Garmin inReach vs Rino?

[chukwithak]

I'm a "get out and stalk" guy and my father is a "lets watch the meadow" guy. After being overseas in war and backcountry hunting solo, he still gets very worried about me. That being said, we're trying to find a solution for communication and location sharing. Rino looks like it does both, but I'm guessing the messaging/location sharing is shared vis FRS/GMRS and not satellite? If that's the case, does anyone know how location sharing works using any of the inreach devices? Will it appear in the message and he just needs to click on it? Trying to find an answer that will work for him so I can go work for my kill.

 

[bpurtz]

I used the Rino for several years - radio communication is "line of sight" - I had numerous times we couldn't communicate at less than a mile. I switched to the InReach a couple years back primarily for the SOS feature but also to communicate with my wife when I'm in the field. The subscription adds cost, but gives my wife peace of mind especially if I'm solo. I'd recommend the InReach.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I have no experience with a Rino, but all inReach-to-inReach messages include the coordinates from which the message was sent.

 

[tdhanses]

Rino really isn’t good in the mountains unless your close or have zero ridges/ highpoints in between. Inreach works much better just isn’t instantaneous.

 

[Jethro]

The inreach will work for what you want. Your dad can click on messages you send him and see exactly where you sent it from. Also has a go to feature that would navigate him right to you.

The location feature can also be turned off if you have somebody you don’t want to have your location.
I have the Explorer+, can’t speak for the mini.