Review: SPOT Gen4
Unlike most of the Lower 48, Montana has countless dead spots, where cell reception is nonexistent. That's a wonderful thing—but it also presents challenges. Namely, when the proverbial feces hit the fan, and you need to get in touch with somebody, stat. From lofty mountaintops to remote prairie potholes, deep canyons to densely forested slopes, there's only one solution for reliable communication, and that's a GPS transmitter.
Like many an adventurous young man, I used to scoff at these emergency devices, preferring to rely on my wits and submit myself to fate. (Shackleton didn't have a freakin' GPS, and he made it out of Antarctica!) But now, with an aging body, a lifetime mate, and a staff that relies on regular paychecks, things have changed. So whenever I'm heading to the hinterlands, I take a SPOT Gen4.
Light, compact, and easy to operate, this satellite messenger has my back should things go to hell in a handbasket. I stash it on the dash while driving and camped out, then stuff it in my pack when setting out on a hike or hunt. Luckily, the SOS button has never been pushed, but the feature I use a lot is "Check-In"—I can let my paramour know when I move to a new location. That way, if she doesn't hear from me for a couple days, she knows where to start looking.
Another useful feature is the Custom Message, which, like the Check-In, sends my GPS coordinates to pre-designated contacts, either by email or text message. I use this when I'm on a long drive, from one campsite to another. For those whose loved ones don't mind being bombarded with messages, the Tracking feature sends GPS coordinates continuously, at predetermined intervals.
Finally, the Help/SOV (Save Our Vehicle; bit of a misnomer) option sends an SOS message not to Search & Rescue, but to all your contacts. If you break down, get stuck in gumbo, or suffer a non-life-threatening injury, this lets your friends & family know to come lend a hand—but no need to freak out or call 911.
Initial set-up of the Gen4 isn't the most pleasant activity—you need to adjust all kinds of settings, update firmware, and load data from a computer or phone. I damn near threw my monitor through the window when my session kept timing out and making me start over. But once configured and ready for action, the SPOT Gen4 is like a first-aid kit, extra gas can, or any other emergency item: peace of mind for you, and reassurance for your loved ones. Which goes a long way out there in the wild, wonderful world of cellphone-free Montana.
$150 plus service plan, which varies based on term and options; findmespot.com.
