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I have used a Spot device a lot in adventure races. They use them to track teams on an online leader board as well as for safety.
As others have pointed out, they work well in open areas. In Moab Utah and places like that the track is very good but can still get lost when down in some of the narrow canyons. Its pretty good in places like Western Montana where you have some overhead coverage but not alot. In the southeast it doesnt work nearly as well but is better than nothing. It helps to carry it on the top of the pack or shoulder strap to make sure the signal has the best chance of clearing the overhead cover.
I can say first hand that it is invaluable as a safety device if you travel alone in the wilderness. A friend of mine fell to his death on a solo hiking trip in Colorado earlier this year. Its unlikely anyone would have found his body without the Spot. Also, during the Great Divide mountain bike race this year, some competitors witnessed an auto accident on a remote mountain road. They used the Spot distress button to get help.
You can have it send email alerts to friends who want to follow your progress or just make sure your safe.
Chip
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