Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Activities | Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable

I've had several models of Spot devices over the years, and this is the best one yet. Message transmission is incredibly fast and reliable - almost instant in many cases. The batteries last a very long time, too. I use it several times a week as I travel to remote, mountaintop locations for work, and can easily let my family know I've arrived safely and, using the custom message feature, let them know heading home.If I had one complaint, it is that the unit turns off after maybe an hour. It would be nice if it stayed "armed" to send a message for longer, so you don't have to hold the power button for 3 seconds and allow it to re-acquire GPS before sending another message. The first gen model stayed on for days and I loved that feature.But seriously, this is an awesome PLB and half the price of other brands. Go for it.

Straight forward to use, has always worked well and been reliable for me. Easy to send friends a link so they can keep track of my progress. I like it better than the inreach gps.

The device itself is fine. The problem is with the required service to make it work. I ultimately had to return this and go with a more reputable brand that cares about reliability. When I first bought the device I was completely unable to use it the first weekend. Their website to set up an account and pay for the service was down and made it impossible to create an account to activate the SPOT. They have no customer service outside of M-F, 9-5. So instead of going on a hike with our new Spot, we waited. On Monday I called and they explained "it was just a server issue", and "nothing to worry about". While on the phone the issue was resolved and I proceeded to create my account and sign up. Fast forward a few weeks. We came down out of the mountains to panicked friends and family because, while the SPOT confirmed that the check-in messages were delivered, they, in fact, were not. Tried several more times while in civilization, each time the SPOT confirmed the message was sent. No messages were ever actually delivered. Waited (again, until Monday during working hours) to reach out to support. They confirmed, again, that it was "just a server issue, nothing to worry about because they are now aware of it and working on a fix". The attitude of the company is what sealed the deal to completely stay away from them: they had no regard for the fact that it straight up didn't work. They didn't care that it could have been a life or death emergency and their product didn't work. No acknowledgement that there was a real issue, just a small "blip" that was getting fixed. This device is for emergencies and needs to work. Repeated "small" server errors don't seem to bother them. I suggested they maybe have a system status page to let customers know if there's an issue. That suggestion was met with argument: "Why would anyone want to know when the system is down" and "our engineers don't know how to update the website if they know there's a problem". Yikes.Bottom line: I don't trust this company to communicate in the event of an emergency. Twice bitten is enough for me. Device has been returned, service refunded, and I'm not looking back.

Sent it back when I saw it had an annual fee. Plus, my IPhone 16 now has a satellite msg option that will do the same thing for me. Product is probably fine, just did not want to pay the fee.

It works. We drive in remote areas and no phone service. Simple to use. Just a few buttons. You can set custom messages to specific people to let them know you've arrived safely, and of course with a different button you can send a message for emergency.

Great

Buy this only if you have significant time for set up (realistically, a couple of days AT LEAST). I bought mine a few days before my hike and never ways able to get it set up fully before my hike and only had the SOS function working. Realistically, if you are hiking on a well-known trail like the Appalachian Trail, JMT, PCT, etc, you don't need this, even if you're going solo. Consider this only if you are going by yourself WAY off the beaten path and you have significant lead time to set up. Also consider the cost of service each month. The SPOT is a bit cheaper than its competitors, so I'll give it 3 stars for that. But seriously, setting up this thing will be more hassle than it's worth for most hikers.

My son enjoys 4X4 in the mountains all year round from summer camping to camping in the snow in Northern California. Just took one snow blizzard and not having cell contact for this mom’s anxiety to go threw the roof.We bought the spot and it’s spot on with accuracy. I highly suggest this product. You do have to pay for a monthly subscription but it’s not expensive you can cancel at anytime. It well worth it.