I've had one only for the last 2 seasons. My wife and kids love "tracking Dad in the wilderness". I use lithiums and haven't had to replace them yet. Use the OK function when I get somewhere stationary for the day and use the foosteps 'tracking' so that they can log into my account and 'see' my route. Works great so far....always strap it to a pack to portage and constantly check to make sure it is there before launching the boat. That's about it.

Bill
I get about 8 days with tracking on about 8 hours a day. If you lose your Spot she may panic but you will know where it was lost.  To make tracking work well the spot must be carried where it can get satellite communications.  My Spot will not work on my belt under my belly. 

Not yet convinced on insurance but you may have inspired me to upgrade to tracking. I avoided it initially because of battery use - was told about three days with tracking, and I get three or for years just powering up once a day.  No OK and no movement for a day or two, maybe I do need help.

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You guys should team-up for a "manly man's comedy act".
My buddy likes to remind his wife that he's worth more dead than alive.
That always put's a little smirk/smile on her face.

I have carried one for about 5 years.  To make it work for other than 911 responses requires a subscription.  There is more than one type of subscription.  For $150/Year it will log where you are every 10 minutes if you have that function turn on. I tell my wife if I am moving I’m OK.  I also tell her that she can see where I am or where the bear is that ate me.

How many of you out there carry one of these units? My wife is not a fan of me solo tripping so my thought was maybe I should invest in one of these to ease her mind. All though she asked what happens if I knock myself out and can't push the button myself. I told her they probably can ping the device and find the body. She did not see the humor.

I have carried a spot for many years now and they are easy to lose.  There have been several posts about lost spots.  The case my spot came in has started coming apart so I now use a modified case from Basspro.  A lanyard with a S-bener is my insurance.  The lanyard is usually around the shoulder strap on my life jacket.

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A few years back when I had decided a SPOT was in my future I had read the reviews of terrible customer service unless you had signed up for their repair/loss program. Typically I am not one for extended warranties on stuff but for the $17.95 per year I thought it would be money well spent.

I lost my device on my most recent trip as it came out of its holder probably on a rather nasty blowdown portage that I had to clear. Fortunately it was on my next to last day so not to much concern was caused.

I just got off the phone with SPOT and for $30 (probably what the device costs) which they called "shipping and handling" I am able to obtain a new one. Now I have to evaluate the holder and make sure it is more secure.

I like my SPOT and so does my wife. Just thought I would pass along my experience with the repair/loss insurance.

MT