Yeah - the microfix actually *has* GPS in it, but isn't set up
to be used as a GPS unit.

While I agree, I'd love to see such a thing, I suspect you'll not see one produced that's a "real" PLB like that - they kinda read you the riot act about not screwing it up and calling by accident because there are huge fines and potential jail time for calling out SAR like that without cause. So, I suspect they won't certify a manufactured one that combines something you fiddle with all the time like a GPS unit, with a PLB, just due to the potential for fumble factor.

Who knows though, I could be wrong. In the meantime my microfix is my pound of weight that rides in my pack that I never ever hope to use...

Especially if there aren't any little kids out killing them off and thinning the population.

chaz
yes - attacked by hummingbirds.
I was wearing a tee shirt with a bright orange soccer ball on it. I must have been dive bombed for half an hour until I left a nesting area in the rocks.
They dove at my face and I would have to duck as they came at me.
Jim
oh for a badmitten racket

I can see your point. People would have SAR trying to find them while they were Geocacheing in their back yard.

So what are you supposed to actually do if you are a solo hiker and get bit by a snake? Surely you don't sit down with an SAR device and hope someone finds you before you die do you? Wouldn't it be better to try to find a route to population or is that actually worse than sitting down and waiting? Seems like at least walking will make you more calm than not walking somewhere?

It depends on what kind of snake bit you, where you are and how long till you can get help.