SPOT Satellite Messenger Saves Lives

SPOT describes a number of rescue stories on its site, including rescues of snowmobilers, an Alaskan outdoorsman, and a kayaker.

The SPOT device is rated as waterproof (battery compartment has a screwed-down cover with rubber gasket) and floats (just barely) per my immersion test.

SPOT is powered by two AA lithium batteries. How long the batteries last varies widely, depending on how you use SPOT. SPOT describes battery life as follows:
-Power ON, unused: approximately 1 year.
-SPOTcasting tracking mode: approximately 14 days.
-HELP mode: up to 1,900 messages.
-SPOTcheck OK: up to 1,900 messages.

If you were frugal with use of the SPOT - for example, just sending one okay message per morning and evening of a remote trip - the batteries would last for many weeks.

Overall, the SPOT fills a much-needed gap between dedicated emergency beacons such as EPIRBs, PLBs, and satellite phones, and cell phones. Its compact size and sturdy construction make it a good traveler, and its versatile messaging options will provide significant peace of mind to backcountry travelers and their families/support teams.

Keep in mind that SPOT needs a relatively unobstructed "view" of the sky to work. In my testing, it did function while in a car, and in steep and wooded terrain. It will function while it floats (with logo up only, SPOT states), however, It will not function underwater, in a cave, or under snow, for example. It cannot replace an avalanche transceiver, which is able to operate under the snow.

Coverage Area:
Per SPOT specifications: "SPOT works around the world, including virtually all of North America, South America, Europe and Australia, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas. See coverage map.

$99.99/yr basic satellite service subscription includes:
ALERT 9-1-1:Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location. Unlimited usage included.

CHECK IN: Let contacts know where you are and that you're okay. Unlimited usage included.

ASK FOR HELP: Request help from friends and family at your exact location. Unlimited usage included.

Upgrade Services:
TRACK PROGRESS: $49.99/yr Tracking Upgrade Option.
Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps.

GEOS Search & Rescue Benefit:
$7.95/yr (if purchased at initial activation. $150 afterwards).
Provides up to $100,000 of additional search and rescue resources, including helicopter extraction around the world and reimbursement benefits – underwritten by Lloyd’s of London – for any emergency service expenses incurred.

Specifications
-Operating Temperatures: -40°F to +185°F.
-Operating Altitude: -300ft to +21,000ft.
-Floats in water.
-Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
-Humidity Rated: MIL-STD-810E Method 507.3, 95% to 100% condensing.
-Salt fog rated.
-Drop: twice on all six sides from one meter onto hard surface.