I have a McMurdo and thankfully have never used it. It has remained intact through all sorts of ridiculous adventures and travels for both work and pleasure in some very remote and harsh places, and has not become visibly damaged nor seems to have any impaired function. It is small and lightweight and not a burden in a pocket. When it expires I will get another or refurbish this one.
I also use spot units, DeLorme Inreach communicators, and a variety of satellite based phones, internet, and such. Even with all of these resources, I am never without my PLB in remote locations. They are absolutely the most reliable means of summoning help to a remote location, and getting that help to you as quickly as possible with both GPS data and a directional radio signal. The other tech that does this type of thing is a great supplement, but no replacement.
