Why aren't PLB's a more popular choice? It seems the discussion is usually between carrying a Spot (or DeLorme InReach) or nothing.
For hiking purists, I can definitely appreciate not needing or wanting a device for sending breadcrumbs or texting cheery messages to relatives. Heck, the point of these trips for many people is to be AWAY, not to live-blog their trip. If others want and enjoy that kind of connectivity, fine, but it's not for everyone.
But for that true emergency when your hiking buddy (or you) falls down a cliff and breaks his leg, why not carry a PLB? That's exactly what they're designed for. I view it in the same category as carrying an emergency whistle or building a signal fire.
