We’ve had SPOT trackers since they first came out (now have had four of them), and we have an InReach Mini that Garmin sent us to evaluate when they first came out. That’s about ten or twelve years of using the things.
The Mini is a very neat and tiny package, but the problem with it was that it had a rechargeable battery that didn’t last that long - and when it runs out,the people tracking you don’t know whether the unit is dead, or you crashed! The first time that happened to us, it was on the way back from the Idaho back country, and my sister through we were down somewhere in northern Nevada. The SPOTs use replaceable batteries, and will stay powered continuously for a month - so I preferred that package.
However, with the advent of ADS-B, and the fact that Louise and I each have a survival vest with a PLB in the breast pocket, we finally stopped paying for tracking services. Several years of watching the accuracy and timeliness of ADS-B tracking, and knowing that the PLB will get the cavalry on the way makes the SPOT obsolete. Note that we never used the messaging capability - just wasn;t necessary for our use - if that’s important, then yup - pay for the service. Or use your cellphone when you are on the grid….which you’ll be when you get fuel, generally speaking.
It’s interesting how technology evolves - I wouldn’t call SPOT or InReach buggy whips yet - but they might be headed that way….
Paul