GregC
Site Supporter
there are many pretty good GPS apps that use the phone's GPS receiver ... but keep in mind these cannot communicate with others unless you have cell or wifi available. So for tracking/sharing position, there are lot's of options that work on your smartphone. For communicating without cell/wifi, you need a satellite-based system (Spot, DeLorme, inReach, etc.).
Sorry for the repetition, but this can get confusing comparing "just" GPS versus "search & rescue" and you need to think through what you are looking for before you get out there. That REI article that Ste7ios posted is a good start. FWIW, I've never had an issue with the Spot "seeing" through tree cover when riding in the mountains (or seeing through my jacket pocket -- both mesh and my Kilimanjaro) and I'm sure the DeLorme and inReach are probably similar. Battery life was over 12 months on my Spot using it most weekends and on at least a couple 5 days trips per year.
Lastly, check your health insurance policy for air ambulance coverage. Many/most of the major carriers (Blue Cross, UHC, etc) will cover air ambulance if "medically necessary." In the alternative, you can sign up for GEOS for around $20/yr for SAR, including helo lift (https://www.geosalliance.com). In CONUS, it may be redundant with your health insurance coverage and the rules are a little complicated about who pays depending on how each service (health insurance vs GEOS) was contacted.
Sorry for the repetition, but this can get confusing comparing "just" GPS versus "search & rescue" and you need to think through what you are looking for before you get out there. That REI article that Ste7ios posted is a good start. FWIW, I've never had an issue with the Spot "seeing" through tree cover when riding in the mountains (or seeing through my jacket pocket -- both mesh and my Kilimanjaro) and I'm sure the DeLorme and inReach are probably similar. Battery life was over 12 months on my Spot using it most weekends and on at least a couple 5 days trips per year.
Lastly, check your health insurance policy for air ambulance coverage. Many/most of the major carriers (Blue Cross, UHC, etc) will cover air ambulance if "medically necessary." In the alternative, you can sign up for GEOS for around $20/yr for SAR, including helo lift (https://www.geosalliance.com). In CONUS, it may be redundant with your health insurance coverage and the rules are a little complicated about who pays depending on how each service (health insurance vs GEOS) was contacted.