Mountaineer Cuts Off Trapped Arm With Penknife

Independent (UK) ^ | 5-3-2003 | Andrew Gumbel

[Arthur McGowan]

I don't feel any pity for these morons who kill themselves or lose limbs climbing mountains and cliffs. They aren't advancing science or any other worthy cause.

[Some hope remaining.]

Note to self: Make sure to keep that small saw blade on swiss army knife sterilized just in case.

[Freedom4US]

I think we need some perspective here, actually. I've hiked alone many times, in Canyonlands in fact. But let's face it - solo hiking is risky, as this episode indicates. Something as simple as a cell-phone would have reduced the whole ordeal to a simple rescue. As experienced as this guy is, I'm thinking he screwed up, lopping off appendages shouldn't be necessary in this day and age.

[RaceBannon]

I hike alone because no one likes me...

Anyways, When i go to strange places, If it is within the state, I am packing heat, carrying my cell phone, and water bottles.

Else, I have the cell phone and water.

If I am up some REAL remote place, I carry my flare gun, cyalume sticks, cell phone, and extra food/water.

I'll bet he was used to the place, that, or he lost his pack with the phone or something. That would explain why he had no phone or flares or whatever.