Zoleo vs Inreach in Brooks Range

[Gooden123]

While these are on sale, I figured I'd ask what it's like getting a message to send in the Brooks Range with whatever device you have.

I currently have Zoleo and got it due to the much longer battery life vs the Mini 1 (at the time) and no real use for the display. Now I'm wondering about the battery life of mine being about 5 years old and heavily used in the ocean and Appalachians. Maybe time to upgrade before heading to Alaska. They both use the iridium network so I assume transmitting/receiving would be pretty identical. Let me know what you have and how it's served you in Alaska. Not opposed to switching to Garmin but I really have been happy with Zoleo

 

[Decker]

No experience with the garmin mini but had my 5yr old ZOLEO up there last fall and had zero issues. My ZOLEO doesn’t even hold a full charge anymore but work flawlessly.
I will say Iv considered switching to garmin many times but now with ZOLEO new plans allowing monthly subscriptions I see no need. I don’t have to have a display screen. The ZOLEO does everything I need to keep in touch or in case of emergency.

 

[Slugz]

Been running a Garmin in Colorado, Wyoming , Alaska and the Middle East for over 8 years now. Switched to the mini when it came out with zero issues at all. I was surprised at the battery life during the last AK trip. We only charged it once for a 14 day hunt. The new 30 day subscription is nice also and very easy to turn it on and off.

 

[Gooden123]

No experience with the garmin mini but had my 5yr old ZOLEO up there last fall and had zero issues. My ZOLEO doesn’t even hold a full charge anymore but work flawlessly.

Good to hear. The only reason I posted this is because I couldn't find much info at all on Zoleo by searching the page and I'm new to western hunting. I strictly use Zoleo in the Appalachians and I also offshore fish a lot so the ability to maintain the phone number for $4 over winter/spring is important. Otherwise I have to give the new number out to a bunch of other people when I reactivate. I haven't noticed any battery issues with mine but I leave it plugged in on the boat.

 

[Slugz]

Something else to consider is the standalone ability of the Inreach vs how much the Zoleo relies on the phone.

 

[Gooden123]

Something else to consider is the standalone ability of the Inreach vs how much the Zoleo relies on the phone.

Yeah that is the one thing I don't like but at the time of purchase, the extended battery life was more important. Especially since it has its own SOS button and I could still send pre typed check in messages. I believe location share would still work without a phone as well. I'm not dismissing it. I hate how much I've come reliant on a phone between OnX, Zoleo, etc. I believe rescue insurance is included with Garmin too which is something I need to consider. Zoleo doesn't even offer it to my knowledge

 

[Decker]

Something else to consider is the standalone ability of the Inreach vs how much the Zoleo relies on the phone.

Only rely on it if you want to txt. Still can send a check in message and sos if need be.

 

[Decker]

I believe rescue insurance is included with Garmin too which is something I need to consider. Zoleo doesn't even offer it to my knowledge

So ZOLEO I believe earlier this year has a 40$ one time payment for global response insurance

 

[Decker]

I’m not saying ZOLEO is the best choice, some ppl prefer garmin more. I just have no experience with their satellite communications.

 

[Hopapa]

Shouldn't have any problem with getting a connection with Zoleo up there, but if I could do it again with go with an Inreach to not need to rely on a phone.

 

[voluble77]

Shouldn't have any problem with getting a connection with Zoleo up there, but if I could do it again with go with an Inreach to not need to rely on a phone.

Have you found that it's more of a pain to use your phone with the Zoleo over the standalone Inreach? Just asking because I bought one recently due to the price of the unit and plans. It seemed a little better than Garmin.

 

[Gooden123]

Have you found that it's more of a pain to use your phone with the Zoleo over the standalone Inreach? Just asking because I bought one recently due to the price of the unit and plans. It seemed a little better than Garmin.

I never wrote messages from the device itself when I had the Inreach Mini. It's just so small and not practical. I'm sure you would use the app on your phone with either device.

I understand not wanting to rely on the phone but I use mine for navigation, Magview on the spotter, books at night...It's pretty unlikely I'm going to let my phone get compromised and if it does, I have my work phone powered off for backup. Even if something happens to both, I still have SOS on Zoleo and my family can still follow me on the app. They know if I'm moving, most likely all is well.

 

[voluble77]

Copy that. That's kind of what I was thinking since I used my phone for maps and everything as well. Thank you

 

[Hopapa]

Have you found that it's more of a pain to use your phone with the Zoleo over the standalone Inreach? Just asking because I bought one recently due to the price of the unit and plans. It seemed a little better than Garmin.

Honestly it's not that bad, just turn on the Zoleo unit and it auto connects to your phone. The app is easy to use, but like you I went the Zoleo route for the better pricing. You can still send an SOS with just the unit if your phone is dead, just wouldnt be able to message with responders about what the situation is like you could with an Inreach.

 

[Gooden123]

Copy that. That's kind of what I was thinking since I used my phone for maps and everything as well. Thank you

Oh along those lines, I suggest getting this. I'm not sure if Zoleo has a multi-directional antenna or not but this keeps it somewhat facing the sky if on your shoulder strap or whatever.

I've never had an issue just throwing it in the lid either.

https://www.rei.com/product/194834/zoleo-cradle-kit?sku=1948340001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890011383283&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=113743155981&CATCI=aud-1396942687915:pla-1213187915677&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_1948340001%7C1213187915677%7Cbrand_flag%7C7986037424&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7986037424&gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlxJbHdAgRiHJJ3VPQAEFBqKj&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmqPDBhCAARIsADorxIbfFPCdcGw89KxWdPPnKQF--G89eyGmbJwkxvZc-b2QZBhKi22ovCQaAn8mEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[voluble77]

Awesome, thank you! I've got some REI dollars I need to spend so this is perfect