Originally Posted by
indyfabz
Define “safety.” For example, is rain gear within your definition? I may not use mine every day, but it’s sure nice to have for rainy days.
Our daughter once got onset hypothermia (uncontrolled shivering) during what was supposed to be a benign ride back to base camp, in the middle of July somewhere in Western Europe -- heavy downpour when a cold front crossed our route. We always carry a reasonable rain shell in our handlebar bags, but forgot to check hers when leaving in the morning.
More generally, being able to communicate is a great insurance policy for a wide range of problems. A cell phone is enough in many cases. We carry a PLB or satellite phone for situations where cell coverage is spotty and traffic less than one vehicle per day or so.