GPS Spot

 When Chris and I explain to folks that we're planning to hike 1250 miles the question we get most  (aside from questions about food) is how we're going to deal with emergencies, communicate with family etc. Luckily Chris and I had a good answer for this from the get go, and this past week the actual item was gifted to us by Chris' Mom (THANKS TANYA!!!!).

The Spot GPS Satellite Messanger is basically a thru-hiker's Mom's best friend. This thing fits in the palm of my hand, takes 3 AAA batteries and can save your butt if you need it to. With batteries it is only 3.2 oz, so it's not a big concession for weight.

The Spot has an emergency beacon that pings the closest 911 dispatch through the GPS satellite system. It also can send messages to family members, track your location at 2.5, 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes intervals. With heavy usage the batteries last about 3.5 days, but Chris and I are just planning on turning it on 1-2 times a day to hit the check in button and that'll be it.

You do have to purchase a subscription
- $9.99/Month or $90/year for the basic plan
- The tracking is another $4.99/month
- They also offer $100,000 of insurance for $20 total for a year of coverage (just in case you want to take a last minute helicopter tour).

It provides a good deal of reassurance to our family for minimal weight and inconvenience.