I'm loving all these SOS videos, they're really helping to bring the grey areas into focus regarding what happens when you hit SOS. A lot of it also depends on where you are when you hit the button. I think it's fairly straightforward as to what happens in the California Sierra, but I think it varies outside of California. It pays to research the areas you intend to hike.
This is a great look at the uses and processes. I'm involved in public interaction with trail users (through USFS) and I'll pass this video around to our team for a clear understanding on the SOS services from Garmin's perspective (viewing video is often preferred to reading). Also, thanks for mentioning what you carry on a day hike, too many people think the SAR system performs a rescue in a half-hour or so. I regularly tell hikers that sending an SOS after the noon hour will probably result in a rescue the next morning-especially in winter conditions-it takes a few hours to gather the teams and build an action plan.
@HikingGuy, thank you so much for your in-depth analysis regarding when to hit the SOS. The graphs were very educational as well. You help so many viewers like myself to understand the ins and outs of a rescue scenario. I now have Garmin INS and have recently joined South Carolina SAR, in part because fo you. Thank you for all you do!
We're updating our day pack after watching your awesome videos about what to bring. Our new setup includes an emergency blanket per person, more water and snacks, a Garmin InReach, a better first aid kit, two pocket knives, two flashlights and a headlamp, and any extra layers we might need if it were to get dark and cold while we're on trail. I really appreciate your awesome content! It's also really great to know that you can get "less intense" help if you need it.
Thank you for this informative video, as soon as I heard people clicking SOS because of the flat tire in the middle of no where, I am kinda relief, because last week I went to a trip where my phone lost connection for quite sometimes, then it got me thinking, if my tire is flat, its a game over for me.
Garmin previously reported that a hiker successfully used the SOS Function to be informed that the trail ahead was clear of a wild fire spotted in the distance.
Hi Cris, I would also welcome a video about use of cellphones in (or near) the backcountry. Topics might include: 1. Use of 9-1-1, “Call if you can, Text if you can’t”. 2. What is the practical meaning of the notice “SOS Only” on a smartphone’s screen? 3. What do you think of dedicated emergency applications for phones, such as: “BackcountrySOS” (BC SOS) and “AirFlare”?
@@HikingguyI would also submit my belief that, as long as plentiful power is available (from a 12 volt car adapter, battery power bank, etc.), phones should be left ON when traveling. This will allow the occasional ‘ping’ between your cellphone and any tower (even if not long enough to establish any sort of service) to be automatically logged in by the cellular service provider. The location history of these ‘hits’ can then be accessed by searchers, should you “go missing”.
I recently got the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and have been reviewing your videos to learn more about it; very good info and well presented. I have a question about the compass. Is the compass set to true north or magnetic north? Which setting should I use? Thank you.
Stomach ache, runny nose, my favorites are not on the chart. Just kidding there. In general, the agency you reach should be able to see your location and understand the circumstances and determine the appropriate action. If you are on a trail, near a ranger station, like the trails around San Jacinto, somebody can probably walk to your location to check on you. If you are off trail in the back country, or way out in the boonies on a 4x4 road, it becomes more complicated and it will take more time for someone will get to you. If you are lost and all you need is a direction to hike to get to a trail or road, they will do that and it will be very simple. The other big issue is if you get hurt and are unable to continue on your own. I know that when I do hike in a remote area, I will definitely have an SOS capable gadget with me.
So I’m debating getting a garmin inreach. I like it over the zoleo for the various gps functions of it. But i recently got the new Apple Watch Ultra. I watched your videos on it and learned it has decent gps functions too. So i was wondering: still get the garmin inreach, or get the zoleo and use the gps functions on the Apple Watch?
I wonder if those stats are more indicative of the client base more so than indicative of what scenarios you're more likely to press SOS. Example: almost every hiker these days has an inReach. But the same device is not as ubiquitous with, say, boaters. I think this skews the data perception.
Good question - it is actually marketed to marine as well, with a marine version - www.garmin.com/en-US/p/662559 - I think the Mini and other devices integrate with chartplotters too
So if I hit SOS on a back country trail, do they automatically know my location coordinates to rescue me? Or do I have to text back and forth with them? If so, do I have to use the clumsy keyboard on the inReach Mini2 or is there an easier way to do it?
I'm loving all these SOS videos, they're really helping to bring the grey areas into focus regarding what happens when you hit SOS. A lot of it also depends on where you are when you hit the button. I think it's fairly straightforward as to what happens in the California Sierra, but I think it varies outside of California. It pays to research the areas you intend to hike.
This is a great look at the uses and processes. I'm involved in public interaction with trail users (through USFS) and I'll pass this video around to our team for a clear understanding on the SOS services from Garmin's perspective (viewing video is often preferred to reading).
Also, thanks for mentioning what you carry on a day hike, too many people think the SAR system performs a rescue in a half-hour or so. I regularly tell hikers that sending an SOS after the noon hour will probably result in a rescue the next morning-especially in winter conditions-it takes a few hours to gather the teams and build an action plan.
Thank you so much for the share and for the comment, appreicate it.
@HikingGuy, thank you so much for your in-depth analysis regarding when to hit the SOS. The graphs were very educational as well. You help so many viewers like myself to understand the ins and outs of a rescue scenario. I now have Garmin INS and have recently joined South Carolina SAR, in part because fo you. Thank you for all you do!
That's great, thank you for sharing that and a big big thank you for volunteering, that's incredible.
Great job on the hiking information videos in addition to your actual trek videos.
Thanks. For many reasons, I backpack solo into the back country very often. I'm seriously considering the Inreach
We're updating our day pack after watching your awesome videos about what to bring. Our new setup includes an emergency blanket per person, more water and snacks, a Garmin InReach, a better first aid kit, two pocket knives, two flashlights and a headlamp, and any extra layers we might need if it were to get dark and cold while we're on trail. I really appreciate your awesome content! It's also really great to know that you can get "less intense" help if you need it.
I love it, sounds like a great plan. 👍🏻
Great presentation of the SOS feature.
Thanks for the information. Happy trails!
Thank you for this informative video, as soon as I heard people clicking SOS because of the flat tire in the middle of no where, I am kinda relief, because last week I went to a trip where my phone lost connection for quite sometimes, then it got me thinking, if my tire is flat, its a game over for me.
Garmin previously reported that a hiker successfully used the SOS Function to be informed that the trail ahead was clear of a wild fire spotted in the distance.
I always have my mini with me 24-7 . When I travel internationally. I take both my mini and 66i
Hi Cris, I would also welcome a video about use of cellphones in (or near) the backcountry. Topics might include: 1. Use of 9-1-1, “Call if you can, Text if you can’t”. 2. What is the practical meaning of the notice “SOS Only” on a smartphone’s screen? 3. What do you think of dedicated emergency applications for phones, such as: “BackcountrySOS” (BC SOS) and “AirFlare”?
Thank you and it's on the list! Stay tuned...
@@HikingguyI would also submit my belief that, as long as plentiful power is available (from a 12 volt car adapter, battery power bank, etc.), phones should be left ON when traveling. This will allow the occasional ‘ping’ between your cellphone and any tower (even if not long enough to establish any sort of service) to be automatically logged in by the cellular service provider. The location history of these ‘hits’ can then be accessed by searchers, should you “go missing”.
Morning HG, great info. I've had the larger one for about 7 years and wondered about all you just covered. Thanks.
Great video 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴
This is really helpful, thanks!
Always great to get more information on this topic 😊 thanks
I recently got the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and have been reviewing your videos to learn more about it; very good info and well presented. I have a question about the compass. Is the compass set to true north or magnetic north? Which setting should I use? Thank you.
True north does the trick on an electronic device
Stomach ache, runny nose, my favorites are not on the chart. Just kidding there. In general, the agency you reach should be able to see your location and understand the circumstances and determine the appropriate action. If you are on a trail, near a ranger station, like the trails around San Jacinto, somebody can probably walk to your location to check on you. If you are off trail in the back country, or way out in the boonies on a 4x4 road, it becomes more complicated and it will take more time for someone will get to you. If you are lost and all you need is a direction to hike to get to a trail or road, they will do that and it will be very simple. The other big issue is if you get hurt and are unable to continue on your own. I know that when I do hike in a remote area, I will definitely have an SOS capable gadget with me.
So I’m debating getting a garmin inreach. I like it over the zoleo for the various gps functions of it. But i recently got the new Apple Watch Ultra. I watched your videos on it and learned it has decent gps functions too. So i was wondering: still get the garmin inreach, or get the zoleo and use the gps functions on the Apple Watch?
I'd get a Garmin inReach Mini 2, then use it with the Apple Watch and iPhone
What if you call SOS for someone else and you get charged for it? Does the bill go to you or the injured person?
I wonder if those stats are more indicative of the client base more so than indicative of what scenarios you're more likely to press SOS.
Example: almost every hiker these days has an inReach. But the same device is not as ubiquitous with, say, boaters. I think this skews the data perception.
Good question - it is actually marketed to marine as well, with a marine version - www.garmin.com/en-US/p/662559 - I think the Mini and other devices integrate with chartplotters too
@@Hikingguy you may be right. I guess I just think some type of data "normalization" would be useful to remove potential skewing
So if I hit SOS on a back country trail, do they automatically know my location coordinates to rescue me? Or do I have to text back and forth with them? If so, do I have to use the clumsy keyboard on the inReach Mini2 or is there an easier way to do it?
GPS position is sent with the message so they know your position. Generally you will type back and forth to give them info about your situation.
@@Hikingguy Thanks so much
MH370 got me thinking, so I take mine in the carryon on long hauls.
1st
When to hit SOS? when you're in trouble
great to know