Seems like there are many threads that start out with a simple question, but always become argumentative for the sake of safety, i.e. Hangin’ food, carry a map, carry a cell phone, Don’t hike alone…
The problem is even I see in my own posts what seems to be a little hypocrisy, but in reality it’s probably just my own comfort level.
Example I have in the past gotten frustrated by people saying things like "a map is not needed because the trail is well marked…" (I always carry a map). However, I’ve like wised irritated people by saying "I keep my food in my tent" people then warn me that I could lose an eye.
So who decides if your style of hiking is negligent? The question is simply academic, until you need a rescue. I think it’s almost seen as a necessity to carry a cell phone nowadays (judging by some posts I’ve read), so when will it become a necessity to carry a spot-like device or whatever else technology provides us? Is hiking alone reckless?