It appears the spot did it's job (Even though I prefer the ACR), the problem was the weather impeded the search and rescue. I don't know if he fell with his pack near by or what, but if he had his pack with him and had some sort of shelter with thermals or what have you he may have made it. They said he was an experienced hiker and he had a spot with him as well so he was a little prepared (not knowing how much from the article). He could have fell and his pack could have went off the side of a hill or what have you and he may have not had any more access to anything except what was in his pockets. Sometimes no matter how much you prepare your self, if it's your time then your going to go. In this case a spot, sat phone, cell phone,radio or acr would have made no difference. A good bivy and bag would have.