I'm sorry if this has been discussed before, but I haven't found anyhting using the search function.

Who here uses a Personal Locator Beacon or something like a Spot, InReach, Fast Find, etc?

I've never tripped with one, and I'm given to understand that the ones that work in the BWCA may not work in the Q.

I'd be more apt to use a PLB rather than the subscription based services of the SPOT or InReach, but still haven't pulled the trigger.

Thoughts?

I also use a SPOT-2 (basic unit). At $100 for the unit + $100 annual subscription costs, the price isn't too abusive.

Here's a recent review cited on one of our local GPS store websites:
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And some user comments from another local GPS store (not all positive)
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My own unit has worked perfectly.

Some people need the ability to send text messages, but the basic unit has all the functionality I need.  You can send 4 different messages: "I'm OK" "SOS" "Send Help" and "Custom", all of which are tagged with a map location. I use "Custom" to mean "Schedule delay, either due to stormy weather or more fish than I can eat in one day." With some imagination (time stamp, sending multiple messages etc) you could probably encode a whole bunch of preselected "custom messages" in this one button.

If all you really want is something to call for help in an emergency, SPOT seems to work fine, and as the industry standard, you don't have to worry that the company will be gone in six months.

I may have related this before but it bears repeating......it has a bit of entertainment value as well.

When I crashed and burned at WCPP I spent the night on a sandbar and realizing that Red Lake outfitters had removed my vehicle I was between a rock and a hard place. Even if someone could help me get my stuff to my EP there was still no way out. I cranked up the SOS so I could get on with life. After about 3 or 4 hours I decided to send a "send help" message to my wife figuring she could call park service.

Little did I know that Search and Rescue Had already called my wife to glean as much info about me as possible. I also didn't realize that S&R had been delayed because of severe smoke at the Red Lake airport due to the numerous wildfires raging.

I had pooped the knee back into place during the night (ouch) and could now hobble around. Might as well try some of my new lures out I figured. In the meantime I had the "send Help" messaging on and on the little sandbar. In the hours time I had the function set it had sent 9 messages to my wife. The poor woman who thought I was sending each one. So while I was connecting with the errant walleye my poor wife thought I was in dire straights indeed.

So the lesson is the "send help" messaging will keep sending a "send help" message every 10 minutes or so as long as you have it on. One might be wise to relate that info to the receiving party so they don't freak out.

There are "issues" with every form of communication is there not? While I have heard of unintentional messaging being sent via SPOT that has largely been remedied with covers that prevent accidental promptings.

In my past life  (when I was younger) I spent many months each year alone in the woods and largely off trail and without a soul knowing where I was at. I thought nothing of it.....literally second nature.

How ironic the very first time I get a communication device it becomes a tool which saved me a very great amount of frustration. That was a huge relief not to have to spend who knows how long stuck on a little sandbar with no expectation of help and at the COMPLETE mercy of a passerby who would not only have to help me to the take out but also drive me to town if they were so inclined. As is obvious the SPOT put power into my own hands.......That is supremely important to someone as self reliant as myself ( HELP!  )

Since I am no longer indestructible my thought process has  changed. SPOT will certainly accompany me into the Quetico and even a daytrip into the ten thousand islands. It is small and lightweight enough........

On a more remote trip however I would employ a SAT phone in the future. I would still like very much to finish what I started in WCPP and will not second guess my strategy of having my vehicle remotely parked some weeks later. The caveat being is that I must have an out. The SAT phone and the ability to call a floatplane is that out........the SPOT can be a backup. Redundant perhaps but I will likely be alone (who can go for 3 to 4 weeks?) and am no longer as tough as I once was but rather oldish and wee bit frail.

Thank you to everyone.
I've been thinking about this for a couple of years and still haven't decided what to do.
I did take a SAT phone with me on one of my solo trips and found it to be a bother - heavy, and difficult to connect.
I'll probably keep thinking about this for awhile yet!   

Jim J Solo wrote on Jan 10^th, 2013 at 7:49pm:


Do you know of an instance of a Spot having failed to send an SOS message?  I agree a PLB is more robust than a Spot but, are you sure a Spot is not robust enough?  I feel 100% comfortable with a Spot.

I've used the SPOT 1 for three seasons now.  Never had a problem.  Like IC mentioned, a couple times, I needed to move it near the shoreline to get it to link with the satellites.  I know it's sent the ok message when the 2 lights stop blinking together and only one blinks.  I'll use the "help" message only if I'm staying at the same site the next night due to weather or because it's a really nice location.  Haven't had to send an SOS message....knock on wood....it is fun to get home and see the track and campsites I used during the trip....

I have found that the satellites must be low in the southern horizon re: the BW and Q; as I need to position the SPOT definitely facing south to get the best and fastest results.  I also have NOT had luck in sending from under trees or in the tent (which is usually under a tarp as well).  It has worked well placed on the dash of my car and facing out the window.

AS to renting a SPOT,  -how's that work? Do you just link up with with the renter, and then have your 'homebodies' take assurance in knowing that 'somebody' knows where you're at?    What's a pbl, or plb, or whatever?   As you can probably tell,I really have'nt embraced much of anything developed in the tech world yet. I'm trying... (a little bit).

I bought but have read that some outfitters do rent.  I assume their rental includes editing the list of recipients and the messages.  Not the best user interface (last I used it in the summer) but maybe 15 minutes to create a new list of email or txt addresses and custom messages.  Lynn from VNO can fill in details - I know she is on CCBB and BWCA boards.

intrepid_camper wrote on Jan 15^th, 2013 at 3:16pm:


Mine too. I turned mine off after getting the message sent light. Half my messages didn't get through. After talking to Spot Support, I was told to let it run about 15 mins longer. Spot Support told me the light really meant the message was "being" sent, not already sent. So I'm thinking it should be labeled a message "sending" light 

Jim  J - were I on Lake Superior other than very near shore I'd consider a PLB.  Like you, in the Q, I do not worry with a Spot.  (I use second button to say pick me up with intent my location will be obvious where - ep or whatever in case I'm out early or other than where planned - and third one to say - trouble, I can't move or get out myself but not in meed of immediate assistance - which leaves a challenge for my sons (I only send that one to them - my wife would get upsate and sons are very thoughtful and familiar with the area) to decide if they can arrange something or shoud call for emergency services or leave me to hit SOS after no one shows.

Intrepid - I think it auto offs so I just make sure both lights illuminate   and then forget it.  I agree though it would be better if it said "sending" rather than sent, but I just looked and my spot 2 just shows an envelope with a contrail, so less - or more - uncertain as to meaning.