In Reach Alternatives

[hikenhunt]

I've seen a few people post about Spot experiences like yours that haven't had any issues, but that certainly wasn't mine.

 

[Marbles]

Not familiar with all the options listed by Outdoorgearlab. I use an inReach mini and a PLB. In shopping around, look for something that uses the Iridium network such as the inReach. Iridium's LEO satellite network provides true global coverage. Globalstar's (what SPOT uses) is an equatorial geostationary satellite network, meaning the coverage drops off as you near the poles.

As for min vs Explorer. Besides the obvious map function. The Explorer has a much longer battery life and is a better communication tool. The mini automatically checks messages once an hour and once 10 minutes after you send a message. You can manually force a check, but you cannot change the default interval.

You can change the default check interval on the Explorer.

It also appears from my own test that when using the mini, even with tracking intervals set to every 10 minutes it only actually transmits once an hour, sending all six at the same time.

I contacted Garmin support about this to confirm and they where not able to give me an answer, so I played with it myself.

For my use the mini is fine. However it is worth being aware of the functional changes (which are implemented to prolong battery life) so one can know what to expect.

 

[groganslayer]

i have had both. i am currently running the mini. the only thing you will be missing from the explore+ to the mini is the capability of have a topo map and a bit larger screen for messages.

The mini + bluetooth to phone is the best combo imo.


Awesome, thank you for the reply!]