Communication/mapping - 2 guys, no cell

[Adirondack]

Hoping to get some advice on this scenario:
2 guys, hunting near each other (within a mile or two) but out of sight. Adirondack mountains, no cell. Some terrain between us.

I would like to be in general communication in case someone gets a fresh track, shoots a buck, etc. Would also like to see where my partner is on the map so we're aware of safe shooting lanes.

GMRS radios (wouxun 935g plus) have proven spotty and cumbersome. I've basically given up on solid radio connection (but would love if someone had a viable option). I hear guys talk about "getting each other on the radio", but so far I've struck out. Maybe you just need to hike up high to get better line of sight.

I use and like OnX for general navigation, and use phone often for pictures, waypoints, aerial maps, etc.

Best option I can come up with is to each have Garmin InReach Mini 2's (I already have one), paired with iPhone and Garmin Messenger/Explore. Thinking we could share tracks/location with each other while in the field? Do those show up on the Explore app if both people are out of cell service? We could also communicate via Iridium network over Messenger. Not as good as voice, but would get me out of the radio game.

Any better ways of doing this or thining about it?
I should mention these are day trips, we can charge phones/garmins etc back at camp overnight.

 

[Koda_]

Best option I can come up with is to each have Garmin InReach Mini 2's (I already have one), paired with iPhone and Garmin Messenger/Explore. Thinking we could share tracks/location with each other while in the field? Do those show up on the Explore app if both people are out of cell service?

I think every time you send an inreach message it automatically includes the waypoint.
Ive never tested that in the field on the phone app though, generally we only use them the last hour of daylight if we haven't already rendezvoused as planned. A small GMRS radio works well enough once your in the same vicinity and we always share where we will be.

 

[Adirondack]

I think every time you send an inreach message it automatically includes the waypoint.
Ive never tested that in the field on the phone app though, generally we only use them the last hour of daylight if we haven't already rendezvoused as planned. A small GMRS radio works well enough once your in the same vicinity and we always share where we will be.

Thank you. I just saw West Marine selling an Inreach mini 2 for $199. Thinking if both guys have InReach Mini 2's, can share location via mapshare link. Would presumably be able to see both locations (mine and his).
Anyone done this, or can confirm the concept is sound?

 

[taskswap]

I think every time you send an inreach message it automatically includes the waypoint.
Ive never tested that in the field on the phone app though, generally we only use them the last hour of daylight if we haven't already rendezvoused as planned. A small GMRS radio works well enough once your in the same vicinity and we always share where we will be.

It doesn't always do that, but it can be configured to. I can't remember what the default is now (I've had mine for years) but depending on whether you're sending from the device, phone paired to it, or your computer, there's a checkbox or option to include your location.

For those dealing with "hills and valleys" bear in mind that a hill will block almost anything not satellite-based, but you only need one person to get above the obstructions for most radio signals to work, even if the other person is still somewhat blocked from line-of-sight. If you need to reach somebody urgently, just climb a hill yourself and it'll greatly increase your chances even if they don't do the same.

 

[mtnbound]

Hoping to get some advice on this scenario:
2 guys, hunting near each other (within a mile or two) but out of sight. Adirondack mountains, no cell. Some terrain between us.

I would like to be in general communication in case someone gets a fresh track, shoots a buck, etc. Would also like to see where my partner is on the map so we're aware of safe shooting lanes.

GMRS radios (wouxun 935g plus) have proven spotty and cumbersome. I've basically given up on solid radio connection (but would love if someone had a viable option). I hear guys talk about "getting each other on the radio", but so far I've struck out. Maybe you just need to hike up high to get better line of sight.

I use and like OnX for general navigation, and use phone often for pictures, waypoints, aerial maps, etc.

Best option I can come up with is to each have Garmin InReach Mini 2's (I already have one), paired with iPhone and Garmin Messenger/Explore. Thinking we could share tracks/location with each other while in the field? Do those show up on the Explore app if both people are out of cell service? We could also communicate via Iridium network over Messenger. Not as good as voice, but would get me out of the radio game.

Any better ways of doing this or thining about it?
I should mention these are day trips, we can charge phones/garmins etc back at camp overnight.

With the "Include Location" turned on in the "Message Options", each time you send an InReach message to another InReach user, it allows the receiver of that message to see your location on a map inside the Garmin app. However, live tracking is a different feature that requires an internet/data connection.

 

[Adirondack]

That is good to know, thank you. I am gathering that there is really no way for two InReach users to share tracks/locations in real time (assuming neither has cell/wifi connectivity). Is that correct?
Bear we can do is periodic messages with “include location”?

 

[mtnbound]

That is good to know, thank you. I am gathering that there is really no way for two InReach users to share tracks/locations in real time (assuming neither has cell/wifi connectivity). Is that correct?
Bear we can do is periodic messages with “include location”?

Yes that is correct as far as I know.


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[Adirondack]

Yes that is correct as far as I know.


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Thanks. Think I'll start looking to buy Rhino's, seems like the way to go.

 

[mtnbound]

Thanks. Think I'll start looking to buy Rhino's, seems like the way to go.

The Rhinos require radio reception and will show the current or last location where the radios were in contact with each other.

 

[Adirondack]

The Rhinos require radio reception and will show the current or last location where the radios were in contact with each other.

I think this will work well. I do see mixed reviews on the Rino series in general, but having the location polling ability is probably my main desire.

 

[mtnbound]

I think this will work well. I do see mixed reviews on the Rino series in general, but having the location polling ability is probably my main desire.

I have a set and they work ok. In the mtns/woods the furthest I have been able to get them to work was about 3/4’s of a mile and most of the time less than that.

 

[Adirondack]

I have a set and they work ok. In the mtns/woods the furthest I have been able to get them to work was about 3/4’s of a mile and most of the time less than that.

How have you found the location sharing to be in your environment?

 

[mtnbound]

How have you found the location sharing to be in your environment?

Max was 3/4’s of a mile away with the other person 300-400ft above me. Typically I gonna say 1/4 mile in the trees.

 

[fmyth]

I think every time you send an inreach message it automatically includes the waypoint.
Ive never tested that in the field on the phone app though, generally we only use them the last hour of daylight if we haven't already rendezvoused as planned. A small GMRS radio works well enough once your in the same vicinity and we always share where we will be.

You have to turn that feature on when you set up the Inreach.

 

[fmyth]

That is good to know, thank you. I am gathering that there is really no way for two InReach users to share tracks/locations in real time (assuming neither has cell/wifi connectivity). Is that correct?
Bear we can do is periodic messages with “include location”?

Not in real time. You can send a msg from your inreach to another inreach and include your location. You can also set up your inreach to send your coordinates to a secure website at defined intervals and anyone you invite that has an internet connection can see your waypoints.

 

[Adirondack]

Max was 3/4’s of a mile away with the other person 300-400ft above me. Typically I gonna say 1/4 mile in the trees.

I thought the location pinged through the iridium network, guess not?

 

[mtnbound]

I thought the location pinged through the iridium network, guess not?

Nope, only when you push the talk button on the radio or try to poll your buddy's current position.

 

[Koda_]

I used Rinos extensively for years. Maybe they improved them but the radio didnt reach over ridges and the range wasnt great but when they worked they worked really well. Also it shares not just your waypoint but all your tracks, to anyone with a Rino out there. You can turn that off I think.

Side note, if you get a Rino, be sure to get one that has an electronic compass feature... otherwise you have to start walking for it to determine, which way you should be walking to your waypoint.

 

[Adirondack]

I used Rinos extensively for years. Maybe they improved them but the radio didnt reach over ridges and the range wasnt great but when they worked they worked really well. Also it shares not just your waypoint but all your tracks, to anyone with a Rino out there. You can turn that off I think.

Side note, if you get a Rino, be sure to get one that has an electronic compass feature... otherwise you have to start walking for it to determine, which way you should be walking to your waypoint.

Decided to finally pull the trigger, but now see 755t discontinued. Lol.

 

[Koda_]

Decided to finally pull the trigger, but now see 755t discontinued. Lol.

When we used the Rinos they worked awesome as long as you were in range of them. If I recall, the odd numbered Rinos were the only ones with the built in electronic compass. I had a few friends with nicer Rinos than mine without the compass that would get so frustrated walking in the wrong direction until the unit was able to detect the direction and point in the correct direction.

Over the years we learned we didnt need them in place of cheap gmrs handhelds we rarely use. A simple radio check in at noon or in the evening works fine for us.