Why hike w/out GPS or homing beacons?

The rescue of the hikers on Mt. Hood only magnifies how much easier it is to be found by using technology. They had the signal beacons that allowed the rescuers to find them rather easily. Imagine if the hikers back in December had used those devices that they give out for free at Mt. Hood? I've heard hikers say it takes away from their freedom! Please. WOuld you rather die free or be found after activating the emergency signal on the beacon?

Even more important, having to search large areas of the mountian puts the S&R volunteers at greater risk.
The hardcore mountaineers who oppose requiring beacons worry that more unprepared people would climb feeling all the had to do if they get in trouble in start the beacon and wait for rescue.
Unfortunately FAR TOO MANY visitors climb untrained and unprepared, thinking they can just call out with their cellphone and someone else will assume all responsiblity.
I think beacons, Training and posting a substanial bond/deposit to pay even a small portion of a rescue attempt (best effort no gaurantee) should be required of all climbers.
People would be more careful if they knew any rescue attempt would cost them $25000 to start with and go up from there.

Said By T-Shirt

Even more important, having to search large areas of the mountian puts the S&R volunteers at greater risk.
The hardcore mountaineers who oppose requiring beacons worry that more unprepared people would climb feeling all the had to do if they get in trouble in start the beacon and wait for rescue.
Unfortunately FAR TOO MANY visitors climb untrained and unprepared, thinking they can just call out with their cellphone and someone else will assume all responsiblity.
I think beacons, Training and posting a substanial bond/deposit to pay even a small portion of a rescue attempt (best effort no gaurantee) should be required of all climbers.
People would be more careful if they knew any rescue attempt would cost them $25000 to start with and go up from there.

And for some reason they think cellphones either work like communicators on Star Trek or use magic...

I would never to something like this to begin with but if I ever thought about it you can bet I would use one of these trackers. Makes no sense to me why you wouldn't when they are practically handed to you. Hopefully this latest incident will remind people of the value of them.

Oddly, the last few rescues have all been of "seasoned and well trained" hikers! Not novices. You should always, ALWAYS take modern technology with you. Until they plant a cell phone tower on Mt. Hood!

Said By Melizzy

Oddly, the last few rescues have all been of "seasoned and well trained" hikers! Not novices. You should always, ALWAYS take modern technology with you. Until they plant a cell phone tower on Mt. Hood!

Well' it's almost always going to be those that push the limit, novice or veteran.
In most of the recent rescues/attempts they did have cell phones and made contact (clear line of sight is easy on the western side of most NW mountain, especially at higher altitudes, but batteries fail quickly due to cold and long range) Knowing exactly where you are after a fall or in a blizzard isn't so easy, GPS helps, if you are able to communicate the position, but the beacons once activated make it simple, and continue to track you should you fall/slide again or have to move for safety.
for free (or even a small rental/deposit) is a good deal, REI sells them for $450-600 and some require an external GPS

Said By Thefremen

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And for some reason they think cellphones either work like communicators on Star Trek or use magic...

Too bad they can't just beam them up (like some seem to believe)

mobile phones are sufficient when not hiking alone (why would you do that...) and the route is reasonably safe.

So, way out on the Appalachian Trail, far, far away from anything, my good ol' Samsung will work? Some how I don't think so. But hey, whatever you say. And remember, none of those hikers were alone. And three died.