Before you head out on that long, much needed adventure vacation, prepare yourself with skills and proper equipment. We’ve come up with a few friendly reminders to get you started.

General Preparedness Tips:

Expect the unexpected. Here are some basic things to do before each adventure:

• Do your research before you go.
• Sharpen your skills. First Aid, Wilderness Response, CPR… A little investment goes a long way.
• Select the proper equipment for your adventure.

We’ve heard rescue experiences from SPOT users, but have you ever wondered what it’s like from the other end of the SPOT SOS spectrum?

It turns out a few search and rescue team members across North America are SPOT users just like you! They’ve sent us rescue stories and tips on enduring a rescue situation if you ever have to press the SOS button.

A SPOT user and member of a Colorado mountain rescue team shared with us some of his recommendations on what fellow SPOT users can do to help SAR find you if you ever have to activate SOS.

After breaking off from a group, Friday, May 13, off-duty Washington state trooper, Dan Anderson went on a solo hike in the Cascade Mountains. Before settling for the night, Anderson realized he had lost his tent somewhere along the hike. Without proper protection from the rain and snow, he was unable to withstand the freezing temperature in his sleeping bag.

We had a blast running our SPOT Facebook T-shirt design contest! Our customers and fans wowed us with their creativity! Out of 25 entries, we chose “Out in the Wilderness” by Paul Lycett.

Congratulations Paul! You won a SPOT Connect with a year of SPOT Basic Service, Track Progress and a 100 Type & Send custom message bundle. Paul will also receive 12 t-shirts with his “Out in the Wilderness” design so that he and his friends and family can represent SPOT!

Thank you to all those who participated!

Check out some of our other favorite designs…