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Ratty 
Group: Members
Posts: 224
Joined: Feb. 2007
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 5:58 pm |
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Has anyone used the SPOT GPS Messenger in forested areas like the Adirondacks? I know there are AT thru-hikers who carry it. Is it any more dependable than a Garmin in deep woods? I hike alone sometimes when I can't get anybody else out of hibernation and would like to be able to check in and let friends know I'm okay (or not!)
Thanks.
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ashepabst
Group: Members
Posts: 1009
Joined: Jul. 2008
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 6:16 pm |
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i've only used mine on two trips so far, but all messages have gotten through. they have both been leaf-less winter trips, though.
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GoBlueHiker
Obsessive Island Hopper...
Group: Members
Posts: 14069
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 6:50 pm |
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I've used mine in the forests of Washington, Colorado, California and SE Alaska. In a word, yes, it works. The specific reliability depends on the type of message, and what you mean by "works".
Most "OK" Messages get out even in forest cover, in my experience, as long as you let it run the full time period instead of just doing a "2 minute check-in" kinda thing. That's the biggest user error people have, I think, and they'll blame it on the SPOT unit. The system uses low-earth-orbiting satellites, it can take a little while until one is guaranteed to be within line-of-sight, so the wait time is essential. I've had several that weren't picked up, but not many at all. It helps if you look for a clearing (say, after you get into camp, etc).
In "Tracking" mode, the SPOT simply sends weaker "breadcrumbs" out at intervals, and not 100% those get through (some are dropped), especially in tree cover. But that's okay as long as some get through, which they do... again in my own experience. If folks at home see 3-4 msgs/hour instead of 6, who really cares.
If you go with a SPOT, make sure you test it at home to make sure you're using it correctly and that it's not a faulty unit before taking it into the field. My $.02 anyway.
- Mike
p.s. -- As for the "let friends know" thing, I speak from personal experience when I say... have a clear contingency plan in case your SPOT stops sending messages on a trip. If your friends at home haven't seen a message for 1-2 days it probably means you either lost the unit or it went dead, and doesn't mean they need to immediately call Search & Rescue. As usual (same as if you didn't have one) I'd instruct them not to call for a rescue unless you're actually overdue getting out. It can happen. Ask me how I know.
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Wealth needs more. Happiness needs less. Simplify.
www.RainForestTreks.com
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no_granola
minor deity
Group: Members
Posts: 12569
Joined: Dec. 2004
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 6:54 pm |
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(GoBlueHiker @ Feb. 20 2013, 6:50 pm)
QUOTE I've used mine in the forests of Washington, Colorado, California and SE Alaska. In a word, yes, it works. The specific reliability depends on the type of message, and what you mean by "works".
Most "OK" Messages get out even in forest cover, in my experience, as long as you let it run the full time period instead of just doing a "2 minute check-in" kinda thing. That's the biggest user error people have, I think, and they'll blame it on the SPOT unit. The system uses low-earth-orbiting satellites, it can take a little while until one is guaranteed to be within line-of-sight, so the wait time is essential. I've had one or two that weren't picked up, but not many at all. It helps if you look for a clearing (say, after you get into camp, etc).
In "Tracking" mode, the SPOT simply sends weaker "breadcrumbs" out at intervals, and not 100% those get through (some are dropped), especially in tree cover. But that's okay as long as some get through, which they do... again in my own experience. If folks at home see 3-4 msgs/hour instead of 6, who really cares.
If you go with a SPOT, make sure you test it at home to make sure you're using it correctly and that it's not a faulty unit before taking it into the field. My $.02 anyway.
- Mike
And make sure you don't lose it on day 2 of a 17 day trip.
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The difference between people who think for themselves and those that follow the herd is that thinking people aren't afraid of reality.
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retired reddog
"I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost
Group: Members
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Joined: Jun. 2007
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 6:56 pm |
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I've used mine in the forests of SC, NC & TN and have seen about 90% reliability. What I tell my wife is that I will send a message every evening once I've eaten dinner and every morning after breakfast. She knows not to get concerned unless she doesn't hear from me for a few meals. You can also set the "track" fucntion and give whoever is following you the website and they can pull up a map that shows your actual progress (updates like every 10 minutes) if you'd like.
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Good night Chesty, where ever you are!-(It's a Marine thing.)
“The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!”
General John Pershing, United States Army
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Ratty
Group: Members
Posts: 224
Joined: Feb. 2007
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Posted on: Feb. 20 2013, 7:11 pm |
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Thanks, guys. This gives me some hope that I can use it as a backup plan to my usual routine of telling people where I'm going and when I'll be back. The tracking option looks good.
Yeah, losing part of your safety net the second day out...not cool. Hope you got it back!
Plan & prep....plan & prep.... (esp. between the ears!)
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ataylor
Group: Members
Posts: 113
Joined: Dec. 2008
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Posted on: Feb. 21 2013, 10:26 am |
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I have a SPOT. Like others here, I've found it got my "OK" message out just fine. Tracking on my last trip was spotty. There were a few gaps in the map. I agree that you should warn family and friends not to panic if they don't hear from you for awhile. I don't think I'll use the tracking mode anymore. I'll just turn it on for an OK message a couple of times a day. I own it for peace of mind for loved ones more than anything else...
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Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
