Hey everyone, I am looking at the possibility of getting some type of satellite messenger/GPS to use on my trips to keep my wife calm and happy, we are expecting our first child this fall. I’m not familiar with all the fancy electronics that are on the market nowadays, so I’m hoping someone can help me out here. Just wanting to get a device that I can use to check in with her every night to know that I’m safe.

I would like something a bit more than the basic SPOT trackers that I know outfitters rent out that simply ping your location, but other than that I’m not sure what other features are available or necessary. Thanks.

The Garmin inReach mini is great. I have it set up so I can send messages to people with preset messages (ie "I made it to camp") and they can even send you a reply back that they received it. There is also a pretty detailed hourly weather forecast report you can get that is helpful (Includes hourly for the next 24 hours then the following days it gives you a few points throughout the day). Wait for the REI anniversary sale in May and you should be able to get it like $100 off, well at least it has been like that in the past.

Congrats on the new addition to your family!

I use the garmin inreach explorer and it works great for me. Messaging, weather, maps, and the sos features are all included. I upload my anticipated route, add a number to name campsites, and insert rods into the portages. I don't really use it for navigation but do consult it from time to time. I track my routes and my family can follow along. The texting option has preset messages and also allows you to write messages although it is clunky. The weather option works for my needs but I wish it had a few changes...like adding thunder/lightening. The subscription fee is expensive, in my opinion. Battery life is a big plus as it doesn't use a lot of juice. I do recommend it and mine works great for me.

Good luck with your search. There are a lot of youtube reviews out there comparing multiple devices.

^To expand a bit–
Before your trip, you can compose a limited number of "preset" messages addressed to specific contacts. You may send an unlimited number of those messages (which can also include your location) at no additional cost to your plan.

Weather forecasts, messages that you compose on the fly and any replies received DO count against your monthly quota (Garmin offers several subscription levels). https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461/pn/010-06000-SU

My main gripe is the annual and activation fees Garmin charges on top of the monthly rate. Something to consider if you only intend to use the service a few times a year. Otherwise, solid devices. A few months back a buddy of mine was car camping out in California when a tree fell on his truck–pinning him and crushing his phone. If he hadn't had his inReach, eh, in-reach, he likely wouldn't have survived.

We've been using an inReach mini for several years now. It keeps an emergency contact (for our family members) informed as to where we are and how we're doing. It lets that contact, usually our daughter, let us know if we need to make an early exit for some family issue. And, should some health issue or accident arise, it lets us make an SOS contact. We've found that rentals work better for us than buying a satellite messenger and maintaining an annual subscription. We've rented from an outfitter in Ely as well as from a business that gets the unit to us via FedEx.

TZ

You may want to just rent an In reach this year as changes are on the horizon. Quallcom is providing chips to cell phone companies that allow the cell phone to text through satellites when out of regular cell service. Costs to use is still unknown. Global Star, Star link and Iridium satellite companies are all on board.

My InReach mini arrived yesterday. Purchased at the request of my fiancé who is worried about my pseudo-geriatric (61) solo tripping. I’ve been playing with the new toy and I like it. Does everything previously mentioned. The activation and subscription costs are negligible when compared to all the other “adventure “ stuff I buy and, it gives her peace (me too). My only concern is the disparity between size of the unit and the size of my hands… it’s tiny.

Marten: "You may want to just rent an In reach this year as changes are on the horizon. Quallcom is providing chips to cell phone companies that allow the cell phone to text through satellites when out of regular cell service. Costs to use is still unknown. Global Star, Star link and Iridium satellite companies are all on board."

Agreed. Good point. I've had my garmin explorer for half a dozen years. My next device for these purposes will likely be incorporated into my phone.

Big Paul,
I've been using a Garmin InReach mini for about 3 years now.
I pair it with my smartphone to compose messages home to
let the wife, and daughter, know that I'm OK.
As a side note I had to punch the SOS button last Sept. and got
a reply within 5 minutes asking what the emergency was. After
a few back and forths with teh Emergency personel the told me
that a floatplane from Ely was "on the way with a pilot and med tech.
BTW I'm 77 now. I apparently had fallen into some rocks. I don't
remember anything about the fall but when I became aware again
I was standing, had a lot of pain in my head and was bleeding out
of my left ear. Also my right eye was closing up rapidly.
I was getting my canoe packed up to get underway again that morning
and called out to Steve for help. By the time he got me back up
to the campsite Things were getting worse and Iwe determined that
I would not be able to get out under my own power so I punched
the SOS button. BTW this was at Iron Lake in the BWCAW and They
had me back at the Sea Plane base in Ely within an hour. I was sent down
to a Trauma Center in Duluth by ambulance that early afternoon.
2 days in the ICU with two Skull fractures and a big gash on the back
of my head ( 7 staples to close up). Internal bleed in my skull so they
were worried about pressure on my brain. 3 more days in a regular
ward before they woud release me. Wife drove me home after flying
up to Duluth with my daughter.
My wife and Daughter were on my Emergency call list and the pilot
told me that the daughter was calling them before the float plane
even took off.
All in all I would say that the InReach mini was worth every penny.
Even though I absolutely never thought I would be calling for an SOS
pickup. I just bought it so I could communicate with my wife, other than
the prerecorded "I'm OK" messages that I used to send with the SPOT
Gen 3 device that I had used previously.
Larry
ps; I was also sorry that I put my wife and daughter through all that
anxiety. But that being said I have another trip planned for mid Aug.
this year.

I have had a Garmin Inreach mini for several years and have been satisfied with it. I have used it to send an no additional cost preset OK message each day to my wife, daughters, and siblings who have been instructed not to reply. Replies count as custom messages and charged the same. I have used the basic plan and only activated when I needed it. Sharing it on the mapshare site reports my location, but I have not used tracking otherwise. I have used the weather reports (both levels). I have not used the SOS. I have used it as long as 18 days and have used less than 50% of battery.

Here is something I came across last night for those who have had an Inreach for a while.

He has several videos about the units that you will find useful. I will continue using my Inreach vs. a phone for the primary reasons he notes - weatherproofness and ruggedness. Battery life will arguably be better than phones, an important consideration in an emergency. The cost of the plan is immaterial in time of need for SOS.

Another vote for the Garmin InReach Mini. I have one, and like it. As other have noted typing on it is clunky at best, but you can prewrite messages or pair it with your phone via Bluetooth so you can type your messages on that instead. I don't worry about the price. For something that can save my life, I'm happy to pay the fees.

I went with a SpotX - which has a blackberry-style keyboard and options for group messages. I think there is some navigating functions but I don't use it for that. Battery charge is the biggest pain on this device, though it has worked very well for years.

You may want to look into Zoleo - that's on my wish list for this year. Small, light, compact, and interfaces with bluetooth to your phone for a text message feel on both ends through their app. Can also hit SOS directly from device. Long battery life. $200. Reasonable plans.

LarrySw45: "Big Paul,
I've been using a Garmin InReach mini for about 3 years now.
I pair it with my smartphone to compose messages home to
let the wife, and daughter, know that I'm OK.
As a side note I had to punch the SOS button last Sept. and got
a reply within 5 minutes asking what the emergency was. After
a few back and forths with teh Emergency personel the told me
that a floatplane from Ely was "on the way with a pilot and med tech.
BTW I'm 77 now. I apparently had fallen into some rocks. I don't
remember anything about the fall but when I became aware again
I was standing, had a lot of pain in my head and was bleeding out
of my left ear. Also my right eye was closing up rapidly.
I was getting my canoe packed up to get underway again that morning
and called out to Steve for help. By the time he got me back up
to the campsite Things were getting worse and Iwe determined that
I would not be able to get out under my own power so I punched
the SOS button. BTW this was at Iron Lake in the BWCAW and They
had me back at the Sea Plane base in Ely within an hour. I was sent down
to a Trauma Center in Duluth by ambulance that early afternoon.
2 days in the ICU with two Skull fractures and a big gash on the back
of my head ( 7 staples to close up). Internal bleed in my skull so they
were worried about pressure on my brain. 3 more days in a regular
ward before they woud release me. Wife drove me home after flying
up to Duluth with my daughter.
My wife and Daughter were on my Emergency call list and the pilot
told me that the daughter was calling them before the float plane
even took off.
All in all I would say that the InReach mini was worth every penny.
Even though I absolutely never thought I would be calling for an SOS
pickup. I just bought it so I could communicate with my wife, other than
the prerecorded "I'm OK" messages that I used to send with the SPOT
Gen 3 device that I had used previously.
Larry
ps; I was also sorry that I put my wife and daughter through all that
anxiety. But that being said I have another trip planned for mid Aug.
this year."

Larry,
I always wondered what the response time would be like if one of us ever needed to activate an SOS. Thanks for the detailed explanation of your experience. Whether buying or renting, I suspect each person on this thread agrees that satellite communication is worth every penny should the unexpected happen. Our ages also start with '7', and this makes friends and family feel better while we're out of cell range. Hope you're planning another trip soon, and that your inReach SOS button is never pressed again.

TZ

decent article: Satellite Communicators

I use to carry a Spot gene for my wife's peace of mind, but thinking of going to a Zoleo. It is only some time before your cell will work everywhere. May not like it but sure will kill the satellite communicator market.

I prefer a unit that doesn't require me to pair my phone to operate it. I don't want to be using my phone in the middle of a lake or in crappy weather. I'd rather it be safely stowed. Also, it can be difficult to read a phone screen in bright sunny conditions.

Obviously if your intention is just to have this unit operating passively all day and you just pair in the evening in controlled conditions, this may not be a consideration for you.

Some, if not most, have an SOS button on the device. I'm sure I'm in the group that would just message at end of day if at all. But good point to consider.

I used to carry a Spot X. Now I carry a Sat phone. The monthly plan I am on is $45 per month and the phone was free after one year. Has an SOS button on the phone. The reason I went with this is that incoming calls that go to voice mail don't count towards the minutes. If my family needs to get hold of me they can leave a voice mail and I can call them back. And if I have to push the SOS button I want the ability to explain to my wife and son what is going on, as opposed to them getting an "SOS button activated" warning from the Spot.

I have Garmin Inreach Explorer +. I am happy with it. When I got it I didn't realize you could use it for car trouble when you are out of cell phone range. That is permissible. I was surprised how many activations Garmin has handled for the car trouble out of cell phone range issue. On the new Apple phones that is also a permissible activation. So it is more than a medical emergency device.

My wife and I purchased the Garmin Inreach Mini 2 last week. After much consideration of the current offerings on the market, we settled on the Inreach Mini 2 for the following reasons:

1. Has an interactive screen which allows the user to interact with the device without having to use a separate device (smartphone).
2. Has a robust app to allow the user easier interaction with the device and associated services.
3. Garmin's trip planning website is easy to use if you want to program waypoints prior to the trip.
4. Includes the ability to request weather forecasting.
5. Garmin has an established reputation for quality products.
6. Pricing plans are comptetitive with or better than those for other devices.

The Mini 2 and other products also share abilities that we wanted, such as GPS and the function to send location data to others. #1 in the list above is the single most important reason we chose the Mini 2. When you're in the backcountry, your gear needs to just work.

Ultimately we decided that the additional cost of the Mini 2 ($400) versus other devices such as the Zoleo ($200), at the time of writing this post, was not a concern.

Everyone will have their own opinions and planned use for these devices. Good luck fulfilling yours.

I own a Zoleo. I bought it on sale for $150 last year. Allows texting both ways if paired with a cell phone. Has all the same bells and whistles the other brands have. Plans are cheap and you can put your monthly plan into hibernation when you are not using it for $5 a month. The account stays active so you don't have to start from scratch when you want to use it again.

https://www.zoleo.com/en-us
Tom

IowaFishinGuy: "Hey everyone, I am looking at the possibility of getting some type of satellite messenger/GPS to use on my trips to keep my wife calm and happy, we are expecting our first child this fall. I’m not familiar with all the fancy electronics that are on the market nowadays, so I’m hoping someone can help me out here. Just wanting to get a device that I can use to check in with her every night to know that I’m safe.

I would like something a bit more than the basic SPOT trackers that I know outfitters rent out that simply ping your location, but other than that I’m not sure what other features are available or necessary. Thanks."

I'm thinking of selling my SpotX with keyboard (cheap!) and getting a Zoleo. If you are interested, let me know (stimm@iastate.edu). I live in Decorah and travel around the state a lot for work. Given your name, we may be close.

tumblehome: "I own a Zoleo. I bought it on sale for $150 last year. Allows texting both ways if paired with a cell phone. Has all the same bells and whistles the other brands have. Plans are cheap and you can put your monthly plan into hibernation when you are not using it for $5 a month. The account stays active so you don't have to start from scratch when you want to use it again.


https://www.zoleo.com/en-us
Tom"

+1

I am super happy with my Zoleo. I had no intention of wanting to be connected all the time but this gives me a chance to keep my wife in the loop if we are wind delayed and obviously a emergency we can reach help. I paid $150 and monthly charges are only $20. You can postpone ($4 month) or cancel and start up for the trip but then you have to pay a activation fee. I have just be putting mine on hold. It was good because I fired it back up for 2 other trips. I also feel better with my kids along knowing I have some line for help....

Super easy set up and use. I was a long time Garmin user but I hate their interface for any updates etc. It maybe that I am a apple user but it never works, and by never I mean for 3 different GPSs over 15 years.

I forgot Zoleo is also in the Iridium network like Garmin. This has better coverage than SPOT.

mags459: "I forgot Zoleo is also in the Iridium network like Garmin. This has better coverage than SPOT. "

If you're going above above the artic circle, this might be an issue, but Globalstar has replaced their satellites and I don't think there is any lack of coverage in BWCA/Quetico. My Spot has always worked fine.

I have used a inReach mini since I started solo paddling. Initially I took it because I was required to, but on longer trips I really enjoyed a quick evening update with home. Plus, tracking, maps, SOS and the weather features are all nice. One tip: You have to make sure you put your contact information in while at home to create a list of people to send messages to them.

I went with the Garmin Inreach Explorer + unit. I like the fact it is a stand alone unit that does not need a cell phone to work, although you can use your cell phone if you have it charged. I also got the year round service.

I also use the Garmin Inreach Explorer + and love it. I like the texting ability, downloaded maps, and weather forecasts. I'm also one of those guys that does not like to rely on my cell phone when I am out there for the reasons mentioned above (ruggedness, waterproofness, and battery life). About a month ago I misplaced it in my house and thought I lost it. I was prepared to buy another one regardless of cost. Luckily, out of a stroke of luck, I found it.

BigPaul: "My InReach mini arrived yesterday. Purchased at the request of my fiancé who is worried about my pseudo-geriatric (61) solo tripping. I’ve been playing with the new toy and I like it. Does everything previously mentioned. The activation and subscription costs are negligible when compared to all the other “adventure “ stuff I buy and, it gives her peace (me too). My only concern is the disparity between size of the unit and the size of my hands… it’s tiny."

If you use in conjunction with your phone it’s a lot easier to use. The two way messaging is a great feature.

OMGitsKa: "The Garmin inReach mini is great. I have it set up so I can send messages to people with preset messages (ie "I made it to camp") and they can even send you a reply back that they received it. There is also a pretty detailed hourly weather forecast report you can get that is helpful (Includes hourly for the next 24 hours then the following days it gives you a few points throughout the day). Wait for the REI anniversary sale in May and you should be able to get it like $100 off, well at least it has been like that in the past. "

Bought one last year and really like it. By using the app on my phone it makes two way messaging a breeze.

I’ve heard rumors of large charges for extricating someone for an emergency. Just curious as to any experience you may have had with that if any.

scramble4a5: "I’ve heard rumors of large charges for extricating someone for an emergency. Just curious as to any experience you may have had with that if any."

Depends where you are. For legitimate emergencies, not in BWCA or Quetico, nor national parks. Regular rescues here in Adirondacks but no costs. This is basically from wilderness to somewhere an ambulance can transport you if necessary. The ambulance costs would be same if from your home or a highway, etc.

A few areas have a fee, a registration, like $25 or $50. Iirc Colorado and New Hampshire are two. If you are registered, your wilderness evac is paid for. In fact, I'm not sure these entities have actually charged or collected from the unregistered.

More areas are pushing to charge when the rescue is result of negligence - like a winter rescue and you're not dressed for freezing temps. You go without water, naps, compass, etc., they might try to charge you. Again, Im not sure they have successfully collected.

Outside of Us and Canada, I don't know.

scramble4a5: "I’ve heard rumors of large charges for extricating someone for an emergency. Just curious as to any experience you may have had with that if any."

This video will interest you.

I was not charged anything for my rescue/flight out by a USFS Float Plane,pilot
and med tech. delivered to the Seaplane base on Shagawa Lake in Ely from Iron
Lake.
My memory of events that morning, Sept 19th, is a bit fuzzy due to the head
injuries but I remember hearing the pilot say that there was no charge for the rescue.
I did buy the Search and Rescue Insurance that Garmin offers but I don't know if'that applied to a USFS Operation.
I still have no memory of what happened. That's just a blank space in my memory
banks. I know that I had put my canoe in the water that morning getting ready to
load up and go. Steve and I were both in solo canoes and he was about 100 ft.
away in camp still packing up. My next memory is of standing near my canoe
with a terrific pain in my head. I called for Steve to come down and help me and
then sat down on a big rock. With his help I got back up to camp and sat down.
I had a big gash in the back of my head that was bleeding profusely. My right eye
was starting to swell shut rapidly, I was dizzy and nauseated but didn't vomit.
Also bleeding out of my inner left ear. We came to the conclusion that none of
this was any good and I would not be able to get out under my own power and
it was getting worse. I wrapped and ace bandage and gauze around my head to
stop the bleeding there and stuck something in my ear to stop that bleeding.
I don't remember getting my InReach out or my phone but I did and punched the SOS button. The SOS button has a cover that must be opened and you have to
jold the bitton down for some time. I don't remember how long but it worked.
Garmin's Emergency Services got back to me by text within 5 minutes asking
questions about the "emergency". I described my symptoms and injuries and
they soon replied that a plane was on the way. That probably didn't take longer
than 10 minutes. Now I really don't remember just how long it took from there but
Ely in only about 20 air miles away, I measured that on a map, and it was not long before I could see the Beaver circling Iron Lake.
This is getting too long.
Short version:
The landed, the EMT examined me, determined that I did need an evac, loaded
me in the plane with my two packs and took off to Ely and the ER there. Had to
leave the canoe there but that's another story. Steve was left there to get out
on his own.
Two skull fractures, right orbital and left temporal. Gash on the back of my head
that took 7 staples to close. Bleeding on the brain causing pressure.
After they got me stabilized I was loaded into an ambulance to a Trauma Center
in Duluth. 2 days in the ICU and 3 days in a regular ward before they would release me.
I do remember the pilot telling me that Garmin had notified my Emergency
contacts, wife and daughter, and that my daughter had called before the plane
even took off. Both of them later told me that they didn't answer their phones
because they didn't recognize the calling numbers but Garmin kept trying and
they finally did answer and got the news.
I think I reached the Max. Out of Pocket charges, about $4,000, with United
Health Care for all the other treatment but the was no charge for the
Med Evac flight.
Larry

scramble4a5: "I’ve heard rumors of large charges for extricating someone for an emergency. Just curious as to any experience you may have had with that if any."

boonie: "

scramble4a5: "I’ve heard rumors of large charges for extricating someone for an emergency. Just curious as to any experience you may have had with that if any."

This video will interest you."

Thanks. That was informative.