nullSo, after Backpacker chronicled three separate incidents involving personal locator beacons (2 of which were successful), I finally decided to drop the cash to buy a Spot Satellite Messenger for myself.

I will say, the setup was very intuitive and painless, and the test messages to cell phones and emails worked out perfectly.

Hopefully, that is all I will ever have to use it for.

I’ll probably test out the GPS data and online interface for sending the “OK” signal on my next trip, though.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.