Whilst both solutions overlap, the EPIRB (and I have the GME one) is a dedicated single purpose, one use only, last resort emergency beacon. It's only purpose is to call for emergency help in a situation where you would otherwise almost certainly die. The advantage is that it's a single purpose tool, permanently monitored, designed to last for a set period (5 years I think) before it must be decommissioned. It's as reliable as any man made object can be.
A GPS tracker is a multi-purpose tool designed to satisfy a divergent range of user requirements. It's major disadvantage (assuming the satellite comms reliability is the same - which I doubt) would be battery life. This is quite manageable, of course, and it can be powered by a usb port. But it's need for battery management makes it a useful tool but a dangerous last resort emergency beacon.
My advice would be to get an EPIRB first and learn how to use it. That's a real emergency covered.
Now decide what second level emergency strategy you need. The tracker could be good. A satphone (either purchased or hired) could be good. Do you move about separately in the bush? Perhaps personal comms should be considered such as UHF or VHF or even a second satphone.
That something will go wrong when you're in a remote spot is a given. With planning and preparation, most issues will be mere inconveniences and part of the adventure. Rarely will an issue be life threatening. Planning for levels of emergency escalation should be in place before you leave:
Extra water & food, tools, spares etc to cater for breakdowns, delays.
First aid kit, extra meds etc.
Internal comms - all members of the party know what's happening (UHF/VHF/Satphone).
External comms - friends know where you are and what's happening (GPS Tracker/Satphone).
Emergency comms - will die if not rescued EPIRB
2013 D4 expedition equipped
1966 Army workshop trailer
(previously SII 2.25 swb, SIII 2.25 swb & lwb, P38 Vogue, 1993 LSE 3.9V8 then HS2.8)
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