Spot Personal Satellite Messenger

[freakflyer9999]

I'm thinking seriously about renting a Spot Personal Satellite Messenger for an upcoming (2 week long) hiking trip. I've searched the archives here and didn't find anything recent or very detailed about this device. I'd really like to see some of the emails/tracks created by the device.
Was the device timely and accurate?
Did family members/friends find it useful to track your progress?
Also, has anyone actually activated one of these in an emergency? If so, please give some details.

I did see that a lot of folks don't feel that this device is worthwhile, necessary or should even be carried by a "real" hiker, however, I'm considering this device for a number of reasons.

#1 My wife is a professional worrier. This will be my first solo hike and I believe that it will give her some peace of mind to see periodic messages that I'm ok.

#2 I believe in risk mitigation. I'm not physically (overweight - lost 65 lbs but still have 65 to go) the most prepared hiker, plus I have a few misc. medical issues (high BP, diabetes, etc.) that though not life threatening in everyday life, could become so in some cases. Some might say don't hike, but I'd rather not spend what is left of my life sitting on the couch. I've already done enough of that.

#3 I'll be hiking off-trail in the Weminuche Wilderness where I can't count on seeing other hikers routinely.

#4 Though I feel quite confident that I know the limits of my abilities and will try my best to operate within the limits of those abilities, there are alway those rare unexpected things that even a "real" hiker just may not be able to deal with alone. Broken bones, falls, animal attacks, etc. Yes, I know that there are ways to mitigate the risks of them and to deal with these when they do happen, but "accidents" do happen.

#5 I'm a geek and this looks cool.

#6 Who knows, I may just be too tired to hike and need a helicopter ride out.

[Wise Old Owl]

What you are looking for to best answer you question, was a thread here on WB about spot. I suspect it was six months ago and a member posted a thread connection to his hiking pattern on Google Maps.

As for the wife - tell her the insurance is paid up!

[JohnF]

http://www.BackpackGearTest.org/revi...e%20Messenger/

[freakflyer9999]

What you are looking for to best answer you question, was a thread here on WB about spot. I suspect it was six months ago and a member posted a thread connection to his hiking pattern on Google Maps.

As for the wife - tell her the insurance is paid up!

I found one hyperlink to a Spot track in an older thread, but I guess that it was out of date and no longer showed any points.

As for the wife, I'm actually afraid that she does know that the insurance is paid up. I'm worth considerably more to her dead than alive. I'll make sure that the Spot sends out messages to multiple family members.

[shoe]

I use the SPOT.
I have never had a message not go through. (although I don't do tracking)
I am able to put my own personal message...it is a set message and can't change day to day.
My family likes looking at where go from day to day.
I like it.
Alot of people don't.
It's not perfect.
The 911 function works great as I have had to use it on a friend last year.

[4eyedbuzzard]

http://www.BackpackGearTest.org/revi...e%20Messenger/

I sure wouldn't rely on it based upon those reviews.

[kayak karl]

I'm thinking seriously about renting a Spot Personal Satellite Messenger for an upcoming (2 week long) hiking trip. I've searched the archives here and didn't find anything recent or very detailed about this device. I'd really like to see some of the emails/tracks created by the device.
Was the device timely and accurate?
Did family members/friends find it useful to track your progress?
Also, has anyone actually activated one of these in an emergency? If so, please give some details.

I did see that a lot of folks don't feel that this device is worthwhile, necessary or should even be carried by a "real" hiker, however, I'm considering this device for a number of reasons.

#1 My wife is a professional worrier. This will be my first solo hike and I believe that it will give her some peace of mind to see periodic messages that I'm ok.

#2 I believe in risk mitigation. I'm not physically (overweight - lost 65 lbs but still have 65 to go) the most prepared hiker, plus I have a few misc. medical issues (high BP, diabetes, etc.) that though not life threatening in everyday life, could become so in some cases. Some might say don't hike, but I'd rather not spend what is left of my life sitting on the couch. I've already done enough of that.

#3 I'll be hiking off-trail in the Weminuche Wilderness where I can't count on seeing other hikers routinely.

#4 Though I feel quite confident that I know the limits of my abilities and will try my best to operate within the limits of those abilities, there are alway those rare unexpected things that even a "real" hiker just may not be able to deal with alone. Broken bones, falls, animal attacks, etc. Yes, I know that there are ways to mitigate the risks of them and to deal with these when they do happen, but "accidents" do happen.

#5 I'm a geek and this looks cool.

#6 Who knows, I may just be too tired to hike and need a helicopter ride out.

this ia a link to my map that was generated by SPOT http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...3637a1e7b4d0b5 there are 3 pages to it. this is a SPOT map http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...mfNG9u8Qax3t0f from 5 days ago. it does not send e-mail, just notification that there is an OK message on SPOT map. very easy to program. sends most messages in no longer then 5 min. it is a cool geeky toy. BUT for the tracking it must be on top of your pack facing the sky. if you get lost and are walking in circles, everybody will know , but you. if you take off your pack (like to get water) you need to clip it to yourself. i was dealing with alot of ice. my worst falls i was not waring pack or SPOT, (cracked my rib at Clingman's Dome). if it makes family happy, take it. they will have fun with the tracking mode. if you want a helicopter ride, go to the county fair. its cheaper

[freakflyer9999]

I sure wouldn't rely on it based upon those reviews.

I agree. Those reviews were very helpful, but certainly not reassuring about the product.

Most of my hike will be below treeline in several creek/river valleys. I suspect that my results would be very similar to the reviewers.

[freakflyer9999]

this ia a link to my map that was generated by SPOT http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...3637a1e7b4d0b5 there are 3 pages to it. this is a SPOT map http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...mfNG9u8Qax3t0f from 5 days ago. it does not send e-mail, just notification that there is an OK message on SPOT map. very easy to program. sends most messages in no longer then 5 min. it is a cool geeky toy. BUT for the tracking it must be on top of your pack facing the sky. if you get lost and are walking in circles, everybody will know , but you. if you take off your pack (like to get water) you need to clip it to yourself. i was dealing with alot of ice. my worst falls i was not waring pack or SPOT, (cracked my rib at Clingman's Dome). if it makes family happy, take it. they will have fun with the tracking mode. if you want a helicopter ride, go to the county fair. its cheaper

I'm curious, why do you think the SPOT is successful for you while the 3 reviewers in the BackPackGearTest.org were mostly unsucessful? It was rare for these 3 reviews to get a message through the SPOT system, however, yours appears to be performing as one would expect. What was the terrain and tree cover like where you were hiking?

[freakflyer9999]

I use the SPOT.
I have never had a message not go through. (although I don't do tracking)
I am able to put my own personal message...it is a set message and can't change day to day.
My family likes looking at where go from day to day.
I like it.
Alot of people don't.
It's not perfect.
The 911 function works great as I have had to use it on a friend last year.

Where do you hike primarily? What type of terrain and tree cover?

Can you expand a bit upon the use of the 911 function? What was the situation? Where? Did the emergency responders have any knowledge of your use of the device? If so, did they have any comments?

[BrianLe]

I know this isn't the sort of reply being sought, but my daughter just finished her SAR (Search And Rescue) training, and points #1 and #6 in the initial "list of reasons to bring it" really give me pause.
#1: Most of us have someone at home that wants us to return safe. My concern about a "professional worrier" is that if the device breaks, the battery dies, you forget to use it, you're in locations where you think signal is sent but it's not, or for whatever reason an expected daily checkin doesn't occur --- could the result be an unnecessary search for you?

Reason #6 --- I sure hope you're just joking about that one ... unfortunately I know there are people out there who do fully expect that helicopter or motor vehicle rescue awaits them if they feel it's inconvenient to walk back out on their own. A recent example: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...2bShwD96MN5182

To be clear, I'm not suggesting that PLBs are "bad" or anything, just that the expectations of those at home --- as well as those using it on the trail --- are important if we're not to start having too many false emergencies straining our various SAR resources.

[freakflyer9999]

I know this isn't the sort of reply being sought, but my daughter just finished her SAR (Search And Rescue) training, and points #1 and #6 in the initial "list of reasons to bring it" really give me pause.
#1: Most of us have someone at home that wants us to return safe. My concern about a "professional worrier" is that if the device breaks, the battery dies, you forget to use it, you're in locations where you think signal is sent but it's not, or for whatever reason an expected daily checkin doesn't occur --- could the result be an unnecessary search for you?

Reason #6 --- I sure hope you're just joking about that one ... unfortunately I know there are people out there who do fully expect that helicopter or motor vehicle rescue awaits them if they feel it's inconvenient to walk back out on their own. A recent example: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...2bShwD96MN5182

To be clear, I'm not suggesting that PLBs are "bad" or anything, just that the expectations of those at home --- as well as those using it on the trail --- are important if we're not to start having too many false emergencies straining our various SAR resources.

Good point about what might happen if my wife were to not receive an expected checkin because of a failure of the device.

As for the helicopter ride, I did put the "Roll Eyes(Sarcastic)" icon around that statement.
I think that the fee (in the article you linked to), should be much more substantial than $100. Perhaps $1000 plus actual cost of the rescue. Of course Colorado has a fund that you can buy into for a few bucks or by buying a fishing/hunting license that covers actual search and rescue costs. IIRC, It doesn't cover the cost to actually evacuate you though, just to find you and administer any needed first aid at the scene.

There was a snowy thunderstorm that trapped 15 unprepared hikers on Longs Peak last year. Someone used their cell phone to call for a helicopter rescue. http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/ind...gs+peak+rescue Since helicopters couldn't fly in the weather, it took 22 park rangers to climb up and escort them down. What a wonderful use of taxpayer resources.

[kayak karl]

I'm curious, why do you think the SPOT is successful for you while the 3 reviewers in the BackPackGearTest.org were mostly unsucessful? It was rare for these 3 reviews to get a message through the SPOT system, however, yours appears to be performing as one would expect. What was the terrain and tree cover like where you were hiking?

SPOT recently suggested thay you mount your SPOT on top of your pack. i haven't checked the SPOT in the green tunnel yet. yes it does work fine so far. would i stake my life on it? NO

[catfishrivers]

Les Stroud (Survivorman) recommends SPOT in his new book fwiw...

[freakflyer9999]

SPOT recently suggested thay you mount your SPOT on top of your pack. i haven't checked the SPOT in the green tunnel yet. yes it does work fine so far. would i stake my life on it? NO

Looking at the tracks that you posted, it appears that you were certainly in varied terrain with at least moderate tree cover. Maybe putting it on top of the pack is the key.

I'm not fully convinced that this is something that I would purchase, but $59.95 to rent it seems like a decent price to test it out. Based on the other advice earlier in this thread, I think I will give my son access to it instead of my wife with clear instructions about when to contact and when not to contact rescue services based on the device.

[freakflyer9999]

Les Stroud (Survivorman) recommends SPOT in his new book fwiw...

I wonder how much they paid him for that recommendation?

[Wise Old Owl]

Although some garmin models like legend suffer the same outcome one wonders if spot is using a cheap antenna instead of something that could make the difference. The AA battery is also a serious concern. I am glad the reviews were brought to my attention.

[shoe]

My spot usage has been used in Georgia at all times of the year, Marlyland and Pennsylvania during summer, and Maine during August.
Tree cover was heavy in parts, open in others.
(Remember I don't use mine for tracking, just the nightly message. I can usually find a fairly open spot near my campsite for the night. My folks at home know not to worry unless it's been several days before getting a message)

I will send a PM with more details on the emergency

Where do you hike primarily? What type of terrain and tree cover?

Can you expand a bit upon the use of the 911 function? What was the situation? Where? Did the emergency responders have any knowledge of your use of the device? If so, did they have any comments?

[Lellers]

I posted about SPOT in the older thread. I'd just reiterate a bit from my experience. I didn't know that the unit should be mounted to the top of my packs. It was kept in a side mesh pocket. We were in Shenandoah in August under full tree cover most of the time. We used tracking mode, and our messages went through and were received back home most times. All of our OK messages were received. Fortunately, we never had to use the 911 feature. When we did have problems with SPOT, it was due to "pilot error". There is a particular sequence for starting the tracking feature. I messed up that sequence several times without knowing it. When the error was discovered and the sequence was followed correctly, all was well. If you use the device, learn the sequence and the timing of the steps. I should have spent more time on this before leaving home. It's not difficult. I just didn't take the time to really learn to do it correctly.

We had the SPOT unit turned on daily for 6 days. It was only turned off at night. We had fresh batteries at the start of the trip, and had power all week. No problems.

My biggest problem was with "backseat drivers" at home who felt the need to critique our progress at the end of the trip. That was very annoying, but certainly not SPOT's fault.

Regarding someone at home who may jump to sending out a search party for you, spend time educating your people about what can go wrong, errors with SPOT commands, dead batteries, etc. Establish criteria, in writing, for when your home base should call for help if you are not heard from.

At some point in the future, as my personal funds allow, I will probably purchase a SPOT unit of my own. My overall experience with it was good.

[freakflyer9999]

Although some garmin models like legend suffer the same outcome one wonders if spot is using a cheap antenna instead of something that could make the difference. The AA battery is also a serious concern. I am glad the reviews were brought to my attention.

From what I've been able to determine as well as a post later in this thread a set of AA batteries should be good for 7-14 days of usage. A spare set of AA batteries wouldn't be much of a weight penalty in addition to the unit itself.

For my purposes, I don't plan on being away from resupply more than 5 days at a time, so the battery life should be more than adequate.

The reviews on backpackgeartest.org were initially of concern to me, however, it appears that if the unit is attached to the top of your pack folks are having reasonable success with the device.

I'm going to rent one for my trip this coming July and will report back on it once I do.