Free SPOT (Satellite Personal Tracker)

[brucefrombryce]

In conjunction with PRIMAL QUEST BADLANDS 2009 (South Dakota) and for the limited period of August 14 -24, 2009, SPOT will give you the satellite personal tracker free when you sign up for their annual subscription service ($149.98 value).

The PRIMAL QUEST BADLANDS 2009 site can be found at:
http://www.ecoprimalquest.com/wp-primal/pq/

and the SPOT offer can be found at:
http://www.findmespot.com/primalquest/

bruce from bryce

[thafen]

Not too familiar with this device but I think you can track the position of the spot on the internet live. Doesn't look like there is any screen or map on the device. Might help if you have a real paranoid wife or husband. Lets them know you are making progress through the canyon?

[thafen]

Looks like you can send messages on it as well. Could be useful, seems like a lot for a years coverage, but I am cheap....

[cougarmagic]

I've had one of these for about 2 years, and I definitely like it for the "worried spouse" syndrome. They have a new model coming out sometime this fall with a more sensitive chipset, another button for one more customized message (for a total of two, instead of the current one), and a protective cover over the 911 button (they've had a few accidental SAR callouts..whoopsie!) I imagine they're offering this deal to clear out the 'old' models. Still a great deal, but just wanted to pass along the info.

[Remington]

Have one myself and love it. The tracking feature is great for hiking and even works in some canyons. I never hike or run a canyon without the device!

On a side note I hope they allow current clients to upgrade to the new unit once released :)

[kellykayaker]

The reviews for SPOT at REI.com are mixed at best. The response to any emergency is dependent on SPOT workers calling SAR & apparently they aren't available 24/7. Most serious users have said it is little better than a toy than sometimes tells your friends where you were on a Google map. There is a new PLB for sale at REI called Fast Find by McMurdo retailing at $299 and weighing 5 oz. I currently have the ACR PLB which cost me about $600 and it is the Gold Standard but weighs about 12 Oz and is the size of a cordless phone. It has no subscription fee and is completely waterproof with sealed batteries. Kelly.