Stop Press: Revise Your Christmas Wish List...

I was thinking of getting one of these, but after reading this blog post, I'm leaning towards the PLB.  Being a sailor, I know all about EPIRBs, but I wasn't familiar with a PLB, let alone one with integrated GPS capability.  So a quick search turned up the NSS (National Search and Rescue Secretariat) website.  Here's there information, plagriarised unashamedly in full:

PLBs are portable units designed for land based activities such as hiking, camping, climbing and canoeing. PLBs can only be activated manually. Some newer 406 MHz PLBs include an integrated GPS capability, which allows GPS position data to be included in the distress signal message.
A PLB must only be activated in a distress situation and only in remote areas where conventional communication facilities are not available. A distress situation is defined as an incident where there is grave danger to the safety of human life.
Who needs a PLB
Although there is no legal requirement to carry a PLB, it is strongly encouraged that people who undertake land based activities, in areas where there is no cellular phone coverage or other means of communications, purchase or rent a PLB.
What PLBs are approved for use in Canada

The radio standards specification for PLBs is available in RSS-287. National Search and Rescue Secretariat's Performance Standard for 406 MHz PLBs can found in NSS-PLB 06.
Approved PLBs

-	ACR GyPSI PLB-100
-	MPR TELTECH LTD/NAT INC SATFIND-406 POCKET PLB
-	ACR TERRAFIX/AEROFIX/AQUAFIX PLB-200 W/GPS
-	ACR TERRAFIX/AEROFIX/AQUAFIX PLB-201
-	ACR RESQFIX/MICROFIX PLB-300 W/GPS
-	ACR AquaLink PLB-350B
-	ACR AquaLink View PLB-350C
-	McMurdo Ltd. FASTFIND PLB-200
-	McMurdo Ltd. FASTFIND PLB-210

Where to buy a PLB
A number of sports outfitters in Canada sell or rent PLBs. It is important to ensure that the 406 MHz PLB is coded for use in Canada.
Registering your PLB
PLB owners are strongly encouraged to register their PLB with the Canadian Beacon Registry. The information contained in the registry includes the owner's name, trip details and emergency contact information. Search and rescue authorities cross-reference the emergency beacon ID with the registry and with a single phone call can determine if the distress signal is a false alert or can collect additional details in order to better respond to the incident.
Disposal of your PLB
At the end of a PLB's useful life, it is vital that it be disposed of safely.  If it has run out of juice, and you find yourself between a sow and it's cubs, throw it at the sow.

Ok so the last sentence is mine.  Interesting that I've never heard of those manufacturers.  What really appeals to me is the increased power and accuracy over the Spot, and that it requires no subscription fee! 

So a quick search turned up this at the Mountain Equipment Coop website:

McMurdo Fastfind 210 Personal Locator Beacon
Weight: 150g
You can have the best plans, training, and equipment and still get ambushed by the unexpected in the backcountry. For real emergencies, this locator beacon requires no subscription fees to commercial signal carriers. It fits in your pocket or a PFD, and once activated, transmits two signals simultaneously. One goes to the global 406 MHz satellite system. The other (121.5 MHz) is a local signal searchers can pinpoint once they're in the vicinity.

You are required by law to register your PLB with the Canadian Beacon Registry. This insures that the signal that is broadcast includes information about you, your group, your travel plans, and any pertinent information (medical history) you have included. You can update the information at any time by contacting the Canadian Beacon Registry at canadianbeaconregistry.forces.gc.ca.

• Size 3.4 x 4.7 x 10.6cm.
• Manually activated SOS strobe helps rescuers spot you at night.
• Battery has five year storage and transmits for a minimum of 24 hours once activated.
• Built-in 50-channel GPS provides pinpoint location information to speed up response time.
• Self test capabilities for both the battery life and GPS position acquisition.
• Submersibly waterproof (though not buoyant).

So the good news is it's waterproof, but not buoyant...OK so attach a float to it.  The other good news: it ain't made in China; it's British!  No, really, not like Triumph "British", but really British!