After my recent extra stay in bwca due to winds I am trying to figure out what to do. Ordering a sat phone online for the week is not expensive. But after a certain point it would be smarter to buy a comm device for coverage. My question. Should I stay with just renting a good cell phone couple times a year, or purchase something that won’t break the bank but works. I’m open to what is working for you all. I’d be happy with something I can’t text back and forth that has gps positioning just in case. Thanks in advance for your input.

So just to clarify, you are looking to stick with a sat phone so you can talk and not a texting device like a a Garmin Inreach? I’m guessing where you wrote cell phone you meant sat phone, right? Cell phones don’t work in much of the BWCA.

Yes. Sat phone.

I am looking to see if anyone has use with a texting device like a Garmin that works and doesn’t cost $500

I used an ACR PLB for a few years, then last year changed to a Garmin Inreach Mini. I have no interest in staying connected or checking in, but did want to be able to send a message like “strong winds. Think I’ll stay a few extra days”, or to be able to communicate details in an emergency. It was about $350, but I think I got it for 20% off at REI semiannual sale. Of course, like any sat communicator there are subscription fees. I like that the Mini can be used stand alone (though it is slow to type on), or paired with a phone for easier texting. There are a number of detailed threads about them, but Here is a good one.

The fairly new Spot X is sort of similar, but uses a different satellite system. It cost less, and the reviews have been a bit varied where I’ve looked. Others may have more scoop.

I’ll add that it is my impression that most people here on this forum who want some form of satellite communication use either a Gamin, Spot, or ACR PLB for emergencies. I’m sure a few own sat phones, but I don’t think that is as common. That’s just my impression.

Check out ZOLEO, the unit seem competitively priced, with reasonable text messaging plans.

Garmin Inreach has always worked great for me

Jezbo: "I am looking to see if anyone has use with a texting device like a Garmin that works and doesn’t cost $500"

I have the garmin 66i and I used it last year and love it. Does not meet your budget, but I think there are cheaper versions.

Other than cars, and canoes...I never rent anything.

Here is a little episode that occured on my canoe trip in late June this year.

As I was approaching Minneapolis on by drive from Texas, I noticed that my car A/C wasn't cooling very well, in fact the outside temp was a tad cooler than inside my car. Since I was meeting others in Minneapolis and riding the rest of the way to the put-in, I thought I see if I could get an auto service place to get my A/C working again. So I dropped it off and indicated that I would text them to check on progress. They only had to reply to my text to reach me.

Long story short, during my trip I shared several texts aimed at effecting the repair. When done, I texted my wife with the phone number of the business with the "go ahead" to pay them. My car was fixed and ready to go when I returned to Minneapolis.

All of this unplanned back-and-forth communication was done with a Garmin inReach mini that was paired via bluetooth to my cell phone.

While I purchased the device to send periodic messages home that I was "still kicking", beyond that I also used the device to do some navigation (supplied via a free Garmin app for my cell phone) and get periodic weather reports.

The Garmin mini runs about $350 as a standard price, but you can sometimes find them on sale. (I bought mine post-Christmas through Amazon for about $310.) You will also need an annual subscription (less than $50) and a service plan (various options) which may be set-up on a month-to-month basis so you can tailor your fees to level of use.

No regrets here!

dd

TechnoScout: "

Jezbo: "I am looking to see if anyone has use with a texting device like a Garmin that works and doesn’t cost $500"

I have the garmin 66i and I used it last year and love it. Does not meet your budget, but I think there are cheaper versions.


Other than cars, and canoes...I never rent anything."

There is always a chance of finding a used one in good condition.

+1 for InReach Mini. New coat usually $349. Monthly subscription option. Texting ability. SOS ability. Tiny and extremely lightweight. Link to cell phone optional but not necessary for any functionality. I just purchased my InReach Mini this season after renting Satellite Phones and SPOT devices for many years. I wish I would have purchased sooner. Compared to renting, it pays for itself in a few years.

While planning my solo trip for this past month, my wife insisted that I take an SOS device. I looked at renting a basic SPOT, but did not like the fact that I could not communicate my problem to the rescuers: they would know if it was a heart attack, a broken leg or a moose stomped on my canoe!
I ended up buying a Garmin GPSMAP66i when REI had it on sale at $499. It was a bit over my budget, but some of our properties in the Blue Ridge Mountains are off the cellphone grid, so I look at it as a safety device there too.
I used the texting communications and weather service while in the BWCA and approve of the speed of the Iridium satellite system. I also used the GPS and it was interesting to see how far I had travelled on a given day. I am generally a low tech guy, but this device will be on going with me as part of my kit as I travel.
I know it is not a SATPHONE, but it is a viable method for communication and far less expensive than the phone.

I also have a Garmin inReach Mini. Very happy with it. I even wrote a short review of it if you want to check that out. Unlike some of the other Garmin devices, I think messaging/SOS is the primary function of the Mini, and GPS is secondary.

Also it isn't hard to find a Mini used for $50-100 off the price new. I bought mine here off another forum member.

I bought a spot. It was on sale for $200. I purchased the cheapest yearly plan.
I have used it on 4 trips and have had good success. It’s plans are cheaper
Than the Inreach and I get plenty of free messages. Living in northern Minnesota
It’s a good backup to the cell phone when I am in the no zone, no cell coverage.

Garmin Inreach mini for me. plenty of communication with the family, they can track me, weather forecasts, navigation if I want. It has everything you need and does it all pretty well. Light easy to use, probably not the cheapest option but it's reasonable.

Another Garmin Inreach Mini fan. Been using it for three seasons with zero regrets.

In your case you need a Garmin InReach Explorer plus unit. It is a stand alone unit that can send and receive text messages and emails. It also has a GPS function that is workable. I really like the fact that I can also get a weather forecast. You can turn off the service plan when you are not using it, like in the winter.

dentondoc: "Here is a little episode that occured on my canoe trip in late June this year.


As I was approaching Minneapolis on by drive from Texas, I noticed that my car A/C wasn't cooling very well, in fact the outside temp was a tad cooler than inside my car. Since I was meeting others in Minneapolis and riding the rest of the way to the put-in, I thought I see if I could get an auto service place to get my A/C working again. So I dropped it off and indicated that I would text them to check on progress. They only had to reply to my text to reach me.


Long story short, during my trip I shared several texts aimed at effecting the repair. When done, I texted my wife with the phone number of the business with the "go ahead" to pay them. My car was fixed and ready to go when I returned to Minneapolis.


All of this unplanned back-and-forth communication was done with a Garmin inReach mini that was paired via bluetooth to my cell phone.


While I purchased the device to send periodic messages home that I was "still kicking", beyond that I also used the device to do some navigation (supplied via a free Garmin app for my cell phone) and get periodic weather reports.


The Garmin mini runs about $350 as a standard price, but you can sometimes find them on sale. (I bought mine post-Christmas through Amazon for about $310.) You will also need an annual subscription (less than $50) and a service plan (various options) which may be set-up on a month-to-month basis so you can tailor your fees to level of use.


No regrets here!


dd


"

Great story! I have driven to BWCA from Texas four times...each time I worry about car trouble. Flying these days, however.

My brother and I both have InReach Explorers. The annual plan is cheap and we both only activate ours for the month(s) that we paddle in. It's nice having texting capabilities and weather forecasts. My family and friends also like the fact that they can follow me on a map, they always know where I am or where I have been. I generally send a text in the a.m alerting them that I am heading out on the water and another once I have stopped for the day.

I have the ZOLEO sat communicator which has texting and email capabilities. Bluetooths to your cell phone. I did use it once in an emergency situation for another group. You can send and receive texts and emails just like being on regular internet connections at home. Unit was $200 + a $40 activation fee, 3 different plans for amount of texts sent via satellite. After the first 3 months you can cancel the subscription when not in use, start again when you want. Can send just a “check in, I’m ok” (with location coord) if you want. Device has worked well for me and seemed reasonably priced.

TechnoScout: Great story! I have driven to BWCA from Texas four times...each time I worry about car trouble. Flying these days, however."

Yeah, well this was my first time flying up in about 8 years. I needed to see how the airlines would handle Covid before I crawl back into the tube again. As of this date, I'm still "flightless."

dd

Also use a Garmin InReach SE+ and have had good luck with it for checking in back home as well as getting a very accurate weather report. If you have a Costco membership they have them for $280, but the past couple springs they have offered a $60 discount, so you can get it for $220. Really good deal and you can type right on the unit (slow b/c you are using arrows) or can Bluetooth to a phone. Can also download satellite image maps to your phone for the area you'll be, which I find really helpful.

https://www.costco.com/garmin-inreach-se%2b-satellite-communicator.product.100419295.html

Jezbo: "I am looking to see if anyone has use with a texting device like a Garmin that works and doesn’t cost $500"

I got a used SpotX with keyboard, the kind that doesn't link up via bluetooth, for $125 on ebay. The flexible plan allows me to turn off coverage when not in use. Was able to text a DR friend for advice when daughter's ear went from fine to unbearable. Communicated with our kids' friends' parents that we'd be pulling out a day early so they could make plans. Worked perfectly for us

I somehow think a sat phone us in my future for wilderness trips. Or so my wife tells me.

After some looking. The ZOLEO is my choice for now. Will wait until Jan to see what new models come out. I’m looking for texting and cheap plan. And is $150 cheaper than mini and cheaper plan. My cell has navonics downloaded to give me exactly where I’m at for gps. I know that means that cell and someone need to be paired and working. But I’m not canoeing class 5 rapids. Thanks for all the input