@OldGuyot Thank you for your answer and explanation of the tracking feature and frequencies!  I really appreciate all of your input/knowledge! ... View more

@Russ1663 Thank you! I will certainly take a look at the SPOT Gen 3! I really like the real time tracking option online! ... View more

Thank you @OldGuyot  for your input!  The InReach Mini is definitely an option I'm looking at closely!  I appreciate your explanation of the two way messaging feature and its convenience when paired with a smartphone, since I always have mine with me when hiking since I use the ViewRanger app for following routes/laying down new tracks.  This seems like it would be very advantageous for readily communicating in an emergency situation. Does the InReach Mini have a feature that your progress can be monitored by someone in real time? ... View more

Thank you for the link @REI-EricP! It was very helpful.  Upon review, it would seem that perhaps a satellite messenger might be better suited for me so I could provide updates to my wife at home and she could possibly monitor my progress online which would definitely give her more peace of mind.  Any recommendations you might make? ... View more