One persistent black bear and increasingly agressive coyotes are exactly why I started carrying them LED. Both are threats in my world.

Unfortunately, the coyotes are becoming part of prep for any day hike. They seem to be everywhere these days. They are busy feasting on all the neighbourhood pets that anyone foolishly allows off leash or to roam about.

Have you had to use the air horn yet? And has it worked?

Thanks.

Had to use it once for a coyote. DS were on an evening hike and came across one that wasn't afraid of our voices. A good blast on the air horn sent it running one way, and us retreating cautiously to the car.

Good, good kit. I'd replace the minimag with something else (a Preon ReVO, for example), but I'm a flashaholic picking nits. Is a PLB or a SEND something you've considered?

To cut weight, I 'd switch the wool sweater for fleece

I often debate that with myself, Teacher. My wool and fleece jackets weigh aprox. the same. The fleece is cozier but the wool warmer. Wool maintains warmth when wet but fleece dries very quickly.

I most often wear a fleece jacket, down or polyfil vest, and gortex jacket when I hike in the fall. Wool seemed like a wise choice for another layer when hypothermia is a threat.

Mother Nature is right on track. Thunderstorms over the past week, we could see our breath last night, and the expected high is only 13 degrees C tomorrow during the day. If that was summer we've had it!

Absolutely. I'm currently torn between getting another cel phone or a SPOT, actually. Money is tight and I can't afford both. One or the other will be my Christmas present this year. (Only 4 months from today.)

I've been looking at these devices as well and the Fastfind PLB appears to be the more cost effective choice.

The McMurdo Fastfind 210 is currently running $225 locally. This is a one time cost for 5 years of service.

The SPOT 2 is running $169 for the hardware and $99 / year for the basic service plan. This equates to a $268 initial investment (hardware + 1 year) and a total of $664 over 5 years. There is currently also a $50 rebate available on the purchase of the hardware which can offset some of the cost.

So, if your primary interest is the emergency use of these devices, the cost and reliability of the PLB would make it a better choice. If the non-emergency messaging of the SPOT is valuable to you, the added cost of the SPOT may still be worthwhile.