This stinks in general. I was a high school student 20+years ago, and I worked at a high school doing non teaching stuff (like spring break trips and after school programming) thru 2019, and the prevalency of drugs didn't change. The only conversation change was vaping. From my view point, having been a rural student, and having worked in rural schools, they're gonna experiment! Kids need safe folks to talk to. This applies to more than drugs but definitely applies to TX.
I haven't used a SPOT for ten years, but at that time they were pretty limited in their comms. They weren't on if I didn't want them to be on, and even when in and supposedly with service, were flaky. Now, I use an InReach. It has more functionality than the devices in the past, but the connection isn't really any better. All of these devices were owned and managed under government contracts but I don't think they would be any different. I have never used them to track myself as I go, I use different equipment for that.
Long story short, you'll worry more about getting service when you need than you will about being tracked when you don't want to be. A tree canopy or tall canyon can prevent comms.
I can't give you European recommendations, but as someone who has had pant challenges, I can make those. Consider evaluating why they are failing. Are the rips and tears in the fabric panels? You may be able to find pants that are reinforced in those areas or are of a more durable fabric. You could also consider repair. If the rips and tears are at seams, maybe you need extra stitching. This can also be repaired but isn't always cost effective. Also consider fit - if they don't for appropriately, this also can lead to increased wear.
Good luck! Sorry if I come off as a lecture and you know all these things.
This won't be helpful, but reading this thread makes me think about my angelfire website from, idk, 1998? I had that and a HTML 4.0 bible. Good times. Deleted times 😑
I read that the fediverse equivalent to bandcamp is using a webring, maybe there is or will be a fediverse hosting ecosystem?
While you can go for a period without many calories, you will need electrolytes. The recommendations for things like Pedialyte will help with that, but for foods you may just have to try what works for you. It's so personal.
Stay hydrated and "salted" and go from there. If you can't keep it down then it isn't for you. Salty foods will help you retain water.
I worked at a high school program for a few years (after school, spring break, etc) and there was a student who REALLY ate plain - white rice with nothing else, pasta with nothing on it. We called it the white diet. I remember we got pizza once but don't remember what he did with it.