR, MP3, ATM and so on.

Certain acronyms are well known and part of the everyday vocabulary. In an outdoor forum, it is very arguable PLB falls into this category as well.


If not, the power of Google should help.

[Another Kevin]

]In this entire thread, no one spelled out what a PLB is.

My apologies! I usually am more careful with editing than I seem to have been in the original post. The SOFT (Spell Out the First Time) principle is a sound one.

[Another Kevin]

The overall summary is take the PLB if your main concern is about personal safety.
Take the SPOT if your main concern letting family members and friends know where you are and staying in touch with them.

And either should serve for the goal of reducing the cost and hazard to the searchers if (Heaven forbid) I go missing. By far the greater cost and danger in Search and Rescue is in the Search. (That said, PLB's are reputed to be a lot more reliable at punching a signal out of ravines, through tree cover, or through bad weather.)

Whether you need one on the AT is another ball of wax.

The general consensus here seems to be: You don't. I'm inclined to agree.

FWIW, I stick to this tried and true method:
1) Leave a rough itenterary
2) Give a call when I am done
3) Don't do anything beyond my ability/comfort level

I've been doing that for years of clueless weekending.

[Wise Old Owl]

Another Kevin - I found it interesting we are talking about PLB's because they are better than Spot, I have a tech question into Spot to ask if they have upgraded the antenna on the unit...Over the years the antenna has been improved on these devices... trees should not be a factor like they were five years ago.

[chiefiepoo]

Many thanks for the thoughtful posts here on the topic of PLB's. Very enlightening discussion. I am frequently a solo backcountry traveler and coastal kayaker both of which activities are discouraged by park / preserve managers. Most here are well aware of the risks associated with solo travel and willingly assume responsibility for the possible outcomes. I appreciate the experience that underlies the comments. I had been putting off purchasing a PLB or SPOT for a few years but this thread has helped me to focus on my needs as a solo traveler so I'm now the owner of a ACR ResQLink. Not likely I'll carry on the AT or other popular trails, but Glacier, the Bob, and Flathead NF are for sure locations that it will go along. Thanks all for shared information. Question now is, carry it on a pack strap, belt loop or some other place where one hand can access and activate the PLB.