Is the SOS capability of the iPhone 14 ( that uses satellite not cell) a viable and reliable alternative to InReach? I really detest the idea of ongoing subscription fees that cost way more than the device itself, and the numerous hidden fees.

I’ve read through the conversations regarding using electronics in a wilderness setting, and I’m not interested in re-starting that discussion. Mostly interested in hearing from those that have researched or used this option.

an example

If you purely want the SOS functionality and not tracking/weather/maps/etc and you are already in the market for a new phone, then it's viable and the examples of it in action have proven reliable enough for BWCA for sure.

With that said, if you're not in the market for a phone and you're just looking at an SOS device, it's an extremely poor option in terms of cost since it would take you the price of an inReach mini 2 and almost 5 years of the basic subscription to reach the cost of the iPhone 14 with GPS. Until Apple releases an iPhone or some other sort of GPS device that can do the mapping, tracking, weather, etc like Garmin does, and still get multiple days of battery life, it's always going to be an easy choice for me. I'll likely bring my phone still, but mostly to take photos, otherwise it's a relatively useless device up there for what I'm wanting.

The Montana 700 is available with an 8MP camera now for $799. Not sure on the image quality but if it's good, the iphone will just stay in the truck and I would bring only that. I'm probably going with the Montana 700 either way, but undecided on the camera version or not.

Below is what I (hopefully don’t need to) use - result of negotiations with the wife. The good thing with these is no subscription fee. Just register with NOAA and renew every 2 years - no cost. $250 in 2018. Need to replace the battery every 5 years ($40-50).

Below is what I (hopefully don’t need to) use - result of negotiations with the wife. The good thing with these is no subscription fee. Just register with NOAA and renew every 2 years - no cost. $250 in 2018. Need to replace the battery every 5 years ($40-50).

You might find this helpful.

boonie: "You might find This helpful “

“ The iPhone 14 can send and receive messages to satellites traveling at over 16000mph, 876 feet above the earth's surface.”

My wife used to work for a guy who NASA relied on for the Space Shuttle tile design. I’m sure he would be “amazed” to learn of the heat-resistant qualities of such satellites. ;-)

As a longtime inReach and earlier model iPhone owner, I do concur with this:

“ The main differentiators for me are the ruggedness and the cost. The inReach devices are proper outdoor instruments that you can easily use in all conditions. But that comes at a price: you need a service plan and a dedicated device.”

I’ll do my quarterly plug for a Zoleo GPS unit.
Not expensive
Kinda cool
Cheap monthly fee and you can go into hibernation mode for $4. Month and go back to full use mode for $20 a month when using the device.

If you look at the annual cost of a GPS, it’s not much for what you get.

Not sure about the apple phone thing but the lack of it being rugged and not water-proof are serious issues to consider when relying on it in the wilderness.

Tom

One glaring omission I have not seen listed for any of the satellite communicators or iPhone is their actual transmit power for an SOS send signal. Considering the relatively small antenna on these devices I imagine it doesn't come close to a dedicated PLB such as the one Plander posted above.

I currently have an Ocean Signal PLB1 and had a Mcmurdo fast find before that. I believe both of these transmit 5 watts. Both require the attached antenna to be deployed prior to sending an SOS.

I think a dedicated PLB provides the best bang for buck..

I plan on also getting a satellite communicator this year specifically for a trip that requires me to be in contact with my wife. A big expense for that feature considering I have a PLB already.

The iPhone SOS process includes a guide to help line your phone's antenna up with a satellite which speeds up the transmissions. Here's a demo of it in use, pretty slick stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2m89XASOdo

Of course, PLBs can't transmit details about the nature of your emergency or receive instructions from responders like an iPhone or inReach can–they just send a one-way distress signal.

PLB vs. Satellite Communicator vs. iPhone is really an apples and oranges kind of comparison. Very different capabilities but great for all of us to have more options and competition.

If I hadn't just bought a new phone before the 14 came out, I'd probably get one and forgo my inReach Mini. Garmin still has an edge with non-emergency two-way messaging and the ability for athletes to publicly share their location/route, but an iPhone 14 and weather radio would cover my top needs for the BWCA–with no subscription fees!

A lot of new options coming soon.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/qualcomm-satellite-messaging-partnership-likely-184329200.html

It's only a few years at most before all our cell phones work everywhere. Garmin, Spot, et al may not be best stocks to buy.