very reliable functioning GPS Messenger for outdoor adventures

The SPOT-2 seems to be largely unknown in the German outdoor market. When I asked in the local Globetrotter branch for a GPS Messenger for hikers, it was somewhat perplexed and wanted to offer me a "beep" how dogs so that they do not get lost around the neck binds him. So I made myself acquainted online itself and this equipment purchased, which is evidently unrivaled. I have been doing had it two weeks in a tent tour through the wilderness and was able to test it so extensively.

What is the target audience?
If you multi-day hikes, canoe trips, cross-country skiing tours Company etc in an area where there is no cell phone reception - then you should consider the GPS Messenger into consideration. For a hike through the resin, it does not need a man. The target group is relatively small so well - outdoor adventurers seeking Extreme and perhaps even a little anxious about the "what if" thinking. Many know the movie "127 Hours", where someone gets stuck with his arm in a crevice to be without prospect rescued. For such situations, however improbable they may be, would you like a lifeline.

How does it work?
Basically, there are two important buttons. "SOS" and "OK", and these two I'll explain now. If the "OK" button is pressed, a message to pre-defined online E-mail addresses will be shipped. This message contains the GPS coordinates and a link to a location on a map (optional at findmespot or Google Maps). One can agree with the members that every day is sent an OK message. It makes sense in any case to regularly use this feature, so always the last coordinates where they were still healthy, are transmitted.
I have used this feature during my tour 14 times, and 14 times the GPS coordinates were identified and submitted correctly and accurately. According to the manual you need a clear view of the sky. Therefore, the function in the dense forest could be limited (tried I did not). But I think, most hikers will eventually come to places where you can see the sky and thus the GPS coordinates can be determined. During the mail sending the OK button blinks for 20 minutes and as long as the device should not be issued. This makes it ideal to send for a longer break or after pitching the tents this OK. Somewhat confusingly, that the mail delivery lamp keeps blinking after that for hours. But you need not wait until the light stops flashing.
Incidentally, all keys must be held down for 5 seconds, so that they react. This also accidental triggering is prevented in the backpack.
SOS buttons there are, strictly speaking, two: One that lets you notify acquaintances, and one with which one notifies the GEOS Search and Rescue Team. These buttons are hidden under flaps that must be opened only. This should also make accidental triggering impossible. Needless to say, I have not tested the SOS function (and hope it will never be necessary). If GEOS receives an SOS emergency, immediate national Bergwachten or rescue centers should be notified. Even when SOS emergency GPS coordinates are transmitted, if they can be found. If the GPS coordinates can not be determined (no clear view of the sky), the SOS emergency call is sent but still - on the basis of previous OK-News, the search field then may be limited.

Costs?
Important to note that the power on after purchasing is first useless. You have to activate the device is still online, and it costs 99 euros per year. There are also additional services - such as the GEOS rescue insurance for an additional 10 euros per year, are covered by the rescue to $ 100,000. After activation everything is configured online - Who should receive which messages, how the messages are to look etc.

Batteries?
According to the manual ranging batteries for 700 OK messages. Thus, they have passed easily for my 14 messages. Nevertheless it is advisable well to take spare batteries - if you have agreed with the family that every day you send an OK message, then the batteries are empty, that would be an awkward situation.

Sensitivity?
According to the manual, the device is resistant to crashes and can also fall into the water, without giving up the service. Again, I'm counting out the manufacturer's instructions, because I have tried, of course, not even that.

Conclusion:
The device is, especially if you look at the annual fees, not cheap. Due to the lack of competing offers, I can not judge whether it is unreasonably expensive or entirely reasonable in price. I bought a pig in a poke and really did not know how reliable the device is working at all. After the 14-day tour I checked all sent messages OK and see that they are very reliable and all arrived all also specify the exact location very - to recognize if you have, for example, sent from a lake shore and the point on the map actually is displayed right on the shore. Thus all reassured - you yourself and the relatives who remain no longer a long time in the dark. And it's worth it to me, and therefore gets the SPOT-2 GPS Messenger from me five stars.