[ghaff]

I think there are circumstances where it's prudent, when reasonably practical, to have the means to summon assistance if things go sideways. However, you should be as prepared as possible to fend for yourself and, as you say, I find it almost bizarre to be anxious/fearful/freaked out just because you're separated from your smartphone.

ADDED: My concern is that there seems to be an increasing expectation that, if "they" don't make cellular coverage available everywhere they're creating an unsafe environment and something needs to be done about that. (And conversely, if I'm not always available, I'm being somehow irresponsible.)

[toomuchtodo]

Agree entirely.