In Reach Alternatives

[grahambiel]

Who uses something other than the inreach/inreach mini as a satellite communicator? I was looking at outdoor gear lab reviews for some potentially less expensive alternatives since I wouldn't be using it super frequently except in the fall and there seem to be some interesting options (somewhere global and zoleo, particularly). However, one concern that i have with going with a smaller company is, if the company doesn't make it, you're SOL and may end up having to buy a garmin anyway.

What's everyone using and what was your reasoning?

 

[LRHunter]

Not much to choose from these days since Garmin bought DeLorme. I've seen a product called Bivy Stick but I've not used it. I personally love my Inreach mini.

 

[lfcfan9494]

I use an Inreach. I figure that if I'm going to spend the money on something that I am going to rely on in case of an emergency, I might as well buy the best product I can. Saving a bit of money isn't worth it if the product doesn't work when you need it most. I'm not saying that the Inreach is the only product that works, but it appears to be the most reliable one on the market.

That being said, I don't have experience with any other similar products. I'm sure other people can chime in with more varied experiences.

 

[GPATTI]

I use an Inreach. I figure that if I'm going to spend the money on something that I am going to rely on in case of an emergency, I might as well buy the best product I can. Saving a bit of money isn't worth it if the product doesn't work when you need it most. I'm not saying that the Inreach is the only product that works, but it appears to be the most reliable one on the market.

That being said, I don't have experience with any other similar products. I'm sure other people can chime in with more varied experiences.

X2

 

[deerhunter628]

I use an Inreach. I figure that if I'm going to spend the money on something that I am going to rely on in case of an emergency, I might as well buy the best product I can. Saving a bit of money isn't worth it if the product doesn't work when you need it most. I'm not saying that the Inreach is the only product that works, but it appears to be the most reliable one on the market.

That being said, I don't have experience with any other similar products. I'm sure other people can chime in with more varied experiences.

X3

 

[deerhunter628]

I actually still use the Delorme one. It still works great and you can buy them cheaper. The plans cost the same but the units are cheaper.

 

[WildernessLocals]

I use the inReach mini after trying a slough of others. Spot messenger left me high and dry a few times.

 

[Mikedlaw]

You can find a used Delorme inreach for around $150. That's what I did, and it works great. You can do the cheapest plan for about $15 a month and only activate it for the months you need it.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Highhuntin]

I have been debating the same thing looking at bivystick and the mini, one thing I have read is the mini is spotty when messaging at@t FYI

 

[beforethehunt]

Looking to buy an in reach


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Underpar]

How are the GPS functions on the In Reach? Or are you using it primarily for communication and sticking with OnX or Basemap?

 

[Swamppirate]

Zoleo

 

[Middleofnowhere]

I actually still use the Delorme one. It still works great and you can buy them cheaper. The plans cost the same but the units are cheaper.

The DeLorme was made in USA, Garmin fired everyone there, then they move production to China
The zoleo looks interesting, but probably made in China as well.

I also have an ACR PLB and EPIRB for my boat. I used to carry my PLB before the wife bought me the InReach. They are great units but you can’t message with them.

 

[gexpro]

gps city had inreach minis onsale for 240, i grabbed one. although other options are out there, for the price and what you get; garmin has some of the best and bombproof.

could also look into SPOT, or bivvy stick.

 

[gexpro]

How are the GPS functions on the In Reach? Or are you using it primarily for communication and sticking with OnX or Basemap?

garmin still has a long way to go when it comes to detailed topos. I suggest using the inreach as a primary communication device, and also use it to drop pins or markers when out and about.
I personally use google earth, and OnX a lot during scouting season.

 

[hikenhunt]

I started with a Spot Messenger, which had some issues, and switched to an Inreach Mini. I have no reason to turn back or look for another alternative.

 

[IAMike304]

I started with a Spot Messenger, which had some issues, and switched to an Inreach Mini. I have no reason to turn back or look for another alternative.

What issues did you see with your SPOT? I have one that I have been using for a few years, and havent had any issues yet.

 

[groganslayer]

Anyone have experience with the Mini and the fullsize? What would i be missing by getting the mini. Would only be used for messaging and emergency location. I use Onx for all else maps and such

 

[gexpro]

Anyone have experience with the Mini and the fullsize? What would i be missing by getting the mini. Would only be used for messaging and emergency location. I use Onx for all else maps and such

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.

 

[hikenhunt]

What issues did you see with your SPOT? I have one that I have been using for a few years, and havent had any issues yet.

I had multiple messages not go through even when looking at clear skies over the course of several trips, somewhere between 0-2 a trip. I had the Spot 2 or maybe 3 so I didn't have two-way communication either and I didn't have confirmation of message sent. I only found out about the failed messages after I returned home. The final straw was a 4 day trip when NO (zero) messages went through. I got home to my wife that was worried sick the whole time and was ready to call it in herself. I called up Spot and they said their satellite system was down for a few days and messages didn't work during that time and asked if I wanted a 25% discount on next years renewal fee (which had more than doubled since I had gotten it). Goodbye!