Bushwalk Australia

Hi All

so I was wondering if you thought that a PLB was required for solo bushwalking in Tasmania - or was a phone and a GPS enough?

If the phone worked 100% of the time everywhere it would be ideal.... but unfortunately I don't think that is the case... also battery could run out. A PLB would be the safest in my opinion and I'd have the phone & GPS too!
Guess it depends on where you are walking
Good luck
Lizzy

Hi

PLB gives you the best chance of getting a signal out. A 3G phone with Telstra gives reasonable coverage on many high areas but near useless in valleys plus to-date no waterproof versions exist and as many will testify more than a few phones have died in the wilderness. A GME 410G adds about 250 grams to you pack and takes a tonne or two of friends and family's minds. Last about seven years then all been well adds to landfill.

Cheers

Phones are lacking in network coverage, and battery life, and are completely unsuitable to be relied upon as an emergency communications device in most wilderness walking situations in Tasmania. They certainly can be useful at times (particularly a handheld which includes phone, GPS, compass, map browser, etc all in one tiny unit), but should not be expected to perform well enough to be relied upon for emergency situations.

I carry a phone and GPS most places I go. Like Nik said, phone coverage isn't reliable. Most of the time you need to be up high to get coverage. I walk solo and don't carry a PLB, but that's not smart. The last time I fell I damaged my left knee and it still hurts 12 mths later, so if I don't get a PLB crawling to the top of a mountain to make that call is going to be a female dog.

A PLB will transmit a signal for 24 hours once activated, whether you remain conscious or not during that time. Its your best chance.