Good morning,

Without getting into the philosophy of whether or not to have one, for those of you who do have one which one would you recommend?

I would like one that can contact my family when needed.

A weather report is nice but not required.

SOS I know it’s built into all of them.

Tracking is nice as well.

So what are your recommendations?

CanoeViking

My top two choices are Somewear and Zoleo. For most people, the Zoleo is probably my recommendation if you put a gun to my head and told me to pick only one as a blanket recommendation. I personally chose the Somewear for just some specific reasons (that I don't even fully recall anymore; I just know it was very carefully considered and a close call). I'd be plenty happy if I had chosen the Zoleo, though.

I have an old Delorme inReach Explorer, who is now part of garmin and works the same as a New garmin inreach device. I purchased it used about 4 years ago for around $200. It older but does everything you are looking for, I pair it via bluetooth to my android and can use my phone for texting or tracking. It does have weather updates if you choose that in your monthly subscription. I do like the device and find the battery to be very good even while using tracking points every 10 mins. Pricing is the cost of the device, + a one year renewal cost of $25, and then a monthly subscription which vary in price based ($15,$35,$65)on if you want just a few text messages or want to do tracking as well. You can sign up for a single month and then drop it while not using, so you only pay the monthly subscription while your in the backcountry, i do this now and only turn the subscription on during my trips, which is usually 2-3 times a year. Keep in mind with any monthly subscription you get unlimited preset messages, just not one off text you may want to send, like i have to a outfitter to be picked up at hook island for a tow date change.

Our son-in-law has used Zoleo for a couple years and has suggested we get it. He spends much more time in the boonies than we do, however, and I can't justify the device/data plan costs of Zoleo, inReach, Spot, Somewear, etc. For our last four 10-day paddling trips in Ontario, we've rented an inReach. Many Canoe Country outfitters offer rentals, as do companies like Outdoor Equipment Rentals. We've been very pleased with the device and the rental costs.
TZ

I've been using a Garmin InReach Mini for the past two years and have been happy with it. Mostly I pair it with my phone but for weather I just use the Mini. Using the Mini alone (with it's small screen and scrolling input technique) is something of a labour, but it does work.

Zoleo's look pretty cool and I get the idea of ditching the screen and input mechanism in favor of connecting to a phone, but it comes with a tradeoff - you need to have two rather than one working devices with you to communicate. If you should drop your phone in the lake while taking a photo, crack the screen and let water in, or let the battery die, you are reduced to having an SOS button. With my Mini clipped to my belt or my PFD I don't worry about dropping it or whether or not my phone is handy and working. It's a tradeoff, but I like that I can depend on just the Mini.

I have the SpotX. I bought it 2 seasons ago because I started tripping with just my daughter. I got the SpotX because I preferred the option to be able to text directly on the device instead of relying on a bluetooth connection to my phone. The SpotX was significantly cheaper than the similar Gamin option and has very similar annual or monthly subscription plans. Now that I've used it a couple seasons, I'd probably prefer the InReach.

I have been using an Inreach for about 8 years and really like it. I charge it before a 10 to 14 day trip and it's good to go, no need to recharge it till I'm home. I also like it because you don't need another device like a smart phone to use it.

Jared

I have had a SpotX for 2+ years. It has done what I need it to. It is cheaper than the Inreach and I felt the plans had more to offer than the Garmin. I pay a little less than $150. A year for the plan, get unlimited predefined messages and 30 other messages. You can also do it month by month. I look at Garmin for a GPS unit, but found the screen to small for this old man.
For weather I have a cheap weather radio and for GPS a Samsung 8” tablet with the Gala app on it.
I haven’t looked into other units.

Carl

I have the Garmin InReach mini and have been happy with it. I've used it for a couple of years to send a preset message and to get weather reports.

I recently got the bivystick, it was a smaller company for a while which can be a con but this spring got bought by ACR who manufactures what seems to be the vast majority of PLBs. Just got back from a bwca trip, it worked great. The weather gave current wind but I didnt see a wind forecast. Check in worked well and you can do an unlimited amount of them i believe. There is no screen but the lights are informative enough to tell you what the device is doing. Like others said it was a tough decision but I'm happy with it after a few trips.
Edit: I should add that I have experience with the spotX, and while custom messaging on the device itself is appealing as well as cheaper plans, I felt the performance of the spot was fairly poor in comparison. Messages taking 20 minutes to send from the middle of lac la croix, slow, etc.

Another vote for the Spot X. I have used it for several years.

It does not require a phone. It has its own phone number so my wife or anyone else, just need to send texts to that number and no software or app is needed on their end.

The device is much cheaper then the Garmin, and I use the plan that allows you to activate it for unlimited texts for a month, then cancel.

At 66, the Garmin mini screen is just too small for me and I don't want to use "apps" on both ends to text.

We have an older Delorme InReach SE that I bought from a member here after our fatality in 2018. Peace of mind for those times that you absolutely need to reach emergency personnel. Only have it along for the SOS feature, but the option to allow folks at home to see our place on a map or receive the occasional 'OK' text has been used at times, too.

"etc. device"

Firmly in that category, maybe at the extreme fringe. ACR ResQLink.
Do not want communication. I can tell the weather with my weather rock.
I do want the most reliable and strongest emergency signal, if and when that is needed.

butthead

I have had an InReach SE for 6 years I'm on the Freedom plan. I activate it for a month or two each year. I like having the ability for my friends and family to be able to track my route as I go and to be able to communicate with them at the end of each day or in case of an emergency. Even though my last paddling trip was in early 2019 I still keep the subscription, it's cheap enough. My brother has the same model and uses it in the same manner. The battery life is great as long as you understand how GPS and satellites work. If you keep it turned on and dropping breadcrumbs every two minutes, and it is buried inside a pack where it can't see the sky and it keeps searching, and searching and searching for a satellite... well the battery is going to wear down when you need it the most. Decide what is the most important - allowing friends to track you, communicating, or getting rescued. If you don't have a way to charge it I would save the battery power for emergencies. The weather feature is accurate and nice. If you just want to send basic preset messages they are free.

I have the Garmin InReach Explorer + unit. I really like all the features on it. If I were to do it again it would be the same exact one.

I too use the InReach Explorer+.. I looked at the Mini but when I added the weight of my phone to it turned out to weigh more than the Explorer+.. Also I don't ever bring my cell phone on a trip

Thanks every for you insight. I didn’t know outfitters rented them that is good to know.

It really nice to learn from others experience on this forum. If anyone else has more I put I’ll take it. Thanks to everyone sharing.

I prefer a device that is really designed for the wilderness and doesn’t rely on my cell phone (which isn’t as rugged). So I like the Garmin Inreach Explorer +. Texting is slightly clunky but I’m only using that in an emergency and so set my preset messages to things about the level of severity of an emergency. I also carry my ACR resqlink as a secondary device because I already owned it.

CanoeViking: "Thanks every for you insight. I didn’t know outfitters rented them that is good to know.... "

And if the outfitter you are working with does not have them or any available, there are also companies that will ship rental devices or sat phones to you on short notice for trips, then ship them back after. I have not used them, but have read good reports.

I also use the Garmin in reach mini. I would recommend it highly. The advanced weather forecasts alone are worth it to me. I've made several very helpful mid-trip adjustments based on wind forecasts.

Something I thought about last season was the fact that I had this device tucked away in my pack that only I knew how to power on and use. I would suggest if you get a device for SOS that someone else in your group knows how to use it, at very least can send SOS. If your solo, the main reason I got my Garmin, then your on your own and hopefully you can get to it should something come up.

butthead: ""etc. device"

Firmly in that category, maybe at the extreme fringe. ACR ResQLink.
Do not want communication. I can tell the weather with my weather rock.
I do want the most reliable and strongest emergency signal, if and when that is needed.

butthead"

Mr. Butthead's comment about power caused me to recall a connection problem I had with my Garmin this summer. I started a new thread because I did not want to take this thread too far off the topic the OP asked about, but it is related.

I have an Inreach, a SPOT, and a ResQlink. I am required to carry the latter 2 devices for an event I do annually. I use the Inreach to contact my wife in case I have to pull out early and exit at a different point. I do find carrying the SPOT with me, while bowhunting from a tree, gives me peace of mind, that they will find me,( dead or alive) should I have an accident.

Been using an INREACH SE for 7 years and very happy with it. Excellent Iridium Satellite reception, pairs with cell for using Earthmate for texting and emails with home and friends and location. Also waterproof. Use Freedom plan to setup useage for 2 months a year.

Like the SOS featured but thankfully never have had to use it.

I use Gaia Map App on my IPhone for mapping and location in Quetico.

I forgot to mention that I really like the Garmin INREACH weather forecast feature. Forecasts have been quite accurate. On long portage trips I don’t even bring my weather radio anymore to save weight.

I use a Garmin 66i. Cannot imagine wanting or needing anything else. I use for primary navigation and communication if I need it. You can easily get a week or more on a charge if you are smart about how you use it. The interface is a bit clunky but i look at that as a plus. It keep me from using it superfluously. Yes, it is pricey but worth it for the peace of mind it provides my family.

I use a Zoleo and have been very happy with it. I took it to the BWCA last year during the fires. It works very well, is easy to use, and I like the weather update ability. It is less expensive than others and battery life is excellent.

ockycamper: "Another vote for the Spot X. I have used it for several years.


It does not require a phone. It has its own phone number so my wife or anyone else, just need to send texts to that number and no software or app is needed on their end.


The device is much cheaper then the Garmin, and I use the plan that allows you to activate it for unlimited texts for a month, then cancel.


At 66, the Garmin mini screen is just too small for me and I don't want to use "apps" on both ends to text."

Another vote for the SPOT X. Must be us old guys that can't handle the mini screens.
As a bonus, the SPOT brings in lightning bugs like crazy. We hung it in our camp at night and the blinking green light must have looked like the mother ship. We had dozens blinking on and off in the white pines at night.

Started doing solo trips last year and at the request of my wife and daughter decided to get one of these. Eventually decided on the Bivystick. Worked well (need you phone to get the most out of it), and allowed for activating for short period while on trip and then turning off when not needed without a lot of charges, surcharges and ridiculous charges. My wife knew exactly where I was and could message me if needed. Weather reports were excellent.

CanoeViking: "Good morning,

Without getting into the philosophy of whether or not to have one, for those of you who do have one which one would you recommend?

I would like one that can contact my family when needed.

A weather report is nice but not required.

SOS I know it’s built into all of them.

Tracking is nice as well.

So what are your recommendations?

CanoeViking "

My gear review for the garmin inreach. Works great for me! Seems to meet your needs as well.

Subsailor: "Started doing solo trips last year and at the request of my wife and daughter decided to get one of these. Eventually decided on the Bivystick. Worked well (need you phone to get the most out of it), and allowed for activating for short period while on trip and then turning off when not needed without a lot of charges, surcharges and ridiculous charges. My wife knew exactly where I was and could message me if needed. Weather reports were excellent.
"

Thanks for that. I've been thinking Bivy or Zoleo to replace my Spot 1. Unless I find a much lower priced sat phone.

We have the inreach Mini. No complaints on it so far. I do find that I like the weather reports. We typically leave it turned off during the day and then turn it on for a few hours in the evening to send the all is good from the preset messages. One charge will easily last a week in the BWCA with that little use. Last year I did a 2 week hike along the JMT and the texting did come in handy a few times. Not necessary equipment but it does set my mind at ease.