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General Climbing Discussion

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Moonarie - Worth bringing a Sat phone? 11-Mar-2009 At 10:02:46 PM racingtadpole

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Just to clear up something here, I use the term EPIRB to describe anything like an EPIRB, PLB or SPOT. When they first came on the market they were EPIRBs and thats what I continue call them. Most rentals are normally a PLB because they are smaller and cheaper. Response times in the event of things going pearshaped are reduced considerably if the authorites can pinpoint your location. This can only be seen as a good thing in my opinion.

I guess the use of such devices is one of those subjects that elicits various emotions in people. Some think they are great, and worth both the expense and extra bulk in your pack. Some think they are an intrusion into the solitude. Both are valid points. No matter which side of the fence you sit on you should be prepared to deal with things as best you possibly can before you have outside assistance. For as long as I have access to a Sat Phone, I will continue to take it with me. When I dont I will probably buy a PLB. To each their own.

And for the record, I AM an anal retentive helmet wearer because I got hit in the head by a falling podger (36/32 ratcheting variety) on an industrial job in 2002. The outcome of that was it hurt a lot and i said lots of rude words before passing out in the bottom of the barrel cage (having managed to downclimb 45m), spending about 400years filing the paperwork for the ensuing medical expenses and now I religiously wear a helmet.