My son and I go on backpacking trips each year in the High Sierras. There is seldom a cell phone tower signal. Last year, I bought a Spot Gen4, which (with a $15/mo subscription) allows you to text your loved ones "we made it safely to our destination", or call for help in an emergency. With the new Iphones, I guess we no longer need this. As a senior, there's probably a 10% chance on any trip of having to be medevac-ed. I almost was a few years ago at 15 k ft level of Kilimanjaro, after I passed out. Fortunately, my medical plan covers this.