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SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

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From non-life-threatening emergencies close to home to critical scenarios at remote locations on land or water, use the Spot Satellite GPS Messenger to call for help simply and easily. With one-button distress notification and GPS location services, this compact, affordable device gives you a satellite-based lifeline where cell phones would fail. Custom OK messages and real-time online tracking also help you check in with friends ones quickly and easily.

  • SOS / 911 function notifies emergency services of your GPS location in the event of a critical or life-threatening emergency and works in the United States (9-1-1) or Europe (1-1-2)
  • Notify personal contacts that you’re in need of help in non-life-threatening emergencies with the Help button After an adventure, send out an standard OK or custom message to up to 10 pre-determine contacts using the Check-in / OK button that shoots a message and GPS coordinates via an email or sms message
  • Real-time tracking on Google Maps or Spot Assist to notify professional rescue service providers sold separately through SPOT online account in addition to Basic SPOT service plans
  • Help button can also be programmed to include additional, separately purchased SPOT services
  • Receive $50 with SPOT's mail-in rebate; good from May 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011: get rebate form here: http://www.findmespot.com/rebate50/

Bottom Line: GPS safety to ease Mom’s mind and help rescue find you in a stack of needles.

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Rating for this product: 4

Good to have...

By:
December 2, 2010

I do a lot of solo backpacking and I got this to keep my wife and kids happy. Never had any GPS tracking devices before, so I don't have anything to compare it to. I used it on my last 7 night trip, and the Mrs. got every OK check in I sent. And it is cool how you can go back and see your trip on Google maps. Seemed a bit pricey after buying it and signing up for all the services, $300. But then again, if I'm on my back with a busted femur somewhere, $300 to send for help will seem cheep...

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2 Comments Last Comment: November 5, 2011 by:

By:
November 5, 2011

Hey Chad, sorry I guess I don't get contacted when someone asks me a question. Anyway, Yes, you get the tracking feature. I have not spent much time working with it, but does show you the steps you have taken. But I don't use that feature as much as I should. I mostly use it to check in with the wife and for safety when alone. I went on a 6 day solo hike in Oct. and she got every "check in" I sent. She can also see where I am from the email that is sent. This really is a great tool for keeping the people that worry about you happy.

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By:
May 15, 2011

Did you get the tracking feature when you signed up?

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I live in Alaska and drive from Southeast Alaska to Interior

I live in Alaska and drive from Southeast Alaska to Interior Alaska on a regular basis. Is there a similar device which will work in Northwest Canada?

By:
November 22, 2011

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According to their coverage map (http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=109) you can get this device for coverage where you are looking for it. If you are looking for something less expensive you can get one of their less expensive models. I have the SPOT Personal tracker and it tracks and send OKs just fine. I think it is around $100 plus services.

By:
January 25, 2012

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Rating for this product: 4

going into action

By:
December 31, 2011

can't wait to use the Spot Connect this next year on all my adventures and know that I'll actually be able to be found using this lightweight and small device. Adventure #1 coming up1

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1 Comment Last Comment: April 29, 2012 by:

By:
April 29, 2012

Not a review.

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SPOT at camp

By:
February 12, 2012

SPOT looking to the sky, sending the nightly OK message.

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SPOT-2 Satellite GPS Messenger

By:
February 28, 2011

SPOT-2 Satellite GPS Messenger

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Rating for this product: 5

This Could Save Your Life & Keep Your Loved Ones Knowing You Are Safe & Sound

By:
July 8, 2010

I know you see the SPOT as a toy, something that real hikers wouldn't need. Let me tell you it's not a toy. I'm a NYS Paramedic with my Wilderness EMT Cert and the SPOT goes everywhere with me. In the car on a road trip because what if you come up on an emergency situation and your cell phone doesn't have signal or you break down and the cell does not work. The SPOT has a road side assist feature so you can get help on the road. Now if your a boat person the assist feature works the same way to get you help if you need it on the water. For me I have been climbing Mountains half my life, (I'm 33) and this gives my family peace of mind when I'm out on the trail or on the road because you can send an OK message to your SPOT team and they get an e-mail that they can click on and see where you are on Goggle Maps. Also SPOT can send text to a cell phone as well so they know you're OK and all systems are a go.
Now if an emergency comes the SPOT has a 911 feature that will send the location up and help will be on its way from search and rescue services that could be the difference between life and death. Know this we all go on the trail to have a good time and come home safe. How could you put a price on your life or the peace of mind of your loved ones at home. You can't so the SPOT is the way to go.

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2 Comments Last Comment: May 27, 2011 by:

By:
May 11, 2011

Eli,
Your criticize a sat. phone, maybe you don't know that the SPOT is no stronger than a sat. phone. This means if your sat. phone won't work in a certain area, it's just as likely that a SPOT won't either. If you want TRUE rescue protection, the best thing is a 406mhz beacon. They work everywhere in the world

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By:
May 27, 2011

There is no substitute for a 406 PLB. In a nutshell, a PLB/EPIRB sends out a 406 MHz signal to a sarsat/copas satellite. The data is then verified and sent out to the appropriate SAR response agency who are given your approximate coordinates. Those ground personnel or aircraft then use 121.5 MHz to pinpoint your location within just a few hundred feet. You also don't pay any subscription for it to work, just register the beacon every 2 years with the NOAA. The 406 MHz works anywhere in the world, and you can count on the fact that your distress call went out, and help is on its way.

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I am in South Africa and looking at doing an extended hike from

I am in South Africa and looking at doing an extended hike from source to delta of one of our rivers here. I am looking for a device that will allow interested parties to track our progress online (on google maps) and also be able to communicate out the co-ordinates if need be. The hike will not be on roads. I need to know if this product will work for this? And is there coverage in South Africa - specifically Kwa-Zulu Natal from the Drakensburg through to Port Shepstone.

By:
September 28, 2011

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check out the spot coverage map from Spot. Sending a single also depends on how unobstructed the sky is. In deep narrow canyons, dense forest with canopy sending a single is harder.
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=109

By: Backcountry.com Employee
September 28, 2011

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With the 911 and family help buttons, is there a way to cancel

With the 911 and family help buttons, is there a way to cancel a distress signal that was accidentally sent? It seems like it would be a bit too easy for one of those buttons to be hit.

By:
May 27, 2011

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I have had the older unit for a while now, and hitting the buttons by accident has and is not a concern, it just does not happen. They are small and recessed, it takes an effort to push them.

By:
August 4, 2011

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On the latest version as shown in the picture above there are safety covers over the buttons to help prevent from hitting them by accident.

By:
May 28, 2011

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Buy an ACR Sarlink. It's not a toy. By the time you buy this unit and pay for an annual subscription, and maybe get your signal out, maybe not, the extra money you spend up front for the ACR might actually save your life. It also takes pressing two buttons very deliberately and deploying a small antenna to activate.

Google 'reviews of Spot Messenger' and just start reading.

By:
May 27, 2011

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To Cancel an SOS call: Press and hold the SOS button until it blinks red. Let SPOT work until the SOS button stops blinking red. The Message Sending light will blink green indicating it has sent the Cancel message.

By: Backcountry.com Employee
May 27, 2011

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Rating for this product: 1

0-2. I have both SPOT2 & Connect

By:
December 16, 2011

GPS is slow and sometimes inaccurate on SPOT2 - loses power a little fast, and has been missing more transmissions than promised.

For Connect, I have worked with customer care reloading the app and trouble shooting with them on multiple occasions. The customer service was friendly and nice, but they are not up to speed on the device. They couldn't answer many questions, and after spending countless time on the phone, without resolving the issues, they said someone would call me back.

I didn't get the call back twice. When I recently followed-up I actually, got a call back the next day. The guy admitted to some of the faults and said they are working to fix them. They sent me a new unit, but I still have all the same problems. They then gave me the number of the SPOT sales rep for my area, Rocky Mountain, and he seemed very rushed on the phone, and really didn't have any more to offer than care did. What is a customer to do?

And SPOT has already collected a full year of service up front!

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would this unit work in australia? it says it works in the USA

would this unit work in australia? it says it works in the USA and Europe but doesnt mention OZ.

By:
April 11, 2011

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Yes, Australia is in their coverage area.

Here's the link to SPOT's coverage map and info:

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=109

If you don't care about the texting and tracking capabilities, and are just looking for a locator beacon that doesn't require a paid annual subscription, and will summon help reliably, also have a look at the ACR Sarlink.

By:
April 11, 2011

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Rating for this product: 5

Necessary item for backcountry trips

By:
March 16, 2011

This is a very cool thing to have. I love the fact that no matter how deep in the woods I go, If something happens to my wife or I, We can get help. The 2nd cool thing is the track my progress feature. I check in when I go to various spots I want to remember, I can check it on the internet when i get home, track my entire trip. I often send out the link for others to watch in realtime.

I never go camping without it

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1 Comment Last Comment: December 15, 2011 by:

By:
December 15, 2011

You may want to double check the comment about going deep in the woods because my understanding (from the Spot website) is that you need a clear view of the sky to pick up a signal. It specifically mentions 'very deep woods' as being a problem.

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I am interested in buying this product from Backcountry as it

I am interested in buying this product from Backcountry as it is on sale, however, I read that units with an ESN # between 0-8000000 and 0-8053925 have a battery life problem and SPOT suggests you return it for replacement. How can I confirm the unit I purchase from Backcountry does not fall between these numbers...?

By:
November 17, 2010

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The recall period ended this month. All devices on shelves have been recalled and replaced.

By:
December 25, 2010

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Spot on my Pack...

By:
November 5, 2011

I used the Spot for my 6 day solo hike of the STS. My wife got every "Check OK" I sent her. Great for giving the ones who worry about you a piece of mind .

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Rating for this product: 4

Works well

By:
October 29, 2011

Works well and haven't had too many problems with it. The yearly subscription seems to be a little high for the few things that it is able to do.

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Can i use the unit without having to buy a subscription. i don't

Can i use the unit without having to buy a subscription. i don't care if it 5 bucks a message or something not to crazy. i only go deep into the wilderness once a year for two weeks and don't like the idea of shelling out 100 a year to fire off messages home for two weeks. I have a PLB but i like the idea of sending updates to the worried wifes.

By:
October 18, 2010

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I was ready to pull the trigger on one of these until I started reading all of the terms and conditions. The more I read about them and the stories of horrible customer service I decided not to purchase. I am not saying not to buy one, I am saying do some research and make your decision.

By:
May 28, 2011

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It requires the subscription. They route everything through their service...messages, distress calls... I'm not sure if you can get a month-month subscription, but it might be worth looking into. Another thought would be to rent a sat phone when you head out, but over the course of a couple weeks it's about a push on the SPOT subscription, although you do get to actually talk and not just text. Their texts messages run about $.59 per outgoing message and usually free for incoming. They'll charge you a flat fee that sometimes includes a set number of minutes, and you can also buy more if you need them. Iridium and Globalstar are the services to check with. My standard routine when I only carry my PLB is to tell everyone, "If you don't get a call, we're fine."

By:
October 19, 2010

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Rating for this product: 3

Good for the money

By:
November 11, 2010

This unit has functioned completely as expected for the price. There is nothing better for under $300. I would recommend for any hiker or climber.

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Will the SPOT be dependable in Colorado, even in a gorge or deep

Will the SPOT be dependable in Colorado, even in a gorge or deep valley?

By:
July 22, 2010

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There was a fatality accident this year in Sangre De Cristo in Blanca area where climber died and none of the two SPOTs were able to send distress signal. Instead survivor had to run over 6hrs to the bottom and it was too late then. I have a suspicion that it only reliable when in cell phone network area coverage zone. To me it look like you selling your fears for $250+ but it just makes you more complacent which is bad.

By:
November 4, 2010

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Sure, it'll work in Colorado, as it does use satellites. If you have a clear view of the sky, the signal will go out, eventually. On the other hand, if you're not looking for the ability to send your coordinates to friends and family, and want something that's going to be more likely to save your life by summoning emergency responders without fail (and that doesn't require an expensive annual subscription) you should look into an EPIRB/PLB. ACR makes the best, in my opinion. I wrestled with the choice between the SPOT and an EPIRB myself when my kids started heading out with me. After doing lots of research, based on my needs, the choice became obvious. I now carry an ACR Aquafix 406 wherever I go. This is one of those choices that require you to really understand the pros and cons, limitations, technology, and capabilities of the device you decide on. Read as many reviews as you can find to give you a better idea of what users are saying. Your life may depend on it. Hope that helped.

By:
July 22, 2010

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Rating for this product: 5

Video review!

By:
November 10, 2011

This is a great little device with some great features... and it has proven to be a life saver for some. Learn more in my video review:

http://backpackersreview.com/gear-review/tents/52-a-mountainsmith-morrison-tent

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Spot2

By:
May 26, 2011

...and never lose your 4-year-old again! :^]

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Rating for this product: 4

this is awesome

By:
January 29, 2011

If you are a solo hiker or camper this is really a must need for your kit, simple reason is it actually works anywhere; when I say that I am not exaggerating in the slightest. I had a chance to see this in action on a military operation over seas in the mountains near Pakistan and it worked even there. The only down fall is the billing that comes with it monthly. You can not put a price on safety though.....

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1 Comment Last Comment: February 25, 2011 by:

By:
February 25, 2011

Hugh, I agree your life is worth more than a few hundred dollars. Sounds like a solid investment.

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Rating for this product: 5

SPOT $50 Cash-Back Mail in Rebate EXTENDED TIL 12/31/2011

By:
September 17, 2011

All backcountry.com customers buying a SPOT2 can put $50 back into their pockets! Go to:

http://www.findmespot.com/rebate50/

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Rating for this product: 1

Very disappointing

By:
August 11, 2011

I was very disappointed with the GPS performance of this device. I picked this unit partly because of the tracking feature. Well, given todays GPS technology, this device performs very poorly. Yes, I know the directions state the unit has to be oriented upward to get good signal, but it is ridiculous how sensitive it seems to be. If you hang it from a pack or put it in a pack pocket, GPS reception is terrible. Even when hand holding it the reception is poor. After poor results I tested it along side my Garmin wrist mounted Forerunner 205 and another handheld I have. The SPOT regularly failed when the other GPS worked fine. So the tracking feature that I though would be cool was really pretty useless. Instead of a reading every 10 minutes as supposed, I would be lucky to just a few over a full day adventure (unless I carried it in my hand with unit oriented correctly - and even then it regularly indicated no signal). If you just want something that can save your life by calling the cavalry in a life or death emergency, I'm guessing it would be a worthwhile purchase. But I selected this unit because of other advertised features and it failed to deliver.

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Rating for this product: 5

Be sure to take advantage of the $50 rebate

By:
May 17, 2011

Can be found at www.findmespot.com/rebate50

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1 Comment Last Comment: June 22, 2011 by:

By:
June 22, 2011

Any idea if the rebate will apply now the Backcountry has it listed for $119.96? The info at the top of the rebate form says "Purchase a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT-2) at regular price ($149.99+)
from a participating retailer between 5/1/2011 and 7/31/2011."

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Rating for this product: 5

$50 cash mail-in rebate for Customers NOW

By:
May 5, 2011

Validity dates are May 1 - July 31, 2011.

Pls. use downloadable form after purchase and activation of unit at www.findmespot.com/rebate50

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1 Comment Last Comment: May 15, 2011 by:

By:
May 15, 2011

This is cool! I hope that when I get mine there will be a mail-in rebate like this!

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Rating for this product: 5

Solo must!

By:
May 10, 2011

Went on a 108 miler in late fall and expecting snow so my pack was loaded for Bear with the snow and ice stuff and a bit of extra rations as I anticipated getting snow bound for 4-5 days on that hike like past years. Well, 56 miles in and ended up with a broken ankle...3 hrs later I was eating an In & Out burger and fries.

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Orange, One Size (134.96)

Good to have...

4 star rating

By: Jeff Sacks December 2, 2010

I do a lot of solo backpacking and I got this to keep my wife and kids happy. Never had any GPS tracking devices before, so I don't have anything to more...

going into action

4 star rating

By: Alex Stoy December 31, 2011

can't wait to use the Spot Connect this next year on all my adventures and know that I'll actually be able to be found using this lightweight and more...

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Material:
plastic, rubber 
Dimensions:
3.7 x 2.7 x 1 in 
Mapping:
no 
Digital Compass:
no 
Computer Compatible:
no 
Waterproof:
no 
Battery Type:
AAA alkaline (3) 
Battery Life:
(standby) 94.7 days, (SOS/help) 2.8 days, (track progress) 4.3 days 
Weight:
5.2 oz 
Recommended Use:
Travel, adventure, tracking progress, emergency contact 
Manufacturer Warranty:
limited