In The News

If you’re on the market for a simple satellite tracker, SPOT’s new Gen4 might be what you’re looking for. It doesn’t have the same flashy features as the Garmin inReach line, but it’s got several small upgrades over previous SPOT devices.

For several years, SPOT has been selling trackers that can broadcast a user’s movements via satellite interface. Some riders use them for tracking rally riding, or to provide some safety on offroad trips. Thanks to the satellite uplink, offsite users can follow the tracker’s progress online, and the tracker’s user can also use the device to send an SOS or other customized message through the satellite system.

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Of-the-grid outdoor experiences are one of the few pleasures that have made it through the COVID-19 pandemic relatively unscathed. Spending time in the outdoors with your family or QuaranTeam appears a healthy activity, giving many in Utah a much-needed outlet. With that said, it’s more important than ever to be able to communicate with others which can often be challenging when you’re on a 700-mile bikepacking route in Bears Ears or just doing some stargazing near Capitol Reef State Park. Read More >

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services has revealed details of a key new deployment of its technology in Spain. The company announced Aug. 6 that its 550 SPOT Gen3 satellite enabled safety devices are being deployed to safeguard and track firefighters across the vast expanse of Andalusia in southern Spain.

INFOCA is one of the largest fire authorities in Europe with 5,000 response personnel. Andalusia is Spain’s most populous region with eight million inhabitants and several million tourists throughout the year. Fire is a major problem in Andalusia, its climate always subject to the extreme influences of the Sahara Desert. With its rugged and mountainous terrain, human exposure to fire risk is very high. Read More >

We know: You head into the wilderness to unplug and get away from your devices. But sometimes, having a way to stay in touch can keep you safer and let you venture out on solo adventures more confidently. This simple satellite messenger from SPOT is a great solution: A push of a button lets you call for rescue or notify a friend that you need help, while a tracking function (optional) lets you display your location for friends and family at home, but there's no 2-way communication function, meaning you won't feel obligated to check your texts. Read More >

The Gen4 is the smallest generation of SPOT yet. The new SPOT Gen4 ($150) is designed for those who travel off the grid and has enhanced tracking options, an upgraded mapping interface (with light and dark modes), and an IP68 waterproof rating. The coolest new feature is motion-activated tracking, which lets the Gen4 send tracking data at a chosen rate only when the device is turned on and moving, conserving battery life.  Read More >

With nature as your teacher, Polaris as your guide, consider testing your children’s mettle through backpacking, giving them an opportunity to grow, mature, and believe that they can accomplish hard things. We want our children to learn how to be self-reliant and independent, full of grit and mental fortitude. 

Depending on how deep you are in the back country, a just-for-emergency satellite tracking device, like SPOT X, will give you peace of mind. Read More >

When you’re deep in the backcountry, you can’t rely on your cell phone. If you find yourself in trouble, you need a satellite communicator like the SPOT X 2-Way Messenger.

The Spot X is a small, durable, reliable satellite communicator. I love that it weighs less than half a pound and that it provides two-way messaging over most of the world.

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For solo venturers going to remote areas for extended periods, she recommends the SPOT ($100, $15-a-month service plan), a satellite device that can provide your coordinates to emergency response teams and send check-ins to personal contacts. Read More >

PS tracker and emergency messaging options - The SPOT Gen3 can be used to keep loved ones up to date with your location, using motion sensors to automatically update your coordinates as you move. Before you head out, the Spot can be pre-programmed with a text message or email with your GPS coordinates, which is sent to up to 10 contacts at the press of a button.

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To help keep you safe when you don't have cell service, consider safety products like the Gen3 from SPOT (currently $99.99), which lets family and friends know you're okay and can send emergency responders your GPS location with the push of a button. Read More >