IF a search is ongoing, they can pick up your cellphone's signal with the right gear, so it's helpful to have it switched on even when you're out of coverage.

File under: Better than nothing.

I chose InReach for the two-way texting. While I can imagine its helpfulness in an emergency, I also hope to never test that. What I do, is have the folks at home daily send me the next three days' weather, which can be one way to stay out of trouble to begin with. Of course, it also gives them a way to let you know the teevee is going out.

Cheers,
_________________________
--Rick