ST,

When we are a group of 4, I tend toward some redundant emergency gear if the weight/space penalty is not too high.  When we all crossed the 60 age line with some new ailments, we started using a SPOT locator.  Family can see where we are, and  it has the $10,000 button that gives coordinates if there is real trouble.  We have also started renting a sat phone as well, splitting the two devices up between the two canoes so each has some kind of communication.

We have also determined kitchen passes are easier to come by if there is an occasional call home so we can be made aware of any current drama.   The down side is we have to hear about the current drama we are trying to briefly escape from.

Yes,  I know it is overkill, but we still get to make the trips.

MossBack