[BlindOldMan]

Originally Posted by Scratchammo

Would the Motion X app for iPhone suffice or do I still need signal?

Just a note about personal locator beacons... They work pretty much anywhere but many people abuse them. Unlike a cellphone, they just alert rescue that there is an emergency and not the nature of the emergency. People end up using them when they can't find their car or run out of food, none of which constitute an emergency. Even an injury (up to broken bones) is not necessarily an emergency.

There are a bunch of online resources about how to go about hiking/camping in remote areas. Basic things such as letting people know your plans, arrival times, etc.. can be useful. If you're in a motorized vehicle you can pack a lot, but the downside is that it can get you to a remote area very quickly and just as quickly strand you there.

I don't want to sound preachy because I do admire anyone who gets out there instead of just stocking up on Sterno and multi-tools

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by Scratchammo

Good point. Well I was taught to stay away from Tom-Toms. What would you suggest?

I have not had the need to use one but with little research I've found they run $100 and up plus a subscription.

Amazon.com: SPOT Personal Tracker: Sports & Outdoors

Real Time GPS Tracking & Personal Tracker Device | UBI-5000

Do your research; reviews, tracking software, subscription cost/flexability........

Then shop around.

[mrm14]

Originally Posted by Scratchammo

What's a good compact wood cutter?

A 15" folding Sven Saw.

Sven Folding Saw - 15-inch at REI.com

[fireguy]

A really good whistle. I always carry one on me when I go riding. If I get knocked off and am laying in a ditch the whistle will be heard far better than my moans if I am still able to make a sound.
Some kind of shelter, a good knive with a strong blade will split wood for you.

[wmille01]

I got a gerber folding saw had it for years work pretty well, piece of personal advice take a rifle if you can, anytime I go camping out in low populated area's I carry a rifle if I can.

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by wmille01

I got a gerber folding saw had it for years work pretty well, piece of personal advice take a rifle if you can, anytime I go camping out in low populated area's I carry a rifle if I can.

+1

Reminds me of;

A woman sees a Texas Ranger with a gun on his hip. She asks him: “Sir, are you expecting trouble?” The Ranger replies, “Ma’am, if I was expecting trouble, I would have brought a rifle.”

[ViNoM]

You might take a gun big enough to protect yourself from wild animals like the cougar, especially if you are going remote...although they scare easily and usually avoid humans, if one is hungry enough he could make a snack out of you. And depending how far south you are going, you just might get lucky and encounter a jaguar. They have been reported from Arizona. Also, depending how far up you go, (if you will be in a forested area, in the mountains) you will need to take bear precautions..

[Scratchammo]

Originally Posted by VICTIMNOMORE

You might take a gun big enough to protect yourself from wild animals like the cougar, especially if you are going remote...although they scare easily and usually avoid humans, if one is hungry enough he could make a snack out of you. And depending how far south you are going, you just might get lucky and encounter a jaguar. They have been reported from Arizona. Also, depending how far up you go, (if you will be in a forested area, in the mountains) you will need to take bear precautions..

I plan on having a Ruger New Vaquero .45 short bbl with +P ammo & CCI shotshells for the rattlers.

[Scratchammo]

I plan on taking Historic Route 66 & lucky for me my VA ccw is good from MO to AZ. Does anyone know of any good ghost towns to crash in?

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by VICTIMNOMORE

You might take a gun big enough to protect yourself from wild animals like the cougar,..

Yep, see that map?

Down here in South Florida you can't go into a club without running into a cougar!