SPOT is a personal location beacon that uses satellites to send up position information and predetermined messages, including a “Help” request that triggers a Search and Rescue effort. I carried one on my 500 miles Washington PCT backpacking trip.
The SPOT Connect is a blue-tooth device that lets a smart phone act like a SPOT device and send custom message up (41 characters.) $170. Extra cost for custom messages.
SPOT GPS messenger only allows for two predefined messages. $170. With a rebate of $50, now might be a time to buy.
The older SPOT is only $99.
Service is $99/year and $50/year for tracking progress and $13/year for Search and Rescue up to $100K.
I had good luck with SPOT on my PCT hike. I’m not sure I’d trust my iPhone batteries to make the communicator worthwhile.
And the downside, I’m not sure I need one for my current activities. $150/year + cost of device is high for an occasional weekend trip and a few day hikes. But, as cell phones don’t work along much of the coast, I might be useful. Summary: I’ll check back in another year unless someone has one they want to donate to a good cause.
Anyone want to
