Even for the most experienced among us, Mother Nature has a funny way of showing who's really boss in the great outdoors. But don't let her fickle moods inhibit you. Just be smart about your decisions—and your traveling companions. The ultimate reliable traveling buddy? SPOT Satellite Messenger. It's small, compact, easy to use, and there for you in an emergency. Just ask Derek Crook, a kayaking enthusiast who was paddling the southern ocean of Tasmania when a 20-foot wave upended him. Derek pressed 9-1-1 on his SPOT, then hung on to his kayak until rescuers arrived:
Watch the video.
SPOT smartly uses GPS to tell others where you are. You can transmit messages and your location via email and text message to friends, family, and— if necessary—emergency rescue teams. And that gives everyone peace of mind. Reliable, dutiful, and brilliant in a bad situation, SPOT has your back. Take it with you. SRP $169. www.findmespot.com.