I wouldn’t feel comfortable riding without my spot actually, my wife gives me crap when I dont send a ok message to her. Lol
But no in all seriousness its a invaluable tool to have.
Your wife gives you crap regardless. Smarten up.
I don’t have one and don’t plan too anytime soon
reason: I have seen it fail on all accounts that it was required. And that would be 7 accounts of failures.
If anyone remembers the hope avalanche incident back in 2012, there was 5 spots signaled and no response.
another one was up silver mines, guy broke his leg, no response
had 2 spots fail in the same day when I was getting out late to message those that knew
My current methods are old school and simple. Let someone or people know where your going, be descript, and let them know the time out. And be sure to head into the backcountry with skilled individuals you can rely on even in the thick. Generally speaking your still on your own even signalled that day. It takes time for SAR to mobilize, come up with a plan, equipment necessary, mode of transport, situations, etc.
In the future I will be looking into a SAT phone. At least you are talking to someone on the other end and can give situation details and get answers. Dispatchers whom are highly resourced into helping your current situation.
I don't think you should compare the first gen spot with the latest generation inreach or spot x.I don’t have one and don’t plan too anytime soon
reason: I have seen it fail on all accounts that it was required. And that would be 7 accounts of failures.
If anyone remembers the hope avalanche incident back in 2012, there was 5 spots signaled and no response.
another one was up silver mines, guy broke his leg, no response
had 2 spots fail in the same day when I was getting out late to message those that knew
My current methods are old school and simple. Let someone or people know where your going, be descript, and let them know the time out. And be sure to head into the backcountry with skilled individuals you can rely on even in the thick. Generally speaking your still on your own even signalled that day. It takes time for SAR to mobilize, come up with a plan, equipment necessary, mode of transport, situations, etc.
In the future I will be looking into a SAT phone. At least you are talking to someone on the other end and can give situation details and get answers. Dispatchers whom are highly resourced into helping your current situation.
Sat phone. Got it down to $600 for the year. The Garmin system is a bit less per month but I still like the idea of being able to speak to someone rather than text.