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Posted: 6/27/2019 3:24:05 PM EST
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I would still probably say mini, but if you need full-size get the newer 66i otherwise the full size units have disappointed me in a few ways. ETA: kind of beat Either get the Mini or the 66i. From what I read in my momumentous amount of research on these, the SE and Explorer have pretty lackluster GPS software where you’re better off just using your phone or another GPS device. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 3:28:35 PM EST
[#2]
I should probably get one, but I have thousands of miles in backcountry without using one and I'm cheap.
 Did a solo day hike snow summit on Whitney mid June and watched two hikers helicoptered out and SAR found a missing guy dead the same day.  Seemed like a pretty mild walk up a big hill. Maybe class 2-3 max.
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Posted: 6/27/2019 4:38:45 PM EST
[#3]
Been looking at one for the boat.
Virtually never get out of VHF/MMSI range in the Mississippi Sound and Chandeleur Islands area but it sure would be convenient to be able to shoot a text to friends & family on land. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 4:45:46 PM EST
[#4]
This thread is relevant to my interests
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Posted: 6/27/2019 4:59:40 PM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Essentially: Either get the Mini or the 66i. From what I read in my momumentous amount of research on these, the SE and Explorer have pretty lackluster GPS software where you’re better off just using your phone or another GPS device. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 5:23:33 PM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Essentially: Either get the Mini or the 66i. From what I read in my momumentous amount of research on these, the SE and Explorer have pretty lackluster GPS software where you’re better off just using your phone or another GPS device. I wouldn't even consider the SE a GPS unit (other than as a position source for an app running elsewhere.) The display on the SE is tiny and very low resolution -- it's effectively just a backup if your phone isn't working, and sending messages is insanely slow since you have to pick out each letter with the cursor keys. Of course none of this is an issue for the SOS function of the device. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 5:39:57 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Essentially: Either get the Mini or the 66i. From what I read in my momumentous amount of research on these, the SE and Explorer have pretty lackluster GPS software where you’re better off just using your phone or another GPS device. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 5:51:24 PM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I can't think of any case of missing person (that wasn't caused by an immediately lethal injury, at least) that wouldn't have been salvageable with one of those devices plus a firearm. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
These could save a ton of lives, if people bothered to buy them. If I was hiking way out in the woods, or outside the US (like in Central/South America) this would be a no-brainer. The whole time I'm watching, I'm going through a list in my head of all the things that they should have had. One of them was something like this device. When things eventually went terribly, awfully, wrong, I felt no sympathy for them. I wanted them to die for being so stupid. Normalcy bias like a motherfucker. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 5:58:25 PM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I used it in Frank Church wilderness last year. It may not have saved a life, but it was a close call. We usually have a beacon with us in the backcountry but I've often considered an InReach. Spot has too many bad reviews. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 6:21:15 PM EST
[#10]
For those using these, I have a couple of questions about the texting. Does this device come with it's own text number, or are you able to link it with your existing cell phone? I am basically questioning how someone who has typically just historically used your cell number to send you a text via phone, would get a text to you? And when you power up, will text's sent to you while the unit was off, still come through? I am pretty clear on how you can get stuff out, just vague on how things get to you.
Thanks |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 6:57:35 PM EST
[#11]
When you subscribe, you get assigned a number. After that, it's similar to a cell phone. Messages are received after the device is turned back on. If you don't maintain a continuous subscription, the number is subject to change when you re-subscribe.
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Posted: 6/27/2019 6:59:34 PM EST
[#12]
thanks.
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Posted: 6/27/2019 7:40:09 PM EST
[#13]
Unless things have changed, you can't text (e.g. SMS) an inreach unit directly and they are not assigned a number on the phone network.
Someone else can't initiate the conversation via SMS. They can reply once you text them, though. Inreach discusses this in their tech support center. The key bit of text from that site: The Garmin inReach system has been designed with the intent of the inReach device user having to initiate the first message to an email recipient or SMS destination number. This is why the inReach device does not have a dedicated email address or SMS number. In practice, I just send my canned "I'm OK" message to my list at the start of a trip. Everything seems to work fine from that point forward if people reply to it. I've successfully replied to email messages that are more than two years old. I'm not sure that will work for SMS though. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 7:52:03 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would still probably say mini, but if you need full-size get the newer 66i otherwise the full size units have disappointed me in a few ways. ETA: kind of beat Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Thanks for the report. I've been trying to decide between the mini and full size, for my full day adventures into the National Forest on my bike. ETA: kind of beat |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 8:09:17 PM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Unless things have changed, you can't text (e.g. SMS) an inreach unit directly and they are not assigned a number on the phone network. Someone else can't initiate the conversation via SMS. They can reply once you text them, though. Inreach discusses this in their tech support center. The key bit of text from that site: You can reply to a text from a SMS, at least for a while. The inreach gateway keeps track of the conversation and will relay your reply. You can also reply to an email from the device, and if you allow them via the settings on your account, someone can initiate a message to you via MapShare as well. In practice, I just send my canned "I'm OK" message to my list at the start of a trip. Everything seems to work fine from that point forward if people reply to it. I've successfully replied to email messages that are more than two years old. I'm not sure that will work for SMS though. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 8:23:46 PM EST
[#16]
From what I’ve read the number changes so you can’t just give out the number, you have to message someone first and it works for a certain amount of time.
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Posted: 6/27/2019 9:00:58 PM EST
[#17]
Just as a quick test, I sent my own cellphone a text from the Mini, and I still have the same number from yesterday, for what that's worth. It's a 201 area code number.
I'm not sure how long you keep the same number. |
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Posted: 6/27/2019 9:04:00 PM EST
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
All of the satellite communication devices are going to be going on sale for the next 12-24 months as Space X approaches the deployment of Star Link. It is scheduled to be ready in 2020 but even with inevitable push backs by mid 2021ish you will be able to have better internet In vehicles in the middle of the Mohave dessert than in most houses. |
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Posted: 6/30/2019 9:17:44 PM EST
[#19]
Switched out my Inreach Explorer+ for a Garmin 66i, registered for the recreation service plus domestic insurance. Need to play with it more but seems good so far.
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Posted: 7/1/2019 1:26:56 PM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Switched out my Inreach Explorer+ for a Garmin 66i, registered for the recreation service plus domestic insurance. Need to play with it more but seems good so far. Didn’t get to take mine out this weekend like I’d hoped. I want to really get in some thick trees on the side of a hill and see how it does. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 8:44:32 AM EST
[#21]
@LHA-2 Thanks for the heads up on the 66i. If I did more backpacking/hiking I think that would be the way to go. I mainly need it for a fishing trip with my daughter next month. I'll be on lakes I already know but it will just be me and her (9 year old) so having something to communicate with is my overriding concern.
I did end up getting a Mini last week. I caught a sale here about 30 mins before it ended. $319.99 OTD, no tax no shipping so I thought that was a pretty good deal. I wanted the orange one but they only had black last week. I'm sure my wife is going to complain about the cost. When I asked her what was I going to do if I needed help out on the lake (Ontario Canada) her response was "Can't another boater help you? Or can't someone from the resort help you?" This IS from a woman who has fished in Canada and knows how remote the lakes are.
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Posted: 7/8/2019 8:46:26 AM EST
[#22]
I keep one in my airplane. It’s incredibly useful.
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Posted: 7/8/2019 8:51:23 AM EST
[#23]
Everyone should have one of these if you go out into the woods or on trails, even well-traveled ones. A stumble and a broken ankle could kill you from exposure, even if there are others nearby someone may have to hike out to get word to the rangers. The ability to report to the outside the conditions of where you are, or to possibly communicate to facilitate extraction is valuable.
I hike LeConte every year and remember in November a couple years back we had heavy rain the entire hike. Near the top there was a guy on the side with a broken ankle. A group of hikers had him bundled up with umbrellas covering him. Rangers had to hike up with a gurney to get him out. It took all night and I remember hearing that he made it out alright. That incident made me decide to carry my inreach with me. Remember that Breaking Bad episode where the battery dies in the RV? |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 8:52:38 AM EST
[#24]
I have the SE and have used it to help rescue others who had no communication capabilities miles from cell service. It works well but communicating is slow. It is to be expected but always practice with your tools. I came across a major Offroad crash down a mountainside and the driver of the side by side has the mini but didn’t know how to use it.
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Posted: 7/8/2019 8:56:58 AM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
@LHA-2 Thanks for the heads up on the 66i. If I did more backpacking/hiking I think that would be the way to go. I mainly need it for a fishing trip with my daughter next month. I'll be on lakes I already know but it will just be me and her (9 year old) so having something to communicate with is my overriding concern. I did end up getting a Mini last week. I caught a sale here about 30 mins before it ended. $319.99 OTD, no tax no shipping so I thought that was a pretty good deal. I wanted the orange one but they only had black last week. I'm sure my wife is going to complain about the cost. When I asked her what was I going to do if I needed help out on the lake (Ontario Canada) her response was "Can't another boater help you? Or can't someone from the resort help you?" This IS from a woman who has fished in Canada and knows how remote the lakes are. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 9:01:41 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have the SE and have used it to help rescue others who had no communication capabilities miles from cell service. It works well but communicating is slow. It is to be expected but always practice with your tools. I came across a major Offroad crash down a mountainside and the driver of the side by side has the mini but didn’t know how to use it. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 9:34:12 AM EST
[#27]
I have a Mini and love it. The new 66i is badass. Especially if you do a lot of backwoods or similar excursions.
They are cheap insurance. I do the basic freedom plan. I would just pay year-to-year but I like that I have the ability to bump up to a plan with included text messages and tracking if need be for whatever trip. I highly recommend one for everyone. My parents keep one in their car just in case they wind up some place without cell service and need help. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 10:36:52 AM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree, today I would get the mini because all I care about is messaging (mini wasn't out when I got my SE.) I wouldn't even consider the SE a GPS unit (other than as a position source for an app running elsewhere.) The display on the SE is tiny and very low resolution -- it's effectively just a backup if your phone isn't working, and sending messages is insanely slow since you have to pick out each letter with the cursor keys. Of course none of this is an issue for the SOS function of the device. I assume these would be as useful when boating? My spouse goes out and I worry. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 10:42:21 AM EST
[#29]
is the battery AA or a rechargeable? And can you remove it.
50 hours is always optimistic. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 10:46:28 AM EST
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
is the battery AA or a rechargeable? And can you remove it. 50 hours is always optimistic. Does not last 50 hours when tracking. But I carry an anker battery that can recharge every device I have on me multiple times. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 10:51:21 AM EST
[#31]
I am using one on my hike, and it is one of the best pieces of kit I have.
Tracking is on 10/2 intervals. I message 10-15 times a day with my wife if I have no cell service. Battery lasts about 48 hours total--I do turn it off at night. No biggie, I charge it up on the morning of the 3rd day while I do my morning chores before leaving camp. Well worth the money, and I would guess that out of every 10 hikers I see, 5-6 have one. They are that popular. I work mainly through the app on the phone. I suppose I could get longer battery life by using it less and without the bluetooth, but that is what I carry a battery pack for, Highly recommended. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:01:25 AM EST
[#32]
[laughs in Iridium]
 Hand-held satellite communications devices aren't exactly the new thing. I've sold MANY Iridium phones over the past few years. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:24:43 AM EST
[#33]
Went offshore fishing for blue marlin. Maybe 150 miles. Works as advertised.
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:29:00 AM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Recharge. Does not last 50 hours when tracking. But I carry an anker battery that can recharge every device I have on me multiple times. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
is the battery AA or a rechargeable? And can you remove it. 50 hours is always optimistic. Does not last 50 hours when tracking. But I carry an anker battery that can recharge every device I have on me multiple times. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:29:19 AM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
[laughs in Iridium] https://satellitephonestore.com/uploads/pictures/2374-2472.jpg Hand-held satellite communications devices aren't exactly the new thing. I've sold MANY Iridium phones over the past few years. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:37:21 AM EST
[#36]
So you can text unlimited pre-programmed texts, that you can set yourself, to a cellphone for $11 a month? I'm buying one when I get out of the trucking business. No need for a phone after that.
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:40:44 AM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So you can text unlimited pre-programmed texts, that you can set yourself, to a cellphone for $11 a month? I'm buying one when I get out of the trucking business. No need for a phone after that. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:43:21 AM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So you can text unlimited pre-programmed texts, that you can set yourself, to a cellphone for $11 a month? I'm buying one when I get out of the trucking business. No need for a phone after that. And as said above, you might want to rethink that plan. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:47:00 AM EST
[#39]
I've had a full-size InReach for a couple years now. Great piece of gear. I never leave it behind on any climbing, camping, or backpacking trip. It's even in the pack on dayhikes.
Anyone who spends any significant amount of time in the backcountry needs to have one IMO. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:47:49 AM EST
[#40]
I have an older version I used on a ride through Mexico and Central America. My family was able to follow me on a map and I texted my wife several times a day on it. One single night I had trouble getting a message out while along the frontier of Mexico and Guatemala but I was able to send out a short message after a bit.
If I hadn't responded my wife would not have flipped her lid. She understood the nature of the trip. Even if I wasn't responding at all for a day or so they would still know the last location of the device while in use. Honestly as mentioned they really are the bomb and I am sure they are even better now than mine is. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:50:13 AM EST
[#41]
How will the coming generation of LEO (low earth orbit) cell phone satellites effect the need for these guys?
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:51:48 AM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You have 3 preset texts you can send to a select group an unlimited amount of times. Past those 3 you have to pay to play. And as said above, you might want to rethink that plan. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
So you can text unlimited pre-programmed texts, that you can set yourself, to a cellphone for $11 a month? I'm buying one when I get out of the trucking business. No need for a phone after that. And as said above, you might want to rethink that plan. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 11:58:46 AM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bought one a month ago when they were on sale. My only gripe is battery life and signal power...but that is the trade off for the smaller, lighter, and cheaper version of in reach. If you are out in the wilderness like me for hunting, backpacking, etc...it will pay for itself in peace of mind for the wife and the ability to text when there is no service. (Like when you need a shuttle from a trailhead). |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:01:42 PM EST
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How will the coming generation of LEO (low earth orbit) cell phone satellites effect the need for these guys? |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:10:02 PM EST
[#45]
JSB2k10 and I will each be using an InReach product in the course of our rather unconventional tour of Wyoming in August.
I've had my Explorer+ for a year and a half, and find it generally works as advertised. Generally. Not too bad for standalone use in the backcountry without a phone in tow. The Mini looks neat. I'm envious of the size, and I'll get to see how well it works. JSB just bought his, and that's what he'll be using on the trip. Don't know him, never met him, but we're headed out to Wyoming at the end of the month, and our backcountry plans are quite different, so we'll be staying in touch using the InReach system. In a nutshell, we'll both probably hike in together, but I'm going to be backcountry rock climbing, and he'll probably loop on out for some longer hikes from where the climbing is. Probably going to be out for a week at a time in various NPs and Wilderness Areas. An unconventional plan, for sure, but I think the InReach stuff will help us pull it off. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:11:06 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How will the coming generation of LEO (low earth orbit) cell phone satellites effect the need for these guys? |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:13:41 PM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Crap thought I read 30 presets. Lame. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
So you can text unlimited pre-programmed texts, that you can set yourself, to a cellphone for $11 a month? I'm buying one when I get out of the trucking business. No need for a phone after that. And as said above, you might want to rethink that plan. i.e. 1)Got to camp, I'm ok. Calling it a night 2)Heading out for the day, will check in later. 3)Heading home. See you soon! Just quick messages that are sent to a select group that you setup via the web portal. The other presets are just quick response messages. |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:14:52 PM EST
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
if you are in the wilderness, you have to be able to swap in an AA cell. If it does not use alkalines/lithiums, it is completely stupid. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I bought one a month ago when they were on sale. My only gripe is battery life and signal power...but that is the trade off for the smaller, lighter, and cheaper version of in reach. If you are out in the wilderness like me for hunting, backpacking, etc...it will pay for itself in peace of mind for the wife and the ability to text when there is no service. (Like when you need a shuttle from a trailhead). |
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:16:34 PM EST
[#49]
I like the fact that the mini pairs up with my fenix 5x and I can have all the functions on my wrist
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Posted: 7/8/2019 12:21:51 PM EST
[#50]
If you have an Experticity account then you can get a decent discount if I recall correctly.
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