The SPOT Gen 3 device has been my go-to emergency beacon for many years.
I love to backpack in solitude, so its value increases as I age.
It’s rare for me to go on a hike without it.
Once, I even had to use the 911 button (more on that down the page).
Here I dive in and review their Gen 3 (and now Gen 4) device for hiking.
If you’re more interested in SPOT’s simple GPS tracker, go here.
Satellite Communicators & How They Work
Most of us carry cell phones on our hikes, but reception is often spotty or non-existent (and aren’t we thankful for that?!).
But if you get in to trouble, you may be a long way from help – and even in a life or death situation. This is where a satellite communicator can save your butt – especially when solo or off-trail.
SPOT’s release of its first-generation device was a game-changer, picking up some steam around 2010. Other GPS devices like PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons) and heavy, bulky satellite phones existed at the time, but there was nothing quite like the SPOT, with its tracking and the ability to send a check-in message.
The most critical function in GPS communicators is the 911 button, which works via a satellite signal. When the 911 SOS button is activated, it sends a signal to a satellite with your location information that is sent back to a 24-hour emergency center on the ground. The info is relayed to the appropriate localized center (for example, a National Park’s Search and Rescue department). An appropriate response is dispatched as soon as possible, often via helicopter.
SPOT’s devices utilize the international Globalstar satellite network to relay the signal from your device. The SPOT Gen 4 device only needs to find one single satellite in the sky to pick up your message.
Satellite phones, by the way, require 3 visible satellites to relay the call.
The SPOT Gen 4 Instruction Manual – 5 Basic Functions
The Gen 4 device is used for 5 primary GPS location functions.
- You can send an SOS message to a 911 center.
- You can send a “Help” message to a pre-arranged list of contacts.
- You can send a pre-customized “I’m OK” message to a pre-arranged list of contacts.
- You can send an additional pre-customized message to a pre-arranged list of contacts.
- You can allow a pre-arranged list of contacts to track your movement in real time.
The older Gen 3 device is also built around these 5 main uses.
1) The One-Way SOS Beacon
The most attractive reason to own a SPOT device is its SOS button, which sends a 911 distress call to local authorities with your GPS location. It’s only for the most dire of emergencies, where alternate means of assistance and self-rescue have been deemed impossible. If you trigger the SOS button in a situation that’s deemed unnecessary by local rescue authorities, you may be liable to pay a stiff fine.
SPOT’s Gen3 and Gen 4 setup is limited with its lack of 2-way communication, but it still gets the job done. You send the regional dispatch center your SOS message, and they deliver the cavalry.
The inherent problem is that rescue personnel are blind to the nature of your emergency, and have to come prepared for all manner of contingencies. Emergency GPS devices (especially of this one-way variety) create a lot of undue work for rescue personnel, as hikers will sometimes trigger it in a situation where self-rescue is still reasonable. Search and Rescue staff want to have as much information as possible to evaluate a situation, and the SPOT Gen 4 device provides only the bare minimum.
In defense of the Gen 4 system, 2-way communication can often be a curse for some hikers. The function of 2-way communication basically means text messaging, which can be used for more recreational purposes, like keeping in touch with folks at home throughout a backpacking trip.
For those of us that learned the wonders of backpacking before cell-phone service was prevalent, I need not explain how text message availability can pose a threat to the overall enjoyment and purpose of your trip.
REMEMBER: Some (but not all) jurisdictions will nail you with a hefty fine for use of the SOS button, and make the final judgement regarding your emergency’s legitimacy.
How to Use the SOS Button
First, turn on your device by pressing the black button on the top left side.
The following text is pulled direct from the SPOT Gen 3 user guide:
To send an SOS alert, open the protective flap then press and hold the SOS button until the function light blinks green. The GPS light will blink green when SPOT sees the GPS satellites and while obtaining your GPS location.
Once your GPS location is obtained SPOT sends your SOS message with GPS location. The GPS light and Message Sending light will both blink green. The Message Sending light continues to blink green until the next scheduled message to notify you that your most recent message was transmitted.
If no GPS signal is found, the GPS light will blink red. If possible, you should move to a location with a clearer view of the sky. The first message will be sent within one minute after activation with or without your GPS location. For all subsequent messages, SPOT will keep looking for your GPS location for up to 4 minutes. The SOS message will send every 5 minutes (with or without GPS) until cancelled or the power source runs out.
How to Cancel SOS
Press and hold the SOS button until the light blinks red. Let SPOT work until the SOS button stops blinking red to finish sending the cancellation message. The Message Sending light will blink green indicating it has sent the cancel message. Turning off your SPOT while in SOS mode DOES NOT send an SOS cancel message.
2) The “Help” Button
Similar in fashion to the SOS button, the Help button allows you to call out for assistance. The key difference is that rather than an SOS to the professionals, the Help button calls out to a list of prearranged personal contacts.
I have never used the Help button, but it’s easy to imagine a number of scenarios where it can be useful. For example, I may be on a backpacking trip where I suffer a leg injury that’s painful and somewhat debilitating, but still serviceable. I initiate self-evacuation to the nearest trailhead, but it’s in a remote area where it’s unlikely for there to be other human traffic. This is when I would use the Help button.
Other scenarios could be something as simple as getting your vehicle stuck in mud or snow, depending on the location and availability of your contact list.
How to Use the Help Button
First, turn on your device by pressing the black button on the top left side.
The following text is pulled direct from the SPOT user manual:
To send a Help message, open the protective flap then press and hold the Help button until the light blinks green. The GPS light will blink green when SPOT sees the GPS satellites and while obtaining your GPS location.
Once your GPS location is obtained, SPOT sends your Help message with GPS location every five minutes for one hour. The GPS light and Message Sending light will both blink green. The message sending light continues to blink green until the next scheduled message or until the mode ends.
If no GPS signal is found, the GPS light will blink red. If possible, you should move to a location with a clearer view of the sky. SPOT will keep looking for your GPS location for up to 4 minutes. SPOT sends your message without GPS location; the GPS light will blink red and the Message Sending light will blink green in unison.
How to Cancel the Help Message
Press and hold the Help button until the Help light blinks red. Leave SPOT on while the Help cancel message is sent, turning off your SPOT DOES NOT cancel the Help message. When it is finished, the message sending light will blink green indicating it has sent the cancel message.
3) The “I’m OK” Message
The OK Message is my most-used feature on my SPOT Gen 3 device.
Throughout several long solo hikes in the Desert Southwest, I used the feature to check in daily with folks at home, letting them know I was progressing as planned. As soon as I decided on a campsite each evening, it was routine for me to pull out the device and send an OK Message.
When handled correctly, this function hits a sweet spot in maintaining a connection with friends and family, but still keeps true to a wilderness experience. I keep a line of connection with the outside world, but remain blind to its news and details (as desired). I’d say the OK Message helps ward off a degree of loneliness, too.
On the other end, folks at home see my location each night and know that I’m safe and well.
4) The Custom Message
The Custom Message feature is simply a variation of the OK feature, where you can program an alternate message. Personally I have never used this feature. Plenty of uses, however, can still be found for it.
Most hikers use it as middle ground to span the difference between the OK message and the Help message. For example, you could pre-program it to say something like “I am off itinerary or something unplanned has occurred, but I am safe and well.”
See more ideas for how to pre-program your messages farther down the page.
How to Use the OK and Custom Message Buttons
First, turn on your device by pressing the black button on the top left side.
The following text is pulled direct from the SPOT user guide:
Press and hold the Check In or Custom Message button until the function light blinks green. The GPS light will blink green when SPOT sees the GPS satellites and will continue blinking while obtaining your GPS location.
Once your GPS location is obtained, SPOT sends your message with GPS location. The GPS light and Message Sending light will both blink green. The message is sent three times over a 20 minute period to the SPOT network. – this is to ensure maximum reliability in getting your message out. Only one message will be sent to your contacts. The Message Sending light continues to blink green until the next scheduled message or until the mode ends.
If no GPS signal is found, The GPS light will blink red. If possible, you should move to a location with a clearer view of the sky. SPOT will keep looking for your GPS location for up to 4 minutes. If no GPS location is found in 4 minutes, SPOT does not send your message. To try again, simply press and hold the function button. If the message does not send, the Message Sending light will blink red.
Check in or Custom messages can be sent while Tracking.
5) The GPS Tracker
The tracking feature is exactly as you’d guess – it tracks your movement. Before your trip you can provide friends and family a link to a map that shows your tracked location in (almost) real time. You can also use the feature for your own records – to catalogue tracks via the SPOT Mapping service.
It’s a nice feature to have, but personally it’s very rare for me to use the tracker. Here’s why:
- I don’t like having a blinking electronic device rigged to my backpack or shoulder strap.
- I generally don’t like the thought of being tracked – this sense of freedom is one of the joys of solo hiking.
- I prefer to save battery life for OK messages and emergencies.
- I prefer the Gaia GPS app for logging my tracks.
With that said, the feature has several benefits. Here’s the first 3 that come to mind:
- If someone will be picking you up at a trailhead or making any sort of rendezvous, following your location can aid in their timing and ability to do so.
- You may be doing a trip where it’s particularly interesting to follow your movement, such as an FKT (fastest known time) attempt.
- Finally, if I used the Help button and initiated a self-rescue, I’d definitely turn on the tracking feature if I chose to move toward an evacuation point.
How to Use the Tracker
First, turn on your device by pressing the black button on the top left side.
The following text is pulled direct from the SPOT user manual:
Press and hold the Track button until the function light blinks green. The GPS light will blink green when SPOT sees the GPS satellites and will continue blinking while obtaining your GPS location.
Once your GPS location is obtained, the GPS light and Message Sending light will both blink green indicating that SPOT is sending your track as a waypoint. The Message Sending light continues to blink green until the next scheduled message or until the mode ends.
If no GPS signal is found, the GPS light will blink red. If possible, you should move to a location with a clearer view of the sky. If no GPS location is found within 4 minutes, SPOT will not send this particular waypoint. The GPS light will blink red for approximately 15 seconds. The message sending light will blink red until SPOT is ready to send the next waypoint. SPOT will try to obtain your GPS coordinates again at your next scheduled track interval.
Gen 3 vs Gen 4 – Specs & More
I’ve been using a Gen 3 device since 2013.
SPOT released its new Gen 4 device in 2020. The Gen 4 is essentially the same product as the Gen 3, simply redesigned in a new, tougher shell.
If you already own a Gen 3 and it works properly, there is no need to upgrade.
Otherwise, you can buy a new Gen 4 directly from SPOT.
Retailers often sell them for less.
The cost is usually around $150, but sometimes you can find them on sale.
Where to Buy it
You can find SPOT devices at most outdoor retailers, like the ones linked below. Regardless of where you buy it, though, you’ll ultimately have to set up a subscription plan through SPOT’s website.
Check prices for the Gen 4:
Key Differences in the Gen 4
The Gen 4 is one ounce heavier in weight than the Gen 3 (4 ounces vs 5 ounces, including the batteries).
Aesthetically, the Gen 4 is more sleek and subdued, replacing the primary orange with a dark gray. The new product is more stylish, but the bright color of the old Gen 3 makes it easier to find on the ground at camp (and less likely to leave behind by accident).
The shape of the Gen 4 reportedly feels less bulky, but its overall dimensions are similar to the Gen 3. The Gen 3 is 3.4 x 2.5 x 1 inches, whereas the Gen 4 is 3.48 x 2.66 x 0.93 inches.
The waterproof rating of the two models is different. The Gen 4 is rated at IP68, whereas the Gen 3 is rated at IPX7. Without getting technical, this means that the Gen 3 is waterproof, but the Gen 4 is even more waterproof and resistant to dust.
The Gen 4 switched to a hard case, as opposed to the rubber casing of the Gen 3.
The Gen 3 had the ability to be powered through a USB port, which was removed in the Gen 4.
The Gen 4 includes a locking carabiner and holder strap.
Overall, the Gen 4 is a more sturdy and durable product.
Similarities
With the exception of the redesigned outer shell, the Gen 3 and Gen 4 are the same in what matters – namely, their functionality.
Both have identical one-way messaging features, and even the same button and lighting design.
Both run on 4 AAA lithium batteries.
Battery Life
The batteries last for more than a reasonable length of time.
The longest I continuously used the tracking feature was for 6 consecutive days, all day every day. There was battery life to spare at the end of the hike.
If you leave the device turned off, and only use the OK message once every 24 hours, the batteries will last for much longer. I have not tested the battery life it its limit.
The REI product page for the Gen 4 makes the following statements:
- Allows up to 1,250 check-in and custom messages on 4 AAA lithium batteries (included)
- Estimated battery life if tracking 24 hrs. per day: 26–52 days (60 min. tracking intervals); 8.5–17 days (10 min. intervals); 3.5–7 days (2.5 min. intervals)
- Estimated battery life if tracking 8 hrs. per day: 78–156 days (60 min. tracking intervals); 22.5–45 days (10 min. intervals); 10–20 days (2.5 min. intervals)
- Battery life varies based on how clear a view of the sky the device has, frequency of tracking intervals, extreme temperatures and other factors
Subscription Service Plans – Cost & Fees
The SPOT Gen 3 and Gen 4 devices both require a service plan, and both operate under the same terms.
There’s 2 offered plans – a “Contract” plan and a “Flex” plan.
The Contract plan is for year-round use, whereas the Flex plan is for more seasonal use.
Both have an activation fee of $19.95, but the Flex plan tacks on additional $24.95 “flex charge” paid annually.
Here’s the service costs as shown on SPOT’s website in November of 2021.
Customer Service
I’ve been on the Contract plan for several years. When I first subscribed, the rate was significantly less than it is now. I haven’t kept precise tabs on the rate hikes, but it seems that their rates have gone up once every 2-3 years.
In all the time I’ve owned and used my Gen 3 device, I’ve never had to reach out to Customer Service for anything.
Calling Customer Service is apparently the only way to cancel your subscription. I’ve read reviews stating that trying to cancel can be a bit of a hassle (similar to cancelling a credit card), but I do not have firsthand experience to back that up.
Their customer service line is 1 (866) 651-7768 Monday through Friday.
There’s also a live chat available via SPOT’s support page.
Setting up the Gen 4 Device
Once you’re in possession of your new SPOT device, you’ll go to their main website and create an account. It was years ago when I created my own account so I don’t recall the exact activation process, but they have a good website that will walk you through it.
Once your device is activated, you’ll click on the MY DEVICES tab in the main menu. You’ll see an image of the device (likely a Gen 4 if you’re reading this) and a chart with a breakdown of general info. Look to the right and press the button that says EDIT SETTINGS.
Next you’ll reach a page where you’ll spend most of your time setting up the device.
The first cluster of settings can mostly be ignored by backpackers – items like “Dock Mode” and “Movement Alerts” are mostly intended for asset managers using a Trace device (not the Gen 3 or 4).
Under the CONTACT SETTINGS menu, expand the SOS CONTACTS tab. Here’s where you’ll enter your primary and secondary emergency contacts in the event that you have to press the SOS button.
There’s also a social media tab where you can link your device to a Facebook or Twitter profile if you so desire. For example, you can set your OK message to automatically post to your Facebook profile with your location.
If you wish, you may also test the SOS button, but be sure to carefully follow the directions posted there on the SPOT website. Otherwise, be sure to see that the TEST MODE IS DISABLED before taking your device on its first trip.
The MESSAGE PROFILE SETTINGS is where you’ll put most of your thought into the entries.
Each field for your preset messages has a limit of 110 characters.
There’s also a limit of 10 contacts. You can use text, email, or both for each contact.
Testing the Device
It’s possible to test the SOS button, but BE SURE to carefully follow the directions on SPOT’s website.
Otherwise, I think the device is best tested by sending yourself an OK message.
SPOT Custom Message Examples
The inherent limitation in using pre-programmed messages begs the question of how to program them? What will you say?
The answer, of course, depends on the the recipient. An OK message to your spouse will probably read a bit different than a Help message to your emergency contact buddy with a 4×4 and a knowledge of the terrain you’re traversing.
With that said, here’s how I generally configure the messages:
OK Message: “I’m in camp for the night and doing great.” I like to use the OK message as a nightly check-in when I set camp every night. Others may choose to check in more (or less) often.
Custom Message: “I’m off my itinerary, but healthy and doing well.” The Custom message seems to leave the most room for interpretation. I like to set it as stated here, for the event that something delays or alters my trip. Maybe I have terrible blisters and am bailing out, or maybe a bear got all my food overnight and I have to exit and resupply, etc.
Help Message: “I am in need of assistance, but it is not serious enough to trigger the SOS. Please come help me.” The Help message is straightforward, leaving little room for interpretation. It’s designed with the aforementioned statement in mind, though you may choose to use it in any manner that you like.
Conferring with Your Emergency Contact
It’s important to make sure that you and your primary emergency contact person are on the same page. For example, what happens if you send OK messages every evening, and then you suddenly go dark?
This situation would cause some alarm, so it’s important to communicate with your emergency contact that everything is likely still okay. Rather than having a serious accident, the chances are far greater that you left the device sitting on a rock and hiked 20 miles away before realizing your error, or maybe the batteries ran out, or maybe it fell into a river, etc. Talk about such contingencies with your contact person.
Here’s another scenario. Suppose that someone else in your party (or a complete stranger you encounter) is seriously injured, so you trigger your SOS button. Your emergency contact person is going to worry that you are injured. To prevent this concern, you might have a conversation with your contact before the trip and agree that if such a scenario occurs, you will send an OK message immediately prior to the SOS signal if the injured person is not you.
Use in the Field: SPOT Review
Overall I’ve found my SPOT Gen 3 device to be reliable on long hikes. I continue to keep a subscription in spite of its lack of 2-way communication, and like using it because of this quality. It’s main competitor (Garmin InReach) is generally more expensive, too.
Drawbacks
The only exceptions to SPOT’s effectiveness occur when I choose to make camp in a location with a limited view of the sky, such as in a deep canyon. Considering my love of hiking in the Southwest (and especially Grand Canyon), this happens often. Sometimes it takes numerous tries for the OK message to go through from a deep canyon, and sometimes it can’t get through at all.
A similar hiccup occurred when I planned to meet a friend in Grand Canyon. Due to schedule conflicts, the plan was that I would begin the hike late on Tuesday afternoon, make camp, and send an OK message so he’d have my location. Then early Wednesday morning he’d hike in and meet me at my camp.
The plan worked, but he was relieved to find me camped at a convenient location along the trail – the SPOT had marked my location at an odd, off-trail location, about 100 meters away.
Lessons Learned
After significant use, it’s clear that SPOT works best with a clear view of the sky. Deep canyons can make it do weird things. Likewise, it’s best to point it slightly to the south when sending a message (unless you’re in the southern hemisphere), as the satellites are in orbit over the equator. This is probably what caused the error in my location mentioned above, as I had a poor view of the southern sky from camp.
Another thing to be mindful of is linking the device to Facebook or Twitter. When I first started using SPOT it was popular for folks to do so. I had my SPOT linked to Facebook for a lengthy hike, and caused some concern when my check-in messages did not go through for 2 consecutive nights when I was in deep canyons.
Fortunately no one sent the cavalry to come looking for me, but having an “audience” of emergency contact people is generally not a good idea.
That One Time We Used the SOS Beacon
In November of 2018, I was on a 6 day, off-trail backpacking trip in Grand Canyon with 2 friends. All 3 of us were each carrying a Gen 3 device.
Late in the afternoon on Day 3, one of our party took a bad fall. It was only a couple of feet, but with a heavy pack on rocky terrain, he came down hard and tore up the insides of his knee, twisting it on the way down.
We got his pack off, and after some time, got him up on his feet attempt to walk.
He was barely mobile, even without carrying any weight, and his knee swelled like a balloon. He was the first to suggest triggering his SOS button.
First things first – it was late in the day, so we located a reasonably level area to camp that was only 50 yards away. Factoring in our location, the rough off-trail terrain, and lack of reliable water sources en route, we agreed that we’d likely hit the SOS button the next morning.
We pressed the 911 trigger after sunrise, and tried to use the (very minimal) cell reception to get text messages to our emergency contacts with extra info to relay to the National Park’s dispatch, and had some success with this.
It took less than 2 hours for the helicopter to arrive on that clear November morning and pick up our injured friend.
The 2 of us that remained went on to complete the backpacking trip.
Alternatives – The Big Competitor
The primary competitor to SPOT’s products is the Garmin InReach Mini. Here’s how they compare.
Spot Gen 4 vs Garmin InReach Mini
The InReach is just 3.5 ounces, as opposed to 5 ounces for the SPOT Gen 4.
The InReach features 2-way messaging, and can provide a weather forecast.
The InReach has a rechargeable lithium battery, whereas the SPOT Gen 4 uses replaceable AAA batteries.
The SPOT Gen 4 device initially costs $200 less than the InReach, and SPOT’s subscription is marginally cheaper.
If you’re trying to choose between the two, the bottom line is that the SPOT Gen 4 just has 2 potential advantages – it’s more cost effective, and the lack of 2-way communication may be interpreted as a benefit to some hikers. If neither of these factors is an overwhelming deal-breaker, or if you see 2-way communication as a distinct advantage, I’d go with the InReach Mini.
Other Options
SPOT offers it’s own 2-way device, called the SPOT X. At $100 less than the InReach Mini it may look like a good deal, but it weighs 7 ounces (double the weight of the InReach Mini).
Garmin also offers a beefier device than the Mini, the InReach Explorer+. It adds traditional GPS backcountry navigation, but most of us use our cell phone for this purpose. The Explorer+ weighs 7.5 ounces.
There’s also a product out there called the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator. It seemingly functions just the same as a SPOT Gen 4 device, but strikes me as a poor man’s version of the aforementioned leaders in the space.
Your Turn
Do you carry a GPS emergency beacon, and if so, what is your preferred device?
If you use a Gen 3 or Gen 4, how do you like to preset the custom messages?
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