I'm planning a trip this August putting in at Saganaga Lake, and was wondering if anyone knows of an outfitter anywhere around the Grand Marais area that has weekly rentals of SPOT GPS units. In previous years I've rented one through Voyageur North in Ely, but I'd rather not have to drive to Ely to get a GPS, then head up to the East side of the park.

Any info. on this would be helpful, thanks!

If I were in your shoes I would go on Craigslist and buy a garmin etrex. You can buy them for under $100. Just a thought.

the SPOT isnt a gps per say. its a satellite messaging/tracking device.

SPOT

Try a local REI to rent a "Spot" tracker.
If you want a GPS for navigation assistance, by one and get used to using it before the trip.

butthead

Thanks, everyone...And yes, I'm not looking to use a GPS, I use the SPOT more as an emergency safety precaution, as it allows family back home to see where I am and if need be I can send out an emergency signal (only in VERY severe circumstances, though-my hope is I never will actually use it for that). When I went on my first trip without my parents (dad= canoe42) when I was 18 they required me to bring a SPOT just so they'd know I was safe.

Check with some of the outfitters along the Gunflint trail. SPOTs appear to be gaining popularity, maybe more of them are willing to rent them out.

You might try a google search for online rentals. I can remember people renting sat phones that way, but not sure about SPOTs.

This question has come up on here a few times and nobody has been able to come up with one near GM/Gunflint trail that does. The only outfitter that I've heard of is VNO which you used in Ely.

There is somebody on the message board (can't remember who) that has linked a place that they rent a spot from. You order it, they ship it to you, take your trip, and ship it back. I wish I remembered more of the details for you.

edit: I just hit the search function at the top of the page and typed in spot and some threads that may be helpful to you popped up.

I think Gander Mountain has the eTrex Venture HC on sale for $99.99. Best price I've ever seen on that model, which is the one I own. Butthead gave some good advice -- get used to it before the trip. Best way I've found to do that is to go geocaching. That's what I did and it worked very well. Plus, you'll learn a new outdoor activity!

Hungry Jack Outfitters Rents a spot out. Call ahead to reserve it.
Dave's a really nice guy and I'd recommend their bunk houses too if they are needed.

hungry jack outfitters

I live in Palatine, and depending on when you are going could be persuaded to rent mine out.

Thanks everyone...I ended up deciding to rent one out of Hungry Jack Outfitters and reserved it today. I didn't know they had SPOTs since I couldn't find it on their website, so thanks for the heads up, mwd1976. But thanks again for all the suggestions (and especially thanks Oneofmanyblessings for the offer to rent your personal gear)!