[pct-l] SPOT messenger vs McMurdo PLB

[Toby Maxwell]

Hmmm, seems like while they are definitely different tools, I may be
inclined to go the PLB route.  I think there's probably a lot of reasons to
go either way, but I kind of like that I will not be obligated to check in
all of the time.  I was initially reluctant to consider carrying either of
these because of trying to avoid technology on the trail.   It seems to me
that one of the largest perks of the PLB is that there is
no subscription ever which makes it the sort of thing that will get
continually brought on backcountry adventures as opposed to the SPOT which
could become useless if my wallet is feeling a little too ultralight.
 thanks for the great advice!

-Toby

On Sat, Mar 26, 2011 at 9:07 PM, Paul Robison <paulrobisonhome at yahoo.com>wrote:

> My spot has only failed to send one message and it was in a moving car.  It
> told me immediately that it failed to send.
>
> Also I use the tracks and used it rim to rim on the grand canyon never lost
> service.
>
> It's not as good for rescue as a 'real plb' ... But it's 100 times better
> than nothing.  Anywhere the pct is,  I feel it would suffice,  when combined
> with effective back country skills,  and a knowledge of good signal
> techniques when they get close; you'll be fine...
>
> My humble opine...
>
> Sent from my iPod
>
> On 2011-03-26, at 8:37 PM, Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi Toby,
> > I was completely satisfied with my SPOT. During over five months on the
> PCT all
> > of my OK messages got through,  That gave my wife real peace of mind. I
> sent a
> > message from every location - one every day when I got to camp.
> > MendoRider
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Toby Maxwell <tmm19 at geneseo.edu>
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Sent: Sat, March 26, 2011 2:30:05 PM
> > Subject: [pct-l] SPOT messenger vs McMurdo PLB
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> >
> >
> > I was curious if anybody has used this 'McMurdo' Personal Location Becon
> > (PLB) device.  After doing some research on the SPOT messenger, it seems
> > there are some mediocre reviews and that, while it has more features, the
> > subscription may be a pain and that people have experienced issues with
> it
> > getting signal etc.  This PLB does not require a subscription, but is a
> > little less fancy, and according to some, much more reliable.  If anybody
> > has experience with either, it'd be great to hear about, it'll also no
> doubt
> > make my mom a happier person...  thanks!
> >
> > heres links to both;
> > McMurdo:http://www.rei.com/product/791972
> > SPOT:
> >
> http://www.amazon.com/SPOT-Satellite-Messenger-Orange-Black/dp/B002PHRDO2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301174788&sr=8-2
> >
> >
> > thanks,
> >
> >
> > -Toby
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