And it's only going to get worse in the years to come as the technology becomes more affordable and prevalent. It won't be that long till it's available as a standard in cellphones, watches, etc. Hell, it may already be in some high-end items.
Lots of growth for SAR down the road . . .
Umm ...not so sure. The same was said when people started carrying cell phones on the trail. I've now read statements from SAR units that cell phones have helped reduce the number of injuries and deaths and often allow them to find someone faster.
It seems to be human nature to balk when new technologies are introduced, whether it be Gore-tex, plastic double boots, fleece, GPSr's, cell phones, PLB's, etc. Each introduction moves the "line" a bit further.
