Satellite Communicators

[No_Murphy]

What satellite communicator do you use? I am sure most people use the garmin inreach, but I am wondering if something like zoleo is just as good. Just wondering if it's worth the extra few hundred dollars for the inreach or will something cheaper work just as good. Another add-on question, would a garmin gpsmap or something similar be better than the inreach? If I am going to spend the money on the inreach, would it be better to also have the capability of maps on the device rather than using an app on your phone.

 

[LCguy]

I like my Spot. Virtually indestructible, bigger than an InReach but I've had zero issues with it.

 

[daveofiowa]

I've had a Garmin Inreach Mini since 2021, it has been a great unit for my trips. I like that I can use my phone or the unit itself for texting, weather, maps. Thru hiking the Black Hills, Ouachita Trail, BWCA canoe trips, other hiking and adventure trips, not always the fastest based upon terrain and weather, but it has always worked. I keep it in the truck when not on an adventure in case I end up in a situation where it could be needed.

I have rented satellite phones for canoe trips prior to 2021, I am happier with the texting and appreciate the added features and reliability over the phones that were rented. I haven't used any other texting devices so I cannot compare the Inreach Mini to any of the other texting devices out there.

I would happily purchase the Mini2 if I needed to replace my current device. I would like to get all of my power using items onto USB-C at some point.

 

[SDHNTR]

IMO, they are fast becoming obsolete with iPhone sat messaging.

 

[Tbone26]

IMO, they are fast becoming obsolete with iPhone sat messaging.

Agreed, my last two hunts I didn't even turn my InReach on. I'm not ready to quite carrying the InReach but it's starting to cross my mind. Has anyone here used the SOS function on an iPhone in a real emergency?

 

[yfarm]

Would hold off on using your iphone as a last chance source of communications until apple switches from globalstar to starlink as their satellite connection. Globalstar has a long history of spotty coverage when you need it with their satellite phones. Never understood why apple chose them over iridium.

 

[NVbowhunter05]

I have been using a zoleo since they came out, I switched from a garmin. Works great and hasnt let me down yet.

 

[Niquels]

I use the Garmin Inreach Explorer. I bought it REI on sale for the same price as the mini. The main reason I went with Explorer was for the larger battery and longer times between charging. It's worked flawlessly for me. I use it with the Earthmate App on my phone, it makes texting and operating a whole lot easier. There are some limitations with texting, 140 character length, but with the newer versions you can now send pictures and audio. With Garmin you're eligible for SAR insurance. I get the $100,000 option. It's $40 a year. I've not had to use it, but I've read about others that have and a helicopter ride to the hospital is typically ~$50,000.

I've used the iPhone satellite comm function. It's not difficult to use but the Inreach is easier. Eventually Apple will start charging for satellite texting. Garmin changed the billing plans this year. Previously I could turn my service on and off. Not anymore, now I pay $8 a month for pay as you go, 50 cents per message, no charge for SOS.

If you're out in the boonies by yourself a lot I'd recommend using it. I started using 6 years ago and it's always worked for me.

 

[Matt5266]

I carry lifeflight insurance and a zoleo everytime I go in the mountains. I dig the zoleo

 

[Jordan Budd]

I've used the inReach mini the most, but just upgraded to the Messenger plus which allows you to send and receive pictures. I'll do a little write up on how I like it after I've used it. It was expensive but the photo sharing was important to me as we'll have a new kid for the fall. We also tried Zoleo and it was unreliable for us, sometimes we'd get messages and sometimes they wouldn't send or receive. The Garmin devices have all been reliable for us.

 

[Niquels]

... would it be better to also have the capability of maps on the device rather than using an app on your phone.

I like having the Inreach Explorer as a stand alone redundant device. It works pretty good, but the iPhone Apps are a whole lot easier to use than manipulating the buttons on the Inreach. The iPhone map App I use most is the Avenza because the National Forest Service and BLM maps are free. For the weather, I consider Inreach weather reports a must have.

 

[paulgibbs01]

I have had a garmin inreach for 6 years and have been very satisfied with it. This bear season because of the new iPhone update I canceled my subscription. The iPhone satellite connection is extremely spotty at least here in Montana. I attempted to use it 8 or so times throughout the season and only 2 times it would actually connect and work for a message. Because of that I’m going back to the inreach for awhile until apple is able to make improvements. I am cautioning folks because it makes me nervous for the fact of injury or bear attack when I truly need connection without fail.

 

[JJMarsh]

What satellite communicator do you use? I am sure most people use the garmin inreach, but I am wondering if something like zoleo is just as good. Just wondering if it's worth the extra few hundred dollars for the inreach or will something cheaper work just as good. Another add-on question, would a garmin gpsmap or something similar be better than the inreach? If I am going to spend the money on the inreach, would it be better to also have the capability of maps on the device rather than using an app on your phone.

The GPSMAP 66i (which has inReach) is overkill unless you’re doing serious off-grid navigation. For most hunters/hikers, an inReach Mini paired with your phone (Gaia GPS or OnX) is lighter and more versatile. The touchscreen on standalone GPS units can be clumsy with gloves.

 

[voluble77]

I bought a Zoleo about a month ago since it was on sale. Right now until the end of July they are doing 20% off activation. I went with Zoleo because it seems a little cheaper than Garmin and I'm anticipating more cell phones will have satellite comms.