I was thinking about this hiking alone issue and had a thought that some of you might find interesting and warrant further research . There are two different 'kinds' of Personal Locator Beacons.
One is the Spot - it is very cool sounding, and requires an annual subscription (basic $99/year) after initial purchase. It is completely satellite based and here are some of its features:
• Alert 9-1-1: Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location
• Check in: Let contacts know where you are and that you are okay
• Help: Request help from friends and family at your exact location
• Track: Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps
LINK:
http://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-001491&sid=FROOGLE&EID=FR1-001491&bhcd2=1251725996The other kind transmits on a certain radio frequency. Here's a link to one of them:
http://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-040720So, from a broken-leg-in-the-woods perspective, one or the other of these gadgets might provde useful to you hikers!
ON EDIT: Here's a link to one man's opinion on both types:
http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id88.html..