I agree with you, that you would be in real trouble in a raft, which is one of the things that prompted the question.

I received the beacon on Friday and, in reading the directions, see that its guaranteed battery life is 24 hours in temperatures from -4F to 130F, and at least 8 hours in temperatures between -40F and -4F.

My first thought was to keep it inside my parka if I need to activate it. Did I mention that I am going to take it to Alaska in December for some work I will be doing there? But the directions say that it should have a clear view of the sky, unobstructed by structure or clothing. They also warn against blocking it with your head while checking to see if the LEDs are flashing. So keeping it warm in my parka while it is operating looks to be out.

Does anyone have any suggestions for increasing the battery life, or, since it is reporting my Lat and Long, should I just not worry about it?

Thanks again

Seth