Need advise on upcoming trip to Alaska!

[outdoorsntn]

A little off the subject but something else to consider when using SPOT and this happened to me and maybe to others; if you are stuck in a traffic jam, you may want to let the folks who are tracking you know you are OK and not involved in a wreck. I was stuck in a traffic jam out on the interstate for about 45min. When I arrived home at the end of my trip later that evening, I got a text from my Dad letting me know that since I had not moved when I was out on the interstate for nearly an hour, he went to a DOT website to see if I was tied up in a traffic jam while wondering if there was a chance I was involved in an accident. Since he saw the traffic back up info online, he did not go to General Quarters sending out a rescue team. So, now if/when that happens again, I will send out the "I'm OK" notification to alleviate any worries. My wife also asked me "So how was that traffic jam"?

 

[Tenerester]

Thanks for all the input.
Talking to my riding buddies about pooling and getting one for the group.

 

[jmcgilroy]

Allow me to offer another view of SPOT. Before my first trip to Prudhoe Bay, I purchased the one that links to your smartphone and allows you to send text messages (even when no cell service exists). I sent my friends and family updates on my progress and it was worth
the cost (maybe) just for the novelty of sending messages from the middle of nowhere. But I don't think it was worth it to me just for the "safety" aspect. Your riding destination may be different but there trucks along the Dalton every few minutes and they have company radios which I'll bet is the fastest way for medical aid. Even more traffic on the Alcan and plenty along the Stewart-Cassier and even the Top-of-the World Hwy out of Dawson.

I sold the unit and didn't give it a second thought on my 2nd trip up there. If I was headed out into the brush, then I'd carry one. Some people have an overly protective spouse that they need to appease or just like "tech'y" things but if you're staying
on those main roads...you're not really that alone.

Jim

 

[eemsreno]

I went with a SPOT on our last trip to Alaska.
One of the things I like most about the ride up north is getting out in the Yukon where there is little to no traffic.
If you want to really see what the remote north is all about head up the South Canol and then on up the North Canol. Then up Clinton Creek or 60 mile road.
I'd be running a SPOT, If something happened out on some of them roads you might not be found for a day or more.

 

[Tenerester]

Allow me to offer another view of SPOT. Before my first trip to Prudhoe Bay, I purchased the one that links to your smartphone and allows you to send text messages (even when no cell service exists). I sent my friends and family updates on my progress and it was worth
the cost (maybe) just for the novelty of sending messages from the middle of nowhere. But I don't think it was worth it to me just for the "safety" aspect. Your riding destination may be different but there trucks along the Dalton every few minutes and they have company radios which I'll bet is the fastest way for medical aid. Even more traffic on the Alcan and plenty along the Stewart-Cassier and even the Top-of-the World Hwy out of Dawson.

I sold the unit and didn't give it a second thought on my 2nd trip up there. If I was headed out into the brush, then I'd carry one. Some people have an overly protective spouse that they need to appease or just like "tech'y" things but if you're staying
on those main roads...you're not really that alone.

Jim

Valid point and this is another reason I am hesitating to get one for personal use. I will have no use of it after the Prudhoe Bay trip. I never ride alone and rarely ride to places off the grid. My wife and my grown up children are not interested in tracking my whereabouts either.

But I do have a fellow rider who 'is required to' report his whereabouts to the wife every hour or so. He probably has no option but to get a SPOT tracker or satellite phone for the trip!! So I think we are pretty much covered for now. ::008::