We have the plan to pause as well but my husband feels better knowing I have my InReach with me when I’m solo hiking. Is the only hiking I do. I hike in Shenandoah all the time and know a lot of the trails but you’ll never know when you might need the InReach so it goes along.
For planned off-the-grid activities this is a good plan. If you need the inReach as an emergency communication device, it is not. Because you will not be able to activate the subscription when land networks and the Internet are down.
Base plan can do tracking too. It's just 10 cents per ping. Auto track once every 2 hours and it's still less than the middle plan if you go out 2 weekends per month....
7:20. "The only reason to buy a Garmin". Is because it is a *Satellite Communicator* None of the other methods mentioned in the video can do two-way messaging.
I summited Baldy January 15, 2023 (with crampons, ice axe, helmet) and grouped up with 3 other guys on the ridge for our summit push. We were the only 4 there when we summited and the winds were insane and visibility was very low on the way down. SAR was looking for tJulian Sands that weekend and hikers were notified to keep an eye out. I upgraded to the 14 Pro Max a couple months earlier so that I would have that satellite location feature available to me just in case.
My plb gives me peace of mind. I've had it for 6-7 years now. Was a little less than $300 back then. You don't have to keep charging it. The battery lasts 5 years which you then send to a dealer that's certified to replace the battery. Cost was $150 I think. They test it to make sure it's working before mailing back to you and it was pretty quick. Every few years you have to go online to NOAA to re-register which is free.
PLB's are almost as expensive as an inReach, but you don't have the monthly subscription. If you are just looking to have something to help rescuers come find you then that is the way to go. Battery life is the biggest selling point as your cell wont last nearly as long in an emergency. Kind of like bringing a paper map and not relying solely on an app for navigation. Two is one and one is none. Thanks for the great video. I love learning about alternatives to the super fancy (expensive) gear.
A great tip is to either wear visible colors that contrast natural background - reds, yellows, oranges, etc - or have your backpack be that color. If SAR needs to pinpoint your location, and you're not where they would trip over you hiking the trail, it will be MUCH harder to find you even with the beacon if you don't stand out from the surroundings. Helicopter SAR in particular may never spot you even if they are right over your location. I hate those colors, but my backpack is red, my puffy is red, for this exact reason. I used to hang out with SAR guys, and I learned a lot from them. Haven't needed SAR in over 35 years of hiking, but if I ever do, the last thing I want if for them to be searching for me and not be able to see me from a distance in poor light.
That’s good advice. I feel stupid now, all of my clothing and equipment and my backpack are greens, browns, and blacks. I guess I better start bringing a bright orange reflective safety blanket/sheet.
Just got a Zoleo which has the same features as Inreach, startup costs: device plus 1st 3 mos subscription - which fell in line with my backpacking season. After that you can pause the subscription and start it up whenever you need it. Got mine Prime day sale and just got an email with 50% off another device for a friend. If considering, maybe wait for a Black Friday sale.
Very interesting topic! And being safe on trail should always be top of mind. Also it could have saved Dan on Mt. Kilimanjaro ref: the Office S 7 E 5, 2:20 in
Sending text messages is extremely important in serious emergencies. It can make a difference. SAR will send people in on foot to check on you unless they find out that you have a life-threatening emergency and need to be airlifted out by helicopter. Can your emergency wait 12+ hours? If not, then the messaging ability is what you need. I've used an emergency communicator on all outdoor trips since 2015 and it's been awesome (even used it when I got seriously injured and had to self-rescue).
I was disappointed with my Garmin while on my AT Thru hike. Mainly because, in the green tunnel of the AT it was very difficult to get a “clear view” of the southern sky!! Luckily I never had an issue where I had to use the SOS feature, but sending text or location updates became useless. The IPhone was much more practical!
I’ve been using the new Motorola Defy Satellite Link the last couple months. The device is less the half the cost of the Garmin and the service plans are realistic and affordable. Less than half the price of Garmin.
Should also remind people to share a map and itinerary with others, sign in at the trail head, tell others where you will be, and follow the plan you share.
Love Baldey and it’s very deadly but ONLY because people need to realize you need proper equipment. Thanks for always having content that is top notch bro. Cheers from VENTURA COUNTY
Keep in mind that the SOS via satellite on iphone is only available if you are in 1 of 14 countries for the moment, and it does not work in places above 62 latitude as mentioned on the support page on the apple website.
This feature was why I upgraded as soon as the 14 was out. I'm hoping that after the free trial is over that they offer texting and other services. I live in a county with a lot of remote areas.
I have a PLB that I use for travelling and tramping, here in NZ. Good news here in NZ is that one of our major internet providers is going satellite from 2024.
I think first rule is “ take a device” irrespective of the brand. I just started my first 300km hike and needed a helicopter recovery due to weather. I used a Zoleo to reach a friend who booked a chopper and then I added the pilot to my contacts and then communicated directly with the pilot via Zoleo. Other learning - if dependent on tech, test and test again before you leave and don’t assume power banks work at -8oC !
@@viktor.egelund it was a judgment call. Weather was in double digit negative oC overnight, driving snow and washed out tracks. Helicopter services in that region are like calling an Uber. I used sms to get a commercial flight vs. SOS which would have put an unnecessary and unwarranted burden on a mostly donation funded service. I’ll try again in three months when weather is better.
@@viktor.egelund Because he could afford to book a private chopper, no need of the national rescue workers... When he has to go to some friend's house but it's raining, he also hires a private chopper - if not his own -, instead of wearing a raincoat.... He just wanted to brag about himself and pump his ego actually xD: for some people, money counterbalance stupidity (if not in the long run)...
Also; always a good reminder that having a beacon can be used for any other persons on a trail if needed in an emergency. Garmin user until the iPhone 15 releases then will be making the switch.
I have the Spot X and it does everything the garmin does at a much lower cost. I use it in alaska and it still gets reliable signal. It also has it’s own keyboard so I dont even need my phone to send a custom message.
Do not know if this is the same in the US as in Norway.. but rescuers here say ‘do not put phone in airplane mode’ (we tend to do to save battery). They have tools searching for your phone even if you are without service.. so use a little bit more battery 😉
There are rumors that Google is incorporating satellite SOS into their messenger. Some bits of code suggest that they may even collaborate with Garmin for this feature. If so one would assume that it will allow SOS services in all of the 150+ countries that support Garmin SOS rather than the few (14?) that support Apple's service.
I’ve had an InReach Mini for many years with the middle plan specifically so I could text family while out on the trail and it’s saved my butt twice when I’ve had to bail out early. Nothing life threatening but needed to be picked up in a different area than originally planned. But now I do actually have an iPhone 14 and an Apple Watch Ultra that are both capable of sending SOS. So in there’s a lot of redundancy there. I use Footpath for a navigator app on the trail and it gives turn by turn directions right to my watch which is more convenient and uses less battery power than the phone too! I’m really curious what Apple is eventually going to charge for the SOS feature though in the future. It was only supposed to be free for the first 2 years in heard. Has anyone heard about that?
Kind of a lower tier option is also a handie walkie ham radio. There are some super cheap options, but you have to do your homework on frequencies and local repeaters. Also would have to get your license, however in an emergency it’s legal for anyone to talk on one. You could have a family member on the other end just listening to make sure you’re good or not. There are also more expensive ones that have APRS capabilities for tracking and sending text messages. No SOS option, but better than nothing 🤷🏼♂️
STARLINK and T-mobile are working on text via satellite soon and for at least T-mobile customers satellite communicators will be obsolete and way to expensive. I believe that they were looking at making the messaging via satellite available this year.
Hey Dan, I'm just getting back into backpacking after many years away, so I basically need all new gear. I love your channel, and especially all the gear reviews, very helpful! Speaking of gear, I'm looking at getting a Zoleo, which looks like it has all the features of an inreach, but for a bit more than half the price. Have you ever used one? I'd love to hear your opinion.
Zoleo is cheaper to buy but the monthly plans are more expensive than InReach. If you work out the yearly cost, a Garmin with the basic plan is a better bargain.
good to know! I have a first generation inReach. I should have got the 2, but it was a gift, so you get what you get and you don't get upset.@@jefflibbey
Hi Dan Becker, I’m new to your channel ( about a week ) I’m wanting to get back into hiking/camping and am need/wanting a pullover hoodie that’ll keep me warm and dry.. I’m looking at the “KYANITE PULLOVER HOODY” from arc’teryx. Ideas? Recommendations?
Thanks, that's a good clip for reminding a service I didn't even think of, about how to contact the civilized World in case of an emergency. My context is different, though, since I own a SAMSUNG android (the S22 Ultra). Do you have any lead regarding _current_ solutions for Android? NOTE - I've read that the iPhone uses its Globalstar constellation, which is different than Garmin's: it has only 24 satellites for covering the world, which is not good enough for continuous 24/7 coverage. These satellites are moving around, so there's a regular up-and-down cadence to the Globalstar service that lasts for minutes at a time for any given location. On the other hand, With 66 satellites in the Iridium constellation (Garmin's, and Qualcomm's that's on many Android mobiles but expected in 2024 - I think), you should always have service, and you might not even need to do that "hold your phone up" dance to get a connection.
About 3 times as expensive in Australia…..if I die well I am in my happy place anyway. This is just a way to rip more money for what’s supposed to be isolated…..I don’t need to text that’s why I go bush.
Tracking EATS the battery on the inreach mini, not worth it imo. You can send your location every time you send a check-in message, plus if you tell people your planned route, tracking becomes a moot point (if you’re on a designated trail). If you solo hike a lot, maybe it’s more beneficial to use tracking, but most people hike with someone else, so just tell them how to use the device should you become incapacitated. If you want to charge your inreach every day, use tracking lol.
Dan, your voice cadence is faster than other TH-camrs. A sign of a very intelligent person. I watch alot of TH-cam on on 1.5-1.75 speed but you I watch on 1-1.25 speed. Nerdy TH-cam details, maybe you like this.
Galaxy devices have been doing this for years. Love how the misinformation is spread.😂😂 I still keep an inreach, but there's no reason for android slander. Edit: iPhone has had this feature for a while too and it doesn't require a 14 or newer. A simple Google search will show you how to do it on your device.
@@EricFleming231 they can still follow you even in no signal areas , you just can text out or make calls. My AllTrails tracks me when I have zero signal
ZOLEO - what about Zoleo? I've had mine for years $150 for the unit $6/mo in sleep mode and you can activate it instantly from any cell phone. It does everything the Garmin does as far as I know at a fraction of the cost. You get a permanent phone nbr and email address so you can send that to family and they can get ahold of you any time.
I tend to pause my Garmin subscription when I know I am not going to be hiking as frequently and then I turn it back on when I do.
I am planning on getting one eventually, this is good to know !
A lot of people will just purchase for a single month when they're actively hiking, or just pause as you describe.
Same, just pause the plan off season.
We have the plan to pause as well but my husband feels better knowing I have my InReach with me when I’m solo hiking. Is the only hiking I do.
I hike in Shenandoah all the time and know a lot of the trails but you’ll never know when you might need the InReach so it goes along.
For planned off-the-grid activities this is a good plan. If you need the inReach as an emergency communication device, it is not.
Because you will not be able to activate the subscription when land networks and the Internet are down.
Base plan can do tracking too. It's just 10 cents per ping. Auto track once every 2 hours and it's still less than the middle plan if you go out 2 weekends per month....
7:20. "The only reason to buy a Garmin". Is because it is a *Satellite Communicator*
None of the other methods mentioned in the video can do two-way messaging.
I summited Baldy January 15, 2023 (with crampons, ice axe, helmet) and grouped up with 3 other guys on the ridge for our summit push. We were the only 4 there when we summited and the winds were insane and visibility was very low on the way down. SAR was looking for tJulian Sands that weekend and hikers were notified to keep an eye out. I upgraded to the 14 Pro Max a couple months earlier so that I would have that satellite location feature available to me just in case.
So good to see East coast meets West coast! Great vid from 2 of my fav peeps
My plb gives me peace of mind. I've had it for 6-7 years now. Was a little less than $300 back then. You don't have to keep charging it. The battery lasts 5 years which you then send to a dealer that's certified to replace the battery. Cost was $150 I think. They test it to make sure it's working before mailing back to you and it was pretty quick. Every few years you have to go online to NOAA to re-register which is free.
PLB's are almost as expensive as an inReach, but you don't have the monthly subscription. If you are just looking to have something to help rescuers come find you then that is the way to go. Battery life is the biggest selling point as your cell wont last nearly as long in an emergency.
Kind of like bringing a paper map and not relying solely on an app for navigation. Two is one and one is none.
Thanks for the great video. I love learning about alternatives to the super fancy (expensive) gear.
A great tip is to either wear visible colors that contrast natural background - reds, yellows, oranges, etc - or have your backpack be that color. If SAR needs to pinpoint your location, and you're not where they would trip over you hiking the trail, it will be MUCH harder to find you even with the beacon if you don't stand out from the surroundings. Helicopter SAR in particular may never spot you even if they are right over your location.
I hate those colors, but my backpack is red, my puffy is red, for this exact reason. I used to hang out with SAR guys, and I learned a lot from them. Haven't needed SAR in over 35 years of hiking, but if I ever do, the last thing I want if for them to be searching for me and not be able to see me from a distance in poor light.
That’s good advice. I feel stupid now, all of my clothing and equipment and my backpack are greens, browns, and blacks. I guess I better start bringing a bright orange reflective safety blanket/sheet.
Thank You Dan and Chris for this extremely important helpful information.
This is awesome information to have, thanks Dan!
Chris is the man!!! So happy he got the hype here
Yay! I ❤ the Hiking Guy YT channel! Really glad to see him on here👍
Just got a Zoleo which has the same features as Inreach, startup costs: device plus 1st 3 mos subscription - which fell in line with my backpacking season. After that you can pause the subscription and start it up whenever you need it. Got mine Prime day sale and just got an email with 50% off another device for a friend. If considering, maybe wait for a Black Friday sale.
Very interesting topic!
And being safe on trail should always be top of mind.
Also it could have saved Dan on Mt. Kilimanjaro ref: the Office S 7 E 5, 2:20 in
Sending text messages is extremely important in serious emergencies. It can make a difference. SAR will send people in on foot to check on you unless they find out that you have a life-threatening emergency and need to be airlifted out by helicopter. Can your emergency wait 12+ hours? If not, then the messaging ability is what you need. I've used an emergency communicator on all outdoor trips since 2015 and it's been awesome (even used it when I got seriously injured and had to self-rescue).
I use the inReach not only for the breadcrumb feature, but also for the insurance for recovery.
Great information.
I think the iPhone route is a decent last resort but if something bad happens you my not have time, or the ability to open an app.
I was disappointed with my Garmin while on my AT Thru hike. Mainly because, in the green tunnel of the AT it was very difficult to get a “clear view” of the southern sky!! Luckily I never had an issue where I had to use the SOS feature, but sending text or location updates became useless. The IPhone was much more practical!
I’ve been using the new Motorola Defy Satellite Link the last couple months.
The device is less the half the cost of the Garmin and the service plans are realistic and affordable. Less than half the price of Garmin.
Should also remind people to share a map and itinerary with others, sign in at the trail head, tell others where you will be, and follow the plan you share.
Love Baldey and it’s very deadly but ONLY because people need to realize you need proper equipment. Thanks for always having content that is top notch bro. Cheers from VENTURA COUNTY
I always watch for your content Dan. This summer I did a hike at GSMNP. I did a lot of planning on your recommendations.
Keep in mind that the SOS via satellite on iphone is only available if you are in 1 of 14 countries for the moment, and it does not work in places above 62 latitude as mentioned on the support page on the apple website.
Thank you for the information Dan. When are you going on another trip that we can join??!
inReach with the tracking setting on is the way to go.
This feature was why I upgraded as soon as the 14 was out. I'm hoping that after the free trial is over that they offer texting and other services. I live in a county with a lot of remote areas.
Would love to see a comparison between OnX Backcountry and Gaia GPS. Keep up the great content!
I have a PLB that I use for travelling and tramping, here in NZ. Good news here in NZ is that one of our major internet providers is going satellite from 2024.
I think first rule is “ take a device” irrespective of the brand. I just started my first 300km hike and needed a helicopter recovery due to weather. I used a Zoleo to reach a friend who booked a chopper and then I added the pilot to my contacts and then communicated directly with the pilot via Zoleo. Other learning - if dependent on tech, test and test again before you leave and don’t assume power banks work at -8oC !
Why did you need a helicopter recovery due to weather?
@@viktor.egelund it was a judgment call. Weather was in double digit negative oC overnight, driving snow and washed out tracks. Helicopter services in that region are like calling an Uber. I used sms to get a commercial flight vs. SOS which would have put an unnecessary and unwarranted burden on a mostly donation funded service. I’ll try again in three months when weather is better.
@@viktor.egelund Because he could afford to book a private chopper, no need of the national rescue workers... When he has to go to some friend's house but it's raining, he also hires a private chopper - if not his own -, instead of wearing a raincoat.... He just wanted to brag about himself and pump his ego actually xD: for some people, money counterbalance stupidity (if not in the long run)...
Does the Garmin watch have the same capabilities and subscription options as the bulky thing? 🤔
I love my Garmin Mini!
Also; always a good reminder that having a beacon can be used for any other persons on a trail if needed in an emergency. Garmin user until the iPhone 15 releases then will be making the switch.
I have the Spot X and it does everything the garmin does at a much lower cost. I use it in alaska and it still gets reliable signal. It also has it’s own keyboard so I dont even need my phone to send a custom message.
Do not know if this is the same in the US as in Norway.. but rescuers here say ‘do not put phone in airplane mode’ (we tend to do to save battery). They have tools searching for your phone even if you are without service.. so use a little bit more battery 😉
Interesting! Thank you for the information-
Low power mode also considerably extends battery life without going full airplane mode.
Cheapskate? Nah just don't have several hundred dollars laying around, but thanks for the encouragement.
Is the PREDOMINANT cell phone OS, ANDROID, "close" to this, too?
There are rumors that Google is incorporating satellite SOS into their messenger. Some bits of code suggest that they may even collaborate with Garmin for this feature. If so one would assume that it will allow SOS services in all of the 150+ countries that support Garmin SOS rather than the few (14?) that support Apple's service.
someone mentioned Motorola coming out with something similar in a comment above
I did a little research into Motorola Defy, which relies on the Bullit (sp) satellite network, which is far inferior to Iridium, which inReach uses
I noticed that the inReach Explorer+ and inReach SE+ seem to have been discontinued, which would include maps and the SOS. Is this the case?
I’ve had an InReach Mini for many years with the middle plan specifically so I could text family while out on the trail and it’s saved my butt twice when I’ve had to bail out early. Nothing life threatening but needed to be picked up in a different area than originally planned. But now I do actually have an iPhone 14 and an Apple Watch Ultra that are both capable of sending SOS. So in there’s a lot of redundancy there. I use Footpath for a navigator app on the trail and it gives turn by turn directions right to my watch which is more convenient and uses less battery power than the phone too! I’m really curious what Apple is eventually going to charge for the SOS feature though in the future. It was only supposed to be free for the first 2 years in heard. Has anyone heard about that?
Wow! Great info to know! Thank you!
Kind of a lower tier option is also a handie walkie ham radio. There are some super cheap options, but you have to do your homework on frequencies and local repeaters. Also would have to get your license, however in an emergency it’s legal for anyone to talk on one. You could have a family member on the other end just listening to make sure you’re good or not. There are also more expensive ones that have APRS capabilities for tracking and sending text messages. No SOS option, but better than nothing 🤷🏼♂️
Good info. I wish you would have included the Motorola Defy in your discussion
STARLINK and T-mobile are working on text via satellite soon and for at least T-mobile customers satellite communicators will be obsolete and way to expensive. I believe that they were looking at making the messaging via satellite available this year.
The Galaxy S24 is supposed to be able to let you send custom messages for free through satellite messaging as well as sos.
Curious what the differences are between All Trails and Onx? Can anyone elaborate on a comparison?
Hey Dan, I'm just getting back into backpacking after many years away, so I basically need all new gear. I love your channel, and especially all the gear reviews, very helpful!
Speaking of gear, I'm looking at getting a Zoleo, which looks like it has all the features of an inreach, but for a bit more than half the price.
Have you ever used one?
I'd love to hear your opinion.
Zoleo is fine for the4 SOS button but you text via the phone app so if that breaks or the battery dies, you can't text.
Zoleo is cheaper to buy but the monthly plans are more expensive than InReach. If you work out the yearly cost, a Garmin with the basic plan is a better bargain.
good to know! I have a first generation inReach. I should have got the 2, but it was a gift, so you get what you get and you don't get upset.@@jefflibbey
Excellent!
I have the Freedom Recreation plan for my Garmin. This way when I’m not hiking I can suspend the service and not incur the monthly fee.
The new motorola defy2 cell phone that is coming out in a few months will have satellite messaging and sos features
Hi Dan Becker, I’m new to your channel ( about a week ) I’m wanting to get back into hiking/camping and am need/wanting a pullover hoodie that’ll keep me warm and dry.. I’m looking at the “KYANITE PULLOVER HOODY” from arc’teryx. Ideas? Recommendations?
Happy Labor Day! 💪🇺🇸
Such a helpful video
A garmin is cheaper then an Iphone14. And there is another issue it's an apple
IPhone great but the battery can't last a full day 😂
Bro it isn’t 2005
Adding another comment as a Zoleo lover!
Thanks, that's a good clip for reminding a service I didn't even think of, about how to contact the civilized World in case of an emergency. My context is different, though, since I own a SAMSUNG android (the S22 Ultra). Do you have any lead regarding _current_ solutions for Android?
NOTE - I've read that the iPhone uses its Globalstar constellation, which is different than Garmin's: it has only 24 satellites for covering the world, which is not good enough for continuous 24/7 coverage. These satellites are moving around, so there's a regular up-and-down cadence to the Globalstar service that lasts for minutes at a time for any given location. On the other hand, With 66 satellites in the Iridium constellation (Garmin's, and Qualcomm's that's on many Android mobiles but expected in 2024 - I think), you should always have service, and you might not even need to do that "hold your phone up" dance to get a connection.
Google just announced this week they will be working with Garmin for satellite SOS functionality.
I'm not a hater, but I'm getting dang tired of being called a cheapskate. It hits too close to home😂
About 3 times as expensive in Australia…..if I die well I am in my happy place anyway. This is just a way to rip more money for what’s supposed to be isolated…..I don’t need to text that’s why I go bush.
Tracking EATS the battery on the inreach mini, not worth it imo. You can send your location every time you send a check-in message, plus if you tell people your planned route, tracking becomes a moot point (if you’re on a designated trail). If you solo hike a lot, maybe it’s more beneficial to use tracking, but most people hike with someone else, so just tell them how to use the device should you become incapacitated. If you want to charge your inreach every day, use tracking lol.
DADDY DAN!! 🥵🥵
Does the GOAT of backpacking reply?
Yes, I reply. :)
I like my zoleo
Damn, cheapskates??
At least he changed the title quickly but yeah, I thought the same.
Yep, it is well known all peasants use the lastest Iphone.
@@heavyeagle2371For sure. Glad he changed it, I dont think he meant bad by it but deff good quick title change!
Dan, your voice cadence is faster than other TH-camrs. A sign of a very intelligent person. I watch alot of TH-cam on on 1.5-1.75 speed but you I watch on 1-1.25 speed. Nerdy TH-cam details, maybe you like this.
these sound super useful until you said, "friends and family" bold of you to assume I have either.
Galaxy devices have been doing this for years. Love how the misinformation is spread.😂😂 I still keep an inreach, but there's no reason for android slander.
Edit: iPhone has had this feature for a while too and it doesn't require a 14 or newer. A simple Google search will show you how to do it on your device.
F an I phone I'll stick with my garmin
Nah I already have the newer iPhone why would I spend $600 for the device and Garmin subscription.
Dont need the bread crumbs just turn find my iphone on for friends and they can see where you are
what if there is no reception...? That's kind of the point of having satellite communication (where there is no cell coverage)
@@EricFleming231 they can still follow you even in no signal areas , you just can text out or make calls. My AllTrails tracks me when I have zero signal
Kills your battery
Free solution to the Garmin: Buy an iphone 14/15
Amateur move to misspell amateur
ZOLEO - what about Zoleo?
I've had mine for years
$150 for the unit
$6/mo in sleep mode and you can activate it instantly from any cell phone.
It does everything the Garmin does as far as I know at a fraction of the cost.
You get a permanent phone nbr and email address so you can send that to family
and they can get ahold of you any time.