Spot Gen3 Satellite Tracker?

[JohnnyMac]

Anyone using the most recent tracking device from Spot in the Adirondacks?

I had their first generation with mixed to not-so-good results. Poor reception in heavy tree cover but was very slow sometimes even in trailhead parking lots and on water.

Thanks.

[bmike-vt]

I have been using the 2 and 3. 2 trips through MRP and elsewhere and they both worked fine enough for tracking.

My 2 was replaced once when started acting sporadically. After the second one did the same I got the 3. Have been very happy.

[JohnnyVirgil]

I picked up the gen3 when they had the $75 rebate. I've only had it out in the west canada lakes region and up near lake george but it tracked pretty well just hanging on the outside of my pack. My wife got all the "OK" pings I sent at night before turning it off for the evening, but most of those were done in the open. The yearly fee is kind of steep, but I spend more than that on coffee so it's worth it.

[JohnnyMac]

I've read gen3 has better battery life but reception hasn't improved much.

Another tracking device that I am considering now is the Delorme InReach Explorer. More $$$ but you can send/receive emails & messages from the trail.

[JohnnyVirgil]

Originally Posted by JohnnyMac

I've read gen3 has better battery life but reception hasn't improved much.

Another tracking device that I am considering now is the Delorme InReach Explorer. More $$$ but you can send/receive emails & messages from the trail.

Guess it just depends on what you are looking for. If you want to keep in touch with the SO, then the inReach is pretty cool, but as you said, expensive. I ended up with the SPOT primarily because it was initially pretty cheap. I think they were even giving them away for free for a while. Both the Spot and InReach are pretty low power though, from what I've read. If you are only worried about getting rescued because you have a bone sticking out of your skin or something, go with one of the ACR PLBs. They have a LOT more transmitting power.