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I mostly ride solo and there’s no cell service in a lot of the places I go. After stopping for a break once and noticing I had no cell service I picked an Inreach up. I haven’t been on a bike without it in a couple years. It gives me a warm feeling to know I have it backing me up in case something happens.
I agree. Anytime you are off the beaten path you should have something like this. It doesn't just apply to riding a motorcycle. I've used mine once, pushed the S.O.S. when a guy from another riding group seriously broke his leg. We had a first aid kit with a tornaquet that probably saved his life. The GPS was spot on, search and rescue took a little over an hour to get to where we were at and even longer to get him out. Spend the rest of the afternoon towing his bike out to a trail head so someone could come and pick it up. These are not just for your safety. It may save someone else's life that decided not to invest in one. I usually ride sweep with our group. I have a med kit and an emergency transpoder. I also ride a GSA for the extra fuel and cargo the guys on the smaller bikes can't carry. The group we encountered had some bandaids and extra water. Be prepared, folks.
ON YOUR PERSON! Thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing this out. Being someone who works in safety training, in the oil and gas field, the handlebar mount makes me cringe too. So many people just don’t get the importance of it being on your person, but it has already been proven to be a very important, lifesaving fact!
You forgot one super useful use case: to synch up with other riders if you get separated on trail. I’ve used my Inreach that way twice now and it has made finding the others so much easier.
I've always wondered about these, but never pulled the trigger to actually buy one, but your video lays it all out, thanks for that, good info, I will be getting one now. Oh, & after the great snowstorm riding footage there, you are now officially an "honorary Canadian." 🍁🍁🍁
The nice thing is that you don’t need to do a long term contract. You can do a month to month plan and only have it active during your riding season, which is good for people like me that only ride in the spring/summer/fall.
The only problem is that it's $35/year plus $15/mo vs a 1 time $30 activation and $12/mo for the basic plan, jump that up to the recreation plan and it's a $10/mo difference. The $35/yr fee is garbage. The first year you do month-to-month, you come out even between the two plans at 9 months, and each year after that, you come out even at 7 months (because you have to keep paying the yearly fee) For many people, at least in the south, you may as well get the service the whole year for the same price, you could end up spending MORE month to month
I agree with @JuggleAddict. I found that 7 months is about the break-even spot from a cost perspective. I live in the Rocky Mountains and can easily get 8-9 months of riding in as a switch up between the mountains and the deserts. It’s just easier to do the yearly plan for me. I also don’t want it negatively impacting my decision to go ride by making me not want to go if the riding weather is good enough during a month where I don’t have my service active.
This was one of the first things I bought after getting my bike. I should have done it years ago, there's a ton of dead spots here in the UP! I take it hiking, snowmobiling, motorcycling and I even use it just driving long distances. I wish I'd had it years ago when I spent 3+ hours in a snow storm in a ditch with no cell coverage. Just about all my riding is solo riding, which is a no-no, but at least with this I'm not totally up the creek if something happens.
The mini is revolutionary for me. Wife and family a text away. Emergency services, one button. Paired to my phone I have gps, navigation, speedometer without cell service. My fitness app works anywhere all terrain. I use it every day, I have the yearly subscription.
I unfortunately have actually had to use my Garmin after a crash where I hurt my back. I can personally attest to the Garmin services and they are outstanding. They called all my contacts to gather info and to confirm that the emergency services were on the way. I was not able to speak with them or message them but they still took care of all of it. I wrecked on a back road and high sided off my dual sport bike. I had this attached to my backpack with the giant loop strap. The garmin definitely hit the ground and was solid. When I read your video title this was the first thing that came to my mind. This is a must have piece of gear!
Absolutely love mine have been using it for work more than anything becomes we are way out away from service. Another super cool thing you can do is initiate sos from a garmin watch, I use the instict solar
Important video. We’ll done. I have a Zoleo but I think the fact that Apple has added this functionality into the new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro should be highlighted more. Give Apple props where props are due. Apple’s software even guides you on where to point the phone if you don’t have a clear view of the sky. I believe this functionality is FREE for at least two years with the iPhone 14. That’s a big deal and it means not having to carry an additional device.
I bought one last summer as I took off on a solo trip that was taking me through some remote back country. But I also used it for backpacking, and I take it crosscountry skiing. Where I live, you only need to be a few km off the main road before you lose cell service. I have a pre-set message that I send to my wife "Settled at camp and safe for the night" which doesn't count against my quota of messages (you can have three pre-set messages). I hope I never need it, but once I came across someone running down a trail in a panic because their friend had crashed and had a head injury. All I could do was point and say "I saw a park ranger about a mile that way." The life you save may not be your own.
I carry the original, pre-garmin, inreach, and have for years now. I had a minor off in KY in 2016 or so. I was alone and at least 30 miles from the nearest person. Walking to cell service would've taken two days. It was easy enough to pick the bike up and keep going, but that situation got me thinking. Bought the inreach as soon as I got home and don't ride anywhere without it now.
I picked up a IR Mini2 last year for my solo motorcycle adventures into the mountains of TN, GA and NC. Cell coverage sucks and the wife did NOT like the fact that my location sharing would stop for 1+ hours. She likes the fact that every 10 minutes my location updates, no matter where I am. It's a great piece of equipment to own, and with the ability to activate/deactivate whenever makes it a no-brainer.
I've had the mini 2 for about 6 months now & it's given me great peace of mind on my solo rides. I was always too paranoid about the "What if..." to enjoy the ride knowing that I was riding in a area with no service & hours from home. Like you, I consider this a must have!
I do feel more secure since getting a Spot device. Especially when I am riding solo in the back country. I was riding with a buddy, he broke his leg. I was able to send the exact location via the spot device. When I got back to my truck I could directly get back to him and then head straight to the ER.
Great Video. I use a SpotX. Connects to my phone. My partner can track my trip in the high country. And yes, mount on your backpack or on your body somewhere. Not on your bike!!
I just bought a new NOS first gen Spot on Ebay for $30. With activation fee and annual subscription cost me just under $200. Between motorcycling, snowmobiling, and traveling in rural areas, I chose the annual subscription plan.
Running their 66i which combines handheld gps nav with in reach. Still small enough to keep on you & serves the hiking & off bike navigation very well.
I use the Spot X and never travel without it. And my friend has the In Reach. They use different satellite systems but achieve the same result and both use Bluetooth to link to an iPhone. We have ours on our bikes so guess we may have to rethink that. Slangevar Craig
No question. Mint lives on my shoulder strap and goes with me on and ride. I ride multi-days solo in the backcountry and it gives a crazy amount of safety and security. Never pulled the pin myself, almost did for somebody else though. Which is common, using it for another rider. But for me the ability to send an important, but not necessarily life threatening message is key
The closest I've come to using mine is on the WABDR last year, but we were luckily close enough to town to have cell phone service (we were at the very end of the section). I was super happy to have had it on me regardless. I would hate to get into that situation without any means of communication.
Yep, been using Garmin for years, right on point. Friend of mine uses for back country hunting, and helps get team members to help carry out when they have successfully hunt as well.
Very good video. Gonna purchase. Ride solo in AZ desert and San Berdoo Mountains. Stung once with a (minor) broken leg at 8k up. Able to ride out; was lucky that day!! Thanks again.
I really need one of those. Between adventure riding and biking in the summer and snowshoeing and non-resort skiing in the winter, I would use it all year round. I usually end up being in a party with someone who has one. It's been too much of a financial pill to swallow. And I hate subscriptions.
That Garmin is exactly the next item on my to-buy list when I start taking my new bike off-road this year. I was juggling the idea of a Montana 700i (mapping and built-in inReach) and the inReach mini 2. In the end, I've settled on the mini 2 to attach to my jacket, for the same reasons as you give.
Zoleo has been perfect for me. I used an inReach SE for years but was frustrated by a clunky phone interface and terrible website account management. I also struggled knowing if messages were received or not and did have a number of message failures with the inReach. Lastly, it is very hard for family or friends to initiate messages to an inReach system while the Zoleo issues the user an SMS number that can be given to anyone should they wish to message you when off grid. I changed to Zoleo two seasons ago and LOVE it. The user interface and online account setup is head and shoulders better than inReach - and having messages formatted and organized like a normal messaging APP is fantastic. Zoleo also uses the irridium network - same as inReach - which is far better than Spot. They are all good safety gear but the Zoleo has been great for me.
I have the Garmin Montana 701 which is a great device for navigation and also has the InReach built into it. Two reasons I went this way. First I like devices that have more than one function and this suits that perfect with all that it’s capable of. Second, it’s hard mounted on the bike and it charges with the bikes power so it’s never dead. I used to have a mini which I used to leave on every time and the next time I needed it it was always dead. Your spot on, never leave home without it you’ll might never need it but around the world these devices have saved thousands of people and millions of “are you dead yet” messages🤪
Excellent advice my friend, I teach survival skill training and preparedness...for my entire adult life I have been telling people who travel to the back country to bring SAT TECH. I have no experience with this Garmin Device, but I own 4 other GARMINS they rock. Personally I do have a SAT PHONE it's paid for already and I have a local number plus roll over minutes. Thumbs UP for this video....BE SAFE. BTW my SAT PHONE sends text messages as well.
I utilise the in reach function on my Montana. Which is obviously bike mounted. And I Cary my PLB on my person. If I can get back to the bike I can text etc. but if I can’t and I need the cavalry. That bypasses the Garmin call centre and goes straight to Canberra (AUS). As a former SAR radio operator I know what happens in that case. Whilst I am a fan of the Garmin system, I will go PLB over the SOS button every time. And I can text home via the Garmin in the same instance. May be different in other countries, but that PLB gets the fastest response in that instance here.
I would just maybe add to do some training with your loved ones beforehand so they recognize the Garmin's phone number when those happy fun texts come through.
iPhone will likely be a good option, but something to consider; if you happen to be an iPhone user and plan to upgrade anyway, the Garmin is still a great option. How often is your phone the first thing to get damaged in a crash? Mine is my gps display and having a backup is kinda the point. $12/mo for the year isn’t that bad if you think about it.
I have a Garmin Montana 700i, which has full inReach capability. The big plus is that you have one device. The downside is that most of us don't want our GPS on our persons.
Yes! An absolute necessity for anyone riding solo and/or out of cell range, which is me in rural BC, Canada almost every time I go out. If you ride alone, away from civilization (that's the point, right?), and you don't have one, go order one now. Your skill level and riding experience is irrelevant, accidents can happen to anyone. I bought a SPOT gen 4, mainly because of the low initial cost, but it doesn't have smart phone text message capability so I kinda wish I'd saved up for an InReach. It does have tracking which sends your location on a selectable interval (5/10/30/60 minutes). And 3 buttons, two of which which can be set to send a preset text message to one or more contacts: Check-in (I'm Ok but running late), Help (I'm Ok but the bike isn't, send someone with a truck), and SOS which alerts your emergency contacts and SAR.
I watch most of your videos and i try to understand how you feel comfortable on tenere or crf300 cause im big dude like you,im 117 kilos and 1.85cm height. My drama is that i had xt660z for 4 years and it was great for road & off road. I sold it 2 months ago with the idea to go for t7. Well,when i rode t7 it was unconfortable ,small and handlebar litle bit far..i had to bent front just a little bit and i dont want that,with xt660z i used to ride at straight position. Ok ,with risers at handlebar or other handlebar maybe i fix it ,and with a custom seat i thing i fight it.. But im not sure if i make it posible cause Yamaha deside to make t7 more enduro than adv bike.. Im at dificult situation cause is risky to buy one and finaly to understand that this bike isnt for ,lets say 200km trip on a road and feel comfortable. Tuareg at the other hand would be great but reliability will blow my brain every time that ill ride this think. So ,is it posible to ride t7 on the road for 2 hours straight and feel comfortable???? Sorry for long comment but im realy realy strugling the last 15 days after i rode the rally version of t7. I had this bike on my mind maybe a year and after the ride my world came upside down,but i dont want give up until find a comfort combo.
the inreach (or any sat communicator) is an invaluable tool! i live in a rural area, and don't leave home without it. that said, i watched a youtuber share their experience with hitting that oh sh*t button (search yt for "I Hit SOS On My Garmin InReach"), and yeah... last resort option there, you better be on your last legs - or none at all :P honestly, its far most useful for calling your own cavalry than using that oh sh*t service. but hey, if you need it, you need it. also, never leave home without leaving your plans with someone back home!
I'm glad there's comments so I can see at a glance what you're saying I don't use, and should. I lean ride your own ride, to each his own, you do you, and don't subscribe to the being told what to do party.
I literally said it in the first 20 seconds of the video. Heaven forbid I try to help people be safer. Not everyone was born knowing everything like you were!
@@DorkintheRoad 😂 Thanks for reading my mind. I'll clarify. My point, should you care to entertain it, (which has nothing to do with the *topic* of the video) is what you wrote in the *title* (and thumbnail) of the video. In those you make assumptions (and/or read minds), and give imperatives. That's fine if you assume your audience is composed of subordinates. If your title were more peer-friendly it would be something like "Here's Something That Can Save Your Bacon If Suffering a Mishap While Riding Alone". I hope that helps.
I use a PLB. Got it originally for sea kayak trips, but also useful for backcountry MC trips. As important as it is, you’d dang well better have a tourniquet or two and a blowout kit in your med kit, too. Because if you’ve pranged it bad enough that you need to call the cavalry, there’s a good chance you’re going to need those other items even more urgently. It doesn’t do you much good if emergency evac finds you only to retrieve your corpse. The natural world is beautiful, but it absolutely does not care whether you live or die. That’s on you. Be prepared.
This last weekend I crashed at Hollister hill hov park . I when off a cliff and 30 ft down. No body could see me and no one came to help. I which I had one . I was lucky I did not get hurt too bad. I got out of there about 7:30 that night.
I have a bigger unit, the Montana 700i that I originally purchased and mount in my Jeep when traveling. It’s a full GPS, with the satellite and “oh shit” button. But it’s too large to carry on my person, so it will be mounted on the bike for now. That mini 2 looks like it might be a future purchase option though for bike rides.
Not to mention Ben that they are IPX7 rated, which means totally waterproof and dustproof, and Garmin guarantees them to operate in +50C and -10C! If you go riding solo and you don't carry one of these or a PLB, you are nutz!
I agree that the locator is important but it’s a fail safe and not a replacement for any of your self rescue gear. You should always be prepared for self rescue whenever possible.
I love my InReach Mini 2. But the worst thing is when you think you plugged it in or made sure to turn it off and i get ready to head out and the thing is dead. Not gonna go riding ever without something like this
I have the big Spot with the keyboard, and because of that, it doesn't really hook onto the outside of my gear easily. I always tell people before we ride: the communicator is in my front right jacket pocket, hopefully they would remember where to find it in an emergency.
Maybe make a patch for your shoulder strap, or get an engraved emergency bracelet etc. Something that lets a random person know where it is. I have epilepsy and I want to be sure if some random rolls up on me getting my pop and lock on, they know what to do and where to look. Ride safe!!!
iPhone has limited use. Better than an earlier iPhone without SAT comms, but if I'm banged up, trying to aim at a satellite to get help rather than just pushing the button.... iPhone won't work north of Anchorage, and, I think it only works in parts of Canada, US (below Anchorage), and nowhere else. And I think the Spots and Inreach are much more rugged and can run days on battery.
Very good content. Being on a SAR team, these "tools" PLB communicators are an essential item, whether alone or in a group. These types units, save lives. As for the iPhone 14, while the emergency beacon function is great in theory, Apple is working to correct a sensitivity issue that has resulted in a significant number of "false alarms". Confident, they'll get this issue sorted out soon. But again, great content and keep smiling!
It is worth mentioning that the InReach mini 2 does not come with the bracket you need to use it with the Giant Loop strap. You will need to buy the Garmin Spine Mount Adaptor separately.
@@oldtimer3824 It serves the greater purpose. It also can send a transcript of the conversation with emergency services and your location to your emergency contacts as well.
Question. How do you feel about the iPhone 14 having satellite connectivity? I know having a seperate device with its own battery is better. But what about the convenience of always having it? I hope this function gets widely adopted and improved before I get it myself.
Great suggestion. I’m looking forward to iphone reviews on that feature. For the uber-geek on the cheap (?) and certainly before this latest tech came out there is APRS.
Maybe an oddball question… For two-up riding, would it make any sense for both rider and passenger to each be wearing their own mini, or is that likely to just be overkill?
You’ve nailed it Ben. Cell phone coverage, or crawling for 30 kays, is so often non existent or just not achievable when you’re lying in a screaming heap in some back country (wop wops - Enzed speak for ‘in the middle of effing no-where man’) gully, but those frigging night light polluting satellites just keep on spinning around. Bless ‘em.
honestly i'm quite sceptical on the type of service provided....looking to real case scenarios posted on YT, in case of a real emergency the entire process is way too long. The emergency center will contact you to understand the situation....forward your request for help to the local authorities....then the authorities will contact you to get again information...all these through messages on your mobile (if you are lucky you still have it and it's charged and you can use it) otherwise typing one single character at time with the inreach. Can you imagine if you crash with your moto, you are alone and you have serious injury? Unfortunately i don't see any cheap alternatives (i found only the Cospas-Sarsat used by Breitling)
The only thing I don't like about those is that you can't compose messages without your phone. If your phone gets broken during a crash you can't send any specific information besides something like "I need help, here is my location." That's why I got the Spot X with it's full keyboard. Also, having an FRS/GMRS or Ham radio with you can be a useful contingency plan.
@Dork in the Road So these will work completely stand alone without a cellphone or connection to it? Thanks for the information and all the great content. I'm not it what I would consider remote areas but this new 5g phone has no service more than any phone I've ever had. So this would be nice for trail riding and some of the street riding I do. 👍👍
What glasses/goggles are those shown at 6:12? Do they work well? I've been looking for something exactly like those but seeing mostly bad reviews on everything I can find.
Good review videos! can we get one on winter/cold weather riding gear? I'm dealing with 17* weather and would love to go riding but am unsure about what gear I need to get to be able to survive the ride. Thank you!
All good points, another thing to add, compared to the single button locators, with garmin you will know the signal made it as they contact you back and stay in contact throughout …
I realize that these are great peace of mind devices and can be handy if you need it, but people have been riding and hiking for years with no communication which made them more attuned to their surroundings and do everything more carefully. I think these devises can make people more lackadaisical and not caring because they can use it as a crutch. I have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail twice, I have spent years of time in the Canadian Bush, and I have spent 50 years trail riding all without a phone, let alone a locating emergency device. What would happen if I broke a leg? I did, and I got back on my bike and rode home. Don't get me wrong, I think these are great devices and serve a purpose and if anyone thinks they need one then certainly get it, but I feel as though they are relied upon far too much instead of common sense.
Dork, would you recommend those glasses you are wearing during that snow riding? I’m never happy with my glasses while riding, sometimes I wear goggles, sometimes my normal glasses, but those look like they’d be a great middle ground.
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I mostly ride solo and there’s no cell service in a lot of the places I go. After stopping for a break once and noticing I had no cell service I picked an Inreach up. I haven’t been on a bike without it in a couple years. It gives me a warm feeling to know I have it backing me up in case something happens.
I agree. Anytime you are off the beaten path you should have something like this. It doesn't just apply to riding a motorcycle. I've used mine once, pushed the S.O.S. when a guy from another riding group seriously broke his leg. We had a first aid kit with a tornaquet that probably saved his life. The GPS was spot on, search and rescue took a little over an hour to get to where we were at and even longer to get him out. Spend the rest of the afternoon towing his bike out to a trail head so someone could come and pick it up.
These are not just for your safety. It may save someone else's life that decided not to invest in one. I usually ride sweep with our group. I have a med kit and an emergency transpoder. I also ride a GSA for the extra fuel and cargo the guys on the smaller bikes can't carry. The group we encountered had some bandaids and extra water.
Be prepared, folks.
ON YOUR PERSON! Thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing this out. Being someone who works in safety training, in the oil and gas field, the handlebar mount makes me cringe too. So many people just don’t get the importance of it being on your person, but it has already been proven to be a very important, lifesaving fact!
H2S!
@@reallifehardtruth4465 Exactly! You know where I’m coming from. This device was designed to save YOU, not your motorcycle.
You forgot one super useful use case: to synch up with other riders if you get separated on trail. I’ve used my Inreach that way twice now and it has made finding the others so much easier.
Yes good point
Or maybe "I'd like to add a super useful use-case"...
I've always wondered about these, but never pulled the trigger to actually buy one, but your video lays it all out, thanks for that, good info, I will be getting one now. Oh, & after the great snowstorm riding footage there, you are now officially an "honorary Canadian." 🍁🍁🍁
Yes! Finally!
@@DorkintheRoad your plaid shirt and maple syrup are in the mail 🇨🇦
True that!! The in reach is with us all the time we are out for a brap'n'camp. 👍
The nice thing is that you don’t need to do a long term contract. You can do a month to month plan and only have it active during your riding season, which is good for people like me that only ride in the spring/summer/fall.
The only problem is that it's $35/year plus $15/mo vs a 1 time $30 activation and $12/mo for the basic plan, jump that up to the recreation plan and it's a $10/mo difference. The $35/yr fee is garbage. The first year you do month-to-month, you come out even between the two plans at 9 months, and each year after that, you come out even at 7 months (because you have to keep paying the yearly fee) For many people, at least in the south, you may as well get the service the whole year for the same price, you could end up spending MORE month to month
I agree with @JuggleAddict. I found that 7 months is about the break-even spot from a cost perspective. I live in the Rocky Mountains and can easily get 8-9 months of riding in as a switch up between the mountains and the deserts. It’s just easier to do the yearly plan for me. I also don’t want it negatively impacting my decision to go ride by making me not want to go if the riding weather is good enough during a month where I don’t have my service active.
Yup, Our health and safety are pretty good investments! $35 per year won't kill me... But crashing head on into tree might.
This was one of the first things I bought after getting my bike. I should have done it years ago, there's a ton of dead spots here in the UP! I take it hiking, snowmobiling, motorcycling and I even use it just driving long distances. I wish I'd had it years ago when I spent 3+ hours in a snow storm in a ditch with no cell coverage.
Just about all my riding is solo riding, which is a no-no, but at least with this I'm not totally up the creek if something happens.
The mini is revolutionary for me. Wife and family a text away. Emergency services, one button. Paired to my phone I have gps, navigation, speedometer without cell service. My fitness app works anywhere all terrain. I use it every day, I have the yearly subscription.
Use my InReach Mini 2 everywhere I ride, hike or camp. Always have and always will. I encourage everyone to invest n one of these ASAP.
I need to get one because I do a lot of solo riding…. Like nearly ALL of my riding is solo.
I unfortunately have actually had to use my Garmin after a crash where I hurt my back. I can personally attest to the Garmin services and they are outstanding. They called all my contacts to gather info and to confirm that the emergency services were on the way. I was not able to speak with them or message them but they still took care of all of it. I wrecked on a back road and high sided off my dual sport bike. I had this attached to my backpack with the giant loop strap. The garmin definitely hit the ground and was solid. When I read your video title this was the first thing that came to my mind. This is a must have piece of gear!
Absolutely love mine have been using it for work more than anything becomes we are way out away from service. Another super cool thing you can do is initiate sos from a garmin watch, I use the instict solar
Important video. We’ll done. I have a Zoleo but I think the fact that Apple has added this functionality into the new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro should be highlighted more. Give Apple props where props are due. Apple’s software even guides you on where to point the phone if you don’t have a clear view of the sky. I believe this functionality is FREE for at least two years with the iPhone 14. That’s a big deal and it means not having to carry an additional device.
I bought one last summer as I took off on a solo trip that was taking me through some remote back country. But I also used it for backpacking, and I take it crosscountry skiing. Where I live, you only need to be a few km off the main road before you lose cell service. I have a pre-set message that I send to my wife "Settled at camp and safe for the night" which doesn't count against my quota of messages (you can have three pre-set messages). I hope I never need it, but once I came across someone running down a trail in a panic because their friend had crashed and had a head injury. All I could do was point and say "I saw a park ranger about a mile that way." The life you save may not be your own.
Personally I use a acr bivy stick, but yes especially for solo riders, its wise to use these.
Excellent video, I needed the reminder how important it is to have a PLB on my solo trips.
Thanks Dork in the Road!
I agree 100%. I carry a PLB even when riding with others off road. At 69 years of age, I figure I'm more likely to need medical if I go down.
I agree 100% . It is a great insurance policy
I carry the original, pre-garmin, inreach, and have for years now. I had a minor off in KY in 2016 or so. I was alone and at least 30 miles from the nearest person. Walking to cell service would've taken two days. It was easy enough to pick the bike up and keep going, but that situation got me thinking. Bought the inreach as soon as I got home and don't ride anywhere without it now.
I picked up a IR Mini2 last year for my solo motorcycle adventures into the mountains of TN, GA and NC. Cell coverage sucks and the wife did NOT like the fact that my location sharing would stop for 1+ hours. She likes the fact that every 10 minutes my location updates, no matter where I am. It's a great piece of equipment to own, and with the ability to activate/deactivate whenever makes it a no-brainer.
Uhhh yeah I'm that guy that hasn't gotten one very well explained I actually got some questions answered so thank you brother 👊
Happy it was helpful!
I've had the mini 2 for about 6 months now & it's given me great peace of mind on my solo rides.
I was always too paranoid about the "What if..." to enjoy the ride knowing that I was riding in a area with no service & hours from home.
Like you, I consider this a must have!
I do feel more secure since getting a Spot device. Especially when I am riding solo in the back country. I was riding with a buddy, he broke his leg. I was able to send the exact location via the spot device. When I got back to my truck I could directly get back to him and then head straight to the ER.
Great Video. I use a SpotX. Connects to my phone. My partner can track my trip in the high country. And yes, mount on your backpack or on your body somewhere. Not on your bike!!
I just bought a new NOS first gen Spot on Ebay for $30. With activation fee and annual subscription cost me just under $200. Between motorcycling, snowmobiling, and traveling in rural areas, I chose the annual subscription plan.
Running their 66i which combines handheld gps nav with in reach. Still small enough to keep on you & serves the hiking & off bike navigation very well.
Ha! I DO carry a PLB whenever I'm going anywhere that could put me out of cell range or beyond regular encounters with other people.
I use the Spot X and never travel without it. And my friend has the In Reach. They use different satellite systems but achieve the same result and both use Bluetooth to link to an iPhone. We have ours on our bikes so guess we may have to rethink that.
Slangevar
Craig
No question. Mint lives on my shoulder strap and goes with me on and ride. I ride multi-days solo in the backcountry and it gives a crazy amount of safety and security. Never pulled the pin myself, almost did for somebody else though. Which is common, using it for another rider. But for me the ability to send an important, but not necessarily life threatening message is key
The closest I've come to using mine is on the WABDR last year, but we were luckily close enough to town to have cell phone service (we were at the very end of the section). I was super happy to have had it on me regardless. I would hate to get into that situation without any means of communication.
@@DorkintheRoad here in the mountains of BC I carry the inReach in the car as well. We have huge areas with no service...
Seems like a good idea. I'm a bit broke so I'll continue to rely on the hope someone comes by and saves me before I die plan.
Pick up a used version one for cheap!
I think wear it all the time be good to. Safe all the time good idea.
Yep, been using Garmin for years, right on point. Friend of mine uses for back country hunting, and helps get team members to help carry out when they have successfully hunt as well.
Well worth the money use it every ride
Very good video. Gonna purchase. Ride solo in AZ desert and San Berdoo Mountains. Stung once with a (minor) broken leg at 8k up. Able to ride out; was lucky that day!! Thanks again.
Another great video by the Dork in the Road. I just ordered my Inreach mini 2 using your affiliate link. Thanks for the discount!
I really need one of those. Between adventure riding and biking in the summer and snowshoeing and non-resort skiing in the winter, I would use it all year round. I usually end up being in a party with someone who has one. It's been too much of a financial pill to swallow.
And I hate subscriptions.
That Garmin is exactly the next item on my to-buy list when I start taking my new bike off-road this year. I was juggling the idea of a Montana 700i (mapping and built-in inReach) and the inReach mini 2. In the end, I've settled on the mini 2 to attach to my jacket, for the same reasons as you give.
Zoleo has been perfect for me. I used an inReach SE for years but was frustrated by a clunky phone interface and terrible website account management. I also struggled knowing if messages were received or not and did have a number of message failures with the inReach. Lastly, it is very hard for family or friends to initiate messages to an inReach system while the Zoleo issues the user an SMS number that can be given to anyone should they wish to message you when off grid. I changed to Zoleo two seasons ago and LOVE it. The user interface and online account setup is head and shoulders better than inReach - and having messages formatted and organized like a normal messaging APP is fantastic. Zoleo also uses the irridium network - same as inReach - which is far better than Spot. They are all good safety gear but the Zoleo has been great for me.
Great video. Thanks for looking out to the community.
I have the Garmin Montana 701 which is a great device for navigation and also has the InReach built into it. Two reasons I went this way. First I like devices that have more than one function and this suits that perfect with all that it’s capable of. Second, it’s hard mounted on the bike and it charges with the bikes power so it’s never dead. I used to have a mini which I used to leave on every time and the next time I needed it it was always dead. Your spot on, never leave home without it you’ll might never need it but around the world these devices have saved thousands of people and millions of “are you dead yet” messages🤪
Excellent advice my friend, I teach survival skill training and preparedness...for my entire adult life I have been telling people who travel to the back country to bring SAT TECH. I have no experience with this Garmin Device, but I own 4 other GARMINS they rock. Personally I do have a SAT PHONE it's paid for already and I have a local number plus roll over minutes. Thumbs UP for this video....BE SAFE. BTW my SAT PHONE sends text messages as well.
I utilise the in reach function on my Montana. Which is obviously bike mounted. And I Cary my PLB on my person. If I can get back to the bike I can text etc. but if I can’t and I need the cavalry. That bypasses the Garmin call centre and goes straight to Canberra (AUS). As a former SAR radio operator I know what happens in that case. Whilst I am a fan of the Garmin system, I will go PLB over the SOS button every time. And I can text home via the Garmin in the same instance. May be different in other countries, but that PLB gets the fastest response in that instance here.
I would just maybe add to do some training with your loved ones beforehand so they recognize the Garmin's phone number when those happy fun texts come through.
No doubt.
Great job!! Have the 2 also and family can see where you are at all times 👍🏻. Using with the app is the way to go. It’s just so simple. Thank you.
Everyone in my riding group has one. So we don’t all need them turned on. But has been useful to find a lost group member.
iPhone will likely be a good option, but something to consider; if you happen to be an iPhone user and plan to upgrade anyway, the Garmin is still a great option. How often is your phone the first thing to get damaged in a crash? Mine is my gps display and having a backup is kinda the point. $12/mo for the year isn’t that bad if you think about it.
I am seriously considering getting one of these things before I head out for a trip in May.
Get one!
Definitely on the list for when I start going on solo adventures. Just picked up a 2008 DRZ400 after watching a lot of your videos!
Great advice and I have been researching this subject.
I have a Garmin Montana 700i, which has full inReach capability. The big plus is that you have one device. The downside is that most of us don't want our GPS on our persons.
Yes! An absolute necessity for anyone riding solo and/or out of cell range, which is me in rural BC, Canada almost every time I go out. If you ride alone, away from civilization (that's the point, right?), and you don't have one, go order one now. Your skill level and riding experience is irrelevant, accidents can happen to anyone.
I bought a SPOT gen 4, mainly because of the low initial cost, but it doesn't have smart phone text message capability so I kinda wish I'd saved up for an InReach. It does have tracking which sends your location on a selectable interval (5/10/30/60 minutes). And 3 buttons, two of which which can be set to send a preset text message to one or more contacts: Check-in (I'm Ok but running late), Help (I'm Ok but the bike isn't, send someone with a truck), and SOS which alerts your emergency contacts and SAR.
Been thinking about getting one of those since I ride solo. Thanks for another great video.
I watch most of your videos and i try to understand how you feel comfortable on tenere or crf300 cause im big dude like you,im 117 kilos and 1.85cm height.
My drama is that i had xt660z for 4 years and it was great for road & off road.
I sold it 2 months ago with the idea to go for t7.
Well,when i rode t7 it was unconfortable ,small and handlebar litle bit far..i had to bent front just a little bit and i dont want that,with xt660z i used to ride at straight position.
Ok ,with risers at handlebar or other handlebar maybe i fix it ,and with a custom seat i thing i fight it..
But im not sure if i make it posible cause Yamaha deside to make t7 more enduro than adv bike..
Im at dificult situation cause is risky to buy one and finaly to understand that this bike isnt for ,lets say 200km trip on a road and feel comfortable.
Tuareg at the other hand would be great but reliability will blow my brain every time that ill ride this think.
So ,is it posible to ride t7 on the road for 2 hours straight and feel comfortable????
Sorry for long comment but im realy realy strugling the last 15 days after i rode the rally version of t7.
I had this bike on my mind maybe a year and after the ride my world came upside down,but i dont want give up until find a comfort combo.
I use the Garmin 66i which has wider options -and often drop taking a phone. ..
the inreach (or any sat communicator) is an invaluable tool! i live in a rural area, and don't leave home without it. that said, i watched a youtuber share their experience with hitting that oh sh*t button (search yt for "I Hit SOS On My Garmin InReach"), and yeah... last resort option there, you better be on your last legs - or none at all :P honestly, its far most useful for calling your own cavalry than using that oh sh*t service. but hey, if you need it, you need it. also, never leave home without leaving your plans with someone back home!
I'm glad there's comments so I can see at a glance what you're saying I don't use, and should. I lean ride your own ride, to each his own, you do you, and don't subscribe to the being told what to do party.
I literally said it in the first 20 seconds of the video. Heaven forbid I try to help people be safer. Not everyone was born knowing everything like you were!
@@DorkintheRoad
😂 Thanks for reading my mind.
I'll clarify. My point, should you care to entertain it, (which has nothing to do with the *topic* of the video) is what you wrote in the *title* (and thumbnail) of the video. In those you make assumptions (and/or read minds), and give imperatives. That's fine if you assume your audience is composed of subordinates. If your title were more peer-friendly it would be something like "Here's Something That Can Save Your Bacon If Suffering a Mishap While Riding Alone". I hope that helps.
I use a PLB. Got it originally for sea kayak trips, but also useful for backcountry MC trips. As important as it is, you’d dang well better have a tourniquet or two and a blowout kit in your med kit, too. Because if you’ve pranged it bad enough that you need to call the cavalry, there’s a good chance you’re going to need those other items even more urgently. It doesn’t do you much good if emergency evac finds you only to retrieve your corpse. The natural world is beautiful, but it absolutely does not care whether you live or die. That’s on you. Be prepared.
The benefit of PLBs is they broadcast a stronger signal to the NOAA satellite network which are more numerous than the private networks Garmin uses.
This last weekend I crashed at Hollister hill hov park . I when off a cliff and 30 ft down. No body could see me and no one came to help. I which I had one . I was lucky I did not get hurt too bad. I got out of there about 7:30 that night.
What if I told you, that your voice should be a narrator for Discovery Network shows. So nice to listen to. Thanks.
Excellent as always my internet riding buddy.
I think the new iPhone also supports satellite communications.
I have a bigger unit, the Montana 700i that I originally purchased and mount in my Jeep when traveling. It’s a full GPS, with the satellite and “oh shit” button. But it’s too large to carry on my person, so it will be mounted on the bike for now. That mini 2 looks like it might be a future purchase option though for bike rides.
Not to mention Ben that they are IPX7 rated, which means totally waterproof and dustproof, and Garmin guarantees them to operate in +50C and -10C! If you go riding solo and you don't carry one of these or a PLB, you are nutz!
The new iPhone 14 has GPS SOS and communicate your needs free for a year.
I ride in Colorado, where are you in this video? Thanks for the great safety gear tip. Like a locator beacon for back country skiers.
I agree that the locator is important but it’s a fail safe and not a replacement for any of your self rescue gear. You should always be prepared for self rescue whenever possible.
I love my InReach Mini 2. But the worst thing is when you think you plugged it in or made sure to turn it off and i get ready to head out and the thing is dead. Not gonna go riding ever without something like this
I have the big Spot with the keyboard, and because of that, it doesn't really hook onto the outside of my gear easily. I always tell people before we ride: the communicator is in my front right jacket pocket, hopefully they would remember where to find it in an emergency.
Maybe make a patch for your shoulder strap, or get an engraved emergency bracelet etc. Something that lets a random person know where it is. I have epilepsy and I want to be sure if some random rolls up on me getting my pop and lock on, they know what to do and where to look. Ride safe!!!
iPhone has limited use. Better than an earlier iPhone without SAT comms, but if I'm banged up, trying to aim at a satellite to get help rather than just pushing the button.... iPhone won't work north of Anchorage, and, I think it only works in parts of Canada, US (below Anchorage), and nowhere else. And I think the Spots and Inreach are much more rugged and can run days on battery.
Very good content. Being on a SAR team, these "tools" PLB communicators are an essential item, whether alone or in a group. These types units, save lives.
As for the iPhone 14, while the emergency beacon function is great in theory, Apple is working to correct a sensitivity issue that has resulted in a significant number of "false alarms". Confident, they'll get this issue sorted out soon.
But again, great content and keep smiling!
And being in SAR, you also know that it’s not worth a damn to have unless you wear it on your person!
It is worth mentioning that the InReach mini 2 does not come with the bracket you need to use it with the Giant Loop strap. You will need to buy the Garmin Spine Mount Adaptor separately.
I forgot about that since I already had it. Good point
The new iPhone models offer the same features as the inReach, one less piece of kit to keep charged and carry.
Not quite, iphone 14 is only a satellite SOS, no satellite texting or checking in for minor issue.
@@oldtimer3824 It serves the greater purpose. It also can send a transcript of the conversation with emergency services and your location to your emergency contacts as well.
Question. How do you feel about the iPhone 14 having satellite connectivity? I know having a seperate device with its own battery is better. But what about the convenience of always having it? I hope this function gets widely adopted and improved before I get it myself.
Just got iphone 14, if u use SOS your med contacts IE WIFE receive same message as ur SOS.
Excellent stuff. Thanks so much.
Great suggestion. I’m looking forward to iphone reviews on that feature.
For the uber-geek on the cheap (?) and certainly before this latest tech came out there is APRS.
Good info Mr. Dork, thank you!
You mention the Tracker Packer for attaching it to pack strap, but the description on GL website says it’s not compatible with the mini2?
Maybe an oddball question…
For two-up riding, would it make any sense for both rider and passenger to each be wearing their own mini, or is that likely to just be overkill?
You’ve nailed it Ben. Cell phone coverage, or crawling for 30 kays, is so often non existent or just not achievable when you’re lying in a screaming heap in some back country (wop wops - Enzed speak for ‘in the middle of effing no-where man’) gully, but those frigging night light polluting satellites just keep on spinning around. Bless ‘em.
Gear looks good. When can we expect that review?
Is there some kind of feature to avoid accidentally pressing the s.o.s button?
Really enjoy your videos, please keep the coming. Please do a comparison to the iPhone 14.
honestly i'm quite sceptical on the type of service provided....looking to real case scenarios posted on YT, in case of a real emergency the entire process is way too long. The emergency center will contact you to understand the situation....forward your request for help to the local authorities....then the authorities will contact you to get again information...all these through messages on your mobile (if you are lucky you still have it and it's charged and you can use it) otherwise typing one single character at time with the inreach. Can you imagine if you crash with your moto, you are alone and you have serious injury? Unfortunately i don't see any cheap alternatives (i found only the Cospas-Sarsat used by Breitling)
Good idea! Thanks
The only thing I don't like about those is that you can't compose messages without your phone. If your phone gets broken during a crash you can't send any specific information besides something like "I need help, here is my location." That's why I got the Spot X with it's full keyboard. Also, having an FRS/GMRS or Ham radio with you can be a useful contingency plan.
It's a little easier on the new mini but still tedious. Still one letter at a time but better than nothing.
@Dork in the Road So these will work completely stand alone without a cellphone or connection to it?
Thanks for the information and all the great content.
I'm not it what I would consider remote areas but this new 5g phone has no service more than any phone I've ever had. So this would be nice for trail riding and some of the street riding I do. 👍👍
I have an Inreach mini 2. Is the Garmin Spine Mount Adapter required for the Giant Loop Tracker Packer?
If you don't have it turned on will the SOS button turn it on and can someone ping your location if you happen to have it turned off?
I've got the zoleo which is $199 and the plan I have is $40/month.
I'll just ride with you. I'll be there to hit your SOS when you need it.
Seriously, I will buy one when, and if, I even go adventuring solo
0:08
Are we talking about my brain again? 😁
Check the details of your smart watch. Some have an inbuilt SOS option as well.
What glasses/goggles are those shown at 6:12? Do they work well? I've been looking for something exactly like those but seeing mostly bad reviews on everything I can find.
Good review videos! can we get one on winter/cold weather riding gear? I'm dealing with 17* weather and would love to go riding but am unsure about what gear I need to get to be able to survive the ride. Thank you!
th-cam.com/video/mrityHoEZAg/w-d-xo.html
How about that?
All good points, another thing to add, compared to the single button locators, with garmin you will know the signal made it as they contact you back and stay in contact throughout …
I realize that these are great peace of mind devices and can be handy if you need it, but people have been riding and hiking for years with no communication which made them more attuned to their surroundings and do everything more carefully. I think these devises can make people more lackadaisical and not caring because they can use it as a crutch. I have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail twice, I have spent years of time in the Canadian Bush, and I have spent 50 years trail riding all without a phone, let alone a locating emergency device. What would happen if I broke a leg? I did, and I got back on my bike and rode home.
Don't get me wrong, I think these are great devices and serve a purpose and if anyone thinks they need one then certainly get it, but I feel as though they are relied upon far too much instead of common sense.
Common sense isn't gonna call you a ride when your bike has a freak electrical failure or something in the middle of nowhere
Always tell someone where you’re headed.
Excellent advice
well said.
Dork, would you recommend those glasses you are wearing during that snow riding? I’m never happy with my glasses while riding, sometimes I wear goggles, sometimes my normal glasses, but those look like they’d be a great middle ground.
Yeah not really. At least not in the snow. They might be good in the summer but I haven't tried them in nice weather yet 😉
@@DorkintheRoad bummer. The search continues. I have prescription inserts for my goggles, which works well but is bulky.