I think in the case of a potentially life saving device, you simply have to ignore some predispositions as to what is the best use for primaries and the best use for rechargables and just bite the bullet and put a couple of extra sets of lithiums in a small Otter Box and keep them with you. With a 10 year shelf life, you are not likely to go wrong.

My point exactly...

Most of us carry multiple knives, fire-making tools, batteries for lights, etc. I don't understand the big deal about carrying extra set of lithiums, especially for a potentially life-saving device. Maybe I'm naive, but wouldn't using it as intended be the best practice?

Just for clarification, SPOT's tracking function is an optional service for which you must pay extra AND you must switch on that function if you choose to use it. Off the shelf and with the baseline service plan, there is no tracking functionality.

I think it may be possible, however, for an uninformed user to not buy the tracking service but try to turn on the tracking function. This may cause the unit to burn battery power transmitting tracking info despite the fact that the system isn't processing that info.

http://www.kirotv.com/video/27941366/index.html

Deciding a solo trip into a snowstorm was a good idea.

Poor navigation. (blaming his map)

Lost his tent inner.

Decided building a fire each evening was to much effort to dry out his insulation gear and provide warmth, comfort and the ability to signal to a airborne FLIR up to 20+ miles away.

No spare emergency fresh Lithium Cells from a sealed packet. (NiMhs etc don't work to well in the cold)

Still alive for the debrief, so SPOT must have been doing something useful.

It makes sense to achieve compatibility among all your battery powered gadgets, which these days would include at least flashlights and probably a GPS. I feed AAAs to my lights and GPS, so a SPOT would fit right in. Lithiums are a no brainer for significant, extended use - they are dependable, lighter, worker better in the cold, and do not leak. With their terrific energy density, they are actually cheaper in use than all but the cheapest alkalines.

Yep, plus their shelf life is excellent. If you keep an eye out there are coupon deals on Energizer lithiums every so often.

I use only lithiums in the field. Sure wish the SPOT-2 used AAs instead of AAAs since my GPS and headlamp use AAs. Oh well, an extra set of lithium AAAs is not a burden.

I always carry spare batteries.

When I'm using primaries in essential gear, I use a pulse-load battery tester (I like this one http://www.batteryjunction.com/zts-mbt.html) before heading out.

For those with experience using the SPOT: I am in the market and would like to hear your reviews of devices. I have little to no experience with them, but I do have a need in the short and long term. I have looked at reviews on line, but I think reviews from people here would be more credible.

I have three different versions of this battery tester. Highly accurate and much recommended.