Mine is the ACR ResQLink. There are other systems such as Spot which give you options for tracking and sending non emergency messages via satellite communication system, but for a true PLB, ACR is the way to go.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough. Okay, what’s your point??
I'm looking for a good personal location beacon. I saw someone mention ACR. Is that the best one or is there something better?
I don't own a PLB and I imagine the vast majority of people who do have never used theirs. The best information I have comes from here: http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=284 .
True, the vast majority of PLB owners hope to never use their PLB. It's insurance and you keep it for the rare instance when things go very bad and you need insurance.
OTOH a Spot owner could use their system every day to send text messages and otherwise tell the folks on your specified list that things are good (or not). That's good in that you can check to see if your system is working and you have satellite connectivity -- as I understand the Spot coverage is good but not 100%. Just keep a second set of batteries for when things do go bad.
Best would be to buy an ACR ResQLink and a Spot. Use the Spot for routine text messages and status updates to keep mom happy, keep the real PLB for emergencies.
BTW, I had one of the McMurdo PLB's prior to buying the ResQLink. The ACR PLB ergonomics and antenna deployment are better IMO and it is just a wee bit smaller. It sits in a holster on the left shoulder of my flotation vest and is tied to the vest with a lanyard.
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
I have the definitive answer to the OP's question. I found emergency kits for sale in my local big box store - bright red backpacks - one for two people and a larger one for four people. The smaller weighed 4.337 pounds and the larger weighed 8.674 pounds. I am sure the packs contained everything one could possibly need for any emergency, otherwise it would have been unethical to sell them to the public, and who would do that?
You may be able to recognize the abundant sarcasm in this post
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