There has been a lot of debate over the past year about devices that enable you to get rescued from the hills and mountains. Mobile phone, SPOT device, Satellite phone, GPS unit, Smart phone with GPS enabled

It seems with the advances of technology soon 'nearly everyone' will be carrying some sort of gadget to enable them to send a distress signal with or without a GPS location. Will this mean no days off for Search and Rescue teams?

The SPOT device was popular on the Pacific Crest Trail. Of the 50 or so hikers that I met, I would guess maybe 5-10 of them had a device.  I myself had a satellite phone for emergency use and sending texts. It's easy to say these are unnecessary but you could argue if it saves a life, surely it has to be worth it? What do you think?

On the UK hills and mountains I found this report concerning the Scottish S&R numbers. After a bit of research it does seem as though S&R numbers are up in the UK. I expect it's the same in the USA.

What do you think? Should devices be carried on hiking and mountaineering trips?