I'll confess, several months ago we purchased the generation 3 Spot, after insistence from friends. We are very independent and, I think, fairly skilled and experienced. We know what to do (and what happens response wise) in an emergency and as Lighthawk says, the first option will always be self rescue and drama avoidance.
I did my research and evaluated our needs and selected the Spot. The ability to send position data to friends on a regular basis was our main need. This narrowed it to the Spot and InReach. We chose the simpler and cheaper unit although the main expense will be the annual subscription. Having a couple of very talented and adventuresome friends that recommended and use Spot helped decision wise. And, since I am on their "help" and "emergency" contact lists, I was familiar with the website and notices sent out.
Our main need, due to our independence and propensity to just take off, was keeping friends informed about our whereabouts. The main function we use (and make a habit of) is sending a nightly campsite location. I know that for some friends on our list, we are providing entertainment. But, I know that 5 or 6 are keeping record and paying attention to direction of travel and point last seen.
My biggest concern is disappearing, dropping off the face of the earth. If either of us are conscious and able to function in any limited way, people are going to hear about it. Help will be on the way. If we disappear, we have left a trail with this Spot device. If friends stop receiving location information, they are on their way. I have personally seen the effects "not knowing" has on family and friends. I have talked with them and done my best to comfort them during incidents I have been involved in. It has profoundly affected me. I do not want to leave my family and friends that way.
The SOS button is going to work. Pushing it will be the very last item on the list. Of much more practical use to us is the "Help" button that goes out to people on our list. I think of this button for non life threatening emergencies. I was humbled and pleased, when word got out about us having a Spot, that two friends asked to be added to our "help" (and SOS contact list) contact list. Both of these individuals know us, our abilities, our travel style, and they also know the system, how rescue and emergency response works. They are very skilled in the outdoors. I know what will happen if they are notified. I know they will do exactly what I will do for them if they push their "help" button.
Having a safety net out there gives peace of mind.
I hope this provides useable information for decision making. Each of the devices have pro and cons. Do your research and pick the one that best serves your needs. But remember the device is only as good as your ability to use it.
And back to the point of the article - let's use the SOS for real emergencies.
