Inreach and spotx are actually pretty affordable if you only want to send and receive texts. A couple bucks a month (Plus ten cents ish a message for texts/check ins ) isnt too bad for the "I made it to my next campsite for the night. Heading to ___________ via _______ tomorrow. will advise when I arrive". (and they'll know when/where to send rescuers when you dont check in again)Garmin in-reach is probably going to fill the bill but hang on when you see the rate plans. If you just need it for occasional use you should rent a sat phone.
Being a backpacker most of us use the garmin inreach mini or mini2. I use the inreach mini. Other popular options are the Zoleo and bivystick. For only messaging I think the zoleo is the best bang for your buck with unit cost and plans. I chose garmin for the added tracking and it integrates with my garmin fenix watch.I am looking for a device that can send texts through satellite. Preferably a device that has the keyboard built in. Long battery life is preferable but not required. I don't need many features the ability to send texts is the only real use I intend for it.
Curious what you ended up with?The Garmin InReach Mini will connect to your phones keyboard via Bluetooth. Keep in mind you need a clear view of the sky where the satellites are.
If you utilize the other 3 pre-set messages you can do more advanced check ins PLUS it will act as a rudimentary breadcrumb trial. Each message sends your coordinates and pins your location on a map. So while the basic InReach plan doesn't include dropping pins to track your progress, it does have a work-around.I got an InReach mini from a fellow INGO member. Primary use is for spouse’s peace of mind. Daily checkin and SOS feature if needed. Thru hiking the AT this year and determined I can get by with the basic plan and use cell phone for chatting when cell service is available. I do not use the navigation features.
Thank you, this was comprehensive and well written. I have been looking at a few different options, aimlessly. Your post has centralized my focus.Old thread but stumbled on it.
I've been using the SPOT X for several years. On sale it can be found for about $200. Uses the GlobalStar network of Satellites, which is the same network used by Apple's iPhone14 that can also beam up an emergency distress beacon/call. GlobalStar covers all of North America, South America but not the North Pole, also covers Europe, Japan, Korea, and MOST BUT NOT ALL of Asia, also MOST of Africa and Coastal Waters. SPOT X is a stand alone device, built in keyboard like an old school blackberry. Current model has a Bluetooth connection to your phone if you want to type out on a screen instead of a physical keyboard.
Garmin InReach, Zoleo, BivyStick and a few others offer satellite service on the IRIDIUM network, it gives true worldwide coverage, including middle of the ocean and Antarctica. So if you need 100% of the globe coverage, the IRIDIUM compatible devices would be the best choice. ALL of them use Bluetooth to link your phone to your communicator, MOST of them require the bluetooth connection to your phone for messaging. The popular InReach Mini2 unit is $400 and has some stand alone messaging ability, but it is limited. The Iridium network is slightly faster than the GlobalStar network and also transmits weather reports, which the GlobalStar network does not transmit.
For 2 way communications, SPOT X plans are cheaper and have far more flexibility that the various brand's Iridium based plans. Each brand's device has strong points, each has weaker points, so assess your needs, areas of the globe where you need it to work, and its pretty easy to figure out what will work for you.
Based on my needs (remote hiking, motorcycle travel, etc) and based on my desire to have very flexible communication options, inexpensive 'breadcrumb' trail option, I chose the SPOT X. If I were to buy again today, I would probably buy the same thing.
The Garmin inReach Mini2 is very compelling, has more robust waterproofing, and better mapping and true navigation. Many consider the advanced mapping and navigation their killer function and Garmin can't be beat for that.
Thank you, this was comprehensive and well written. I have been looking at a few different options, aimlessly. Your post has centralized my focus.
I just realized this was actually a thing yesterday while going down the youtube rabbit hole for overlanding. Makes me wonder what else I'm missing in ingo conversations. I just need to open threads that aren't my typical subjects.
...Your post has centralized my focus.
Just an update on this, the Motorola DEFY device, which was built by British company Bullitt, and only carried the Motorola name under a licensing agreement, seems to have an issue. Bullitt went bankrupt.I just realized this was actually a thing ...
And another update on the Motorola DEFYJust an update on this, the Motorola DEFY device, which was built by British company Bullitt, and only carried the Motorola name under a licensing agreement, seems to have an issue. Bullitt went bankrupt.
Currently Motorola and the satellite group that the Defy device used are supporting the Defy's service. But for how long? Probably not a good bet to go with the Defy device.
I'd also point out that currently Apple's iPhone 14/15 models are set up to communicate with EMERGENCY services ONLY. So no way to send 'check in' messages or similar messaging via the iPhones. They do now have several verified rescues.
Spot and Garmin each have roughly 10,000 verified rescues.