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Prepare Yourself

The best adventures start when you’re prepared. No matter what adventure you’re planning, equipping yourself with the proper knowledge, skills and well… equipment will help prepare you for the great outdoors.

Whether it’s researching a trail, learning First Aid and CPR or knowing how to use your safety equipment, proper planning and practice can help ensure that your outing is fun and safe. The SPOT Prepare Yourself Check List is a good place to start!

From radios to GPS to SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, make sure you’re familiar with your equipment before you need it. Please consider these best practice recommendations when using your SPOT Messenger:


Read your SPOT User Guide & View the SPOT User Videos at findmespot.com

An up-to-date SPOT user profile will better assist your contacts and rescue personnel with important information

Ensure your contacts know they’ll be receiving SPOT messages and what each message means

Test your casual SPOT message functions (Check-in/OK, Custom Message, Track Progress). Add your own phone number and email. The more you use SPOT, the more prepared and confident you’ll be if you ever need it for an emergency. Do NOT TEST the SOS/911 function. It will be treated as a real emergency

SPOT has long-lasting battery life. Always pack extra batteries just in case. See user guide battery specs

In a critical and/or life-threatening EMERGENCY, the SOS/911 function on SPOT notifies a Rescue Coordination Center of your location and need for help
  • Check the weather forecast. Talk to the experts
  • Share your trip plan. Post a clear and easy to understand trip itinerary at home and make sure you tell others
  • Get some Training: CPR, Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue are useful courses and recommended depending on your level of outdoor activity
  • Know how to read a compass and map. Handheld GPS Devices are useful, but should not replace navigation skills
  • First Aid skills are essential to properly care for minor injuries and avoid infection
  • Learn how to build shelter to protect against the elements and hypothermia
  • Stay in control. Know your limits; get proper rest. Think and don’t panic
  • Carefully select the best gear for your adventure. Know your equipment and how to use it
  • Maintain a sufficient First-Aid kit to care for minor injuries and avoid infection
  • Pack reflective material such as a small mirror or tape for signaling others
  • Whistles are a great way to alert others nearby
  • Cell phones can be useful but know their limitations