SPOT Gen3

While the SPOT Gen3 is far from perfect, it’s a solid insurance policy for international travelers. Essentially, this compact satellite messaging device allows you to communicate with friends and family, as well as to send S.O.S. calls to alert SPOT’s emergency response center, who will in turn implement a search & rescue based on your location.

The Gen3 takes a bit of figuring out to set up, as you've got to add a service plan in order for the tracker to work, and then you must log in to findmespot.com and customize your messaging settings.

The Gen 3 has five buttons, and each serves a key purpose:

• S.O.S.: This is the big one, numero uno, and pretty much the sole reason we travel with the SPOT. If all else fails and you are in a life-or-death situation, you can hit the S.O.S. button and be confident that help is on the way. SPOT’s emergency response center will dispatch the necessary forces to orchestrate your rescue—no matter where you are in the world.
• Help: A customizable “helping hands” button is meant to be used for non-threatening situations in which you need assistance but do not need the full force of, say, a helicopter evacuation. You can plug in relevant emergency contacts to receive these messages by logging in to SPOT’s website.
• Check-In: Simple enough. Hit check-in to let those following your journey know that you’re doing okay.
• Custom Message: Type in whatever you want for this one. A few options?
  • “Hey babe, I’m sleeping here tonight. Miss you.”
  • “Please don’t forget to feed the dog. And record Game of Thrones. Also, I’m fine.”
  • “You were right, there are bears, coming home now.”
• Basic Tracking: Using preset time increments, the SPOT will track your waypoints when you hit the tracking button. This can be helpful if you want to review your route later, and it also allows family and friends to keep an eye on your progress.

Unfortunately, this device doesn’t allow customizable messages from the field, it’s not fully waterproof, and though it’s fairly rugged, the rubber attachment points have been reported to snap off. Also, it isn’t guaranteed to get coverage if you’re in a canyon, heavily wooded area, or the like, and coverage in some far-off locales can be less than perfect.

Tester Comment: “I’ve never relied on this in a life or death situation. But after setting up my device, fiddling with the features, and speaking with other testers who use the SPOT religiously, I find myself happy to have it. It makes me more confident on solo trips around the globe.”

Bottom Line: A relatively inexpensive GPS tracker that allows you to communicate with loved ones and alert emergency response teams in S.O.S. situations.

Best for: Backpacking, international travel to remote locations, potentially risky activities