One of my big fears is getting stranded in the backcountry. Despite having great reception even on some of the tallest peaks around me, and in some of deep, dark timbery holes I routinely find myself in, I don't want to be without my ability to contact the outside world when I need it most. I mean, I nearly had that last year when a pre-production snowmobile blew up on me.
Luckily, I had my Garmin inReach with me, and all I had to do was text my wife to send our local Search and Rescue to haul my butt out. They did in short order, and ever since then, I'm been preaching the good word that is you should always have a proper satellite communicator with you whenever you head off for an adventure.
And no, you're satellite-enabled cell phone doesn't count.
