[lgsracer]

I might have to get me one of these. Never know when you'll be between a rock and a hard place.


http://www.findmespot.com/default.aspx

SPOT – The World’s First Satellite Messenger

Price
$149.95 TV Ad special. Price returns to $169.99 SRP after 12/31/2007. USD (SRP) – FREE 2-Day Express Shipping
Low-Cost satellite service subscription required.

Upgrade Services:

TRACK PROGRESS:
$49.99/yr USD 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 USD (if purchased at initial activation. $150.00 USD afterwards)
Provides up to $100,000 USD 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. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit http://www.geosalliance.com/sar

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

$169 plus just about a hundred bux a year for the service. ($.29/day)

# 11 of the ten essentials list. Don't go alone!

OK, I'll admit, there are times when I could be more than a mile or two from my hunting partner any given day. Or we could be side by side. We use Garmin 110's that allow us to track each other's whereabouts. While not the top of the line anymore they do function well for us. We're looking at upgrading next season. Still as with anything 'Handheld GPS Satelite', we have found that terrain and weather can make the thing useless. (I would imagine that the Spot could encounter the same.) So, we still carry GMRS radios.

I'm not sold on the "GEOS Search & Rescue Benefit". A good many countries just don't have the resources available.

OK, this thing is cool even with my negative look. It's a start. Remember the 'Brick' cell phone not some 10 years ago? Look where cell phones have gone now!

Here's what I really want! A waterproof Satelite phone with GPS/TopoMaps/TextMessaging/GMRS/180 hour battery life with solar panel charger. An avalanche beacon would also be quite nice. All in the size of my current LG cell phone. With unlimited talk time- to replace my current cell phone. I don't want to pay for multiple services, especially for a unit like the Spot that I'm only going to use on weekends or during hunting season.

Some could have good argument that it's a small price to pay for human safety. Well, if I fall and hit my head out in the woods and die, I was probaby doing something I really enjoy like hunting or hiking. Dieing like that is all I can ask for. I'd rather go that way than in some nursing home bed.

-Steve

[Lennyjoe]

Me and my hunting buddies use the 110 Rino too. Works great.

[bensdad]

A waterproof Satelite phone with GPS/TopoMaps/TextMessaging/GMRS/180 hour battery life with solar panel charger. An avalanche beacon would also be quite nice. All in the size of my current LG cell phone. With unlimited talk time-

and a camera.
and a videocamera.
and a planner (replace the Blackberry).
and some videogames (I get bored sitting in a deerstand).
and a handwarmer.
and a remote for the dog training collar.

:D