Bosque Bill
Senior Member
I've recently been researching satellite communication devices online and looked here on the forum, but only found one reference to the inReach device in an old thread on the SPOT messenger.
I'm including some general background on the device and my thoughts below and would be interested if anyone else has experience with inReach.
http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreachse.php
I usually travel & camp alone, more out of necessity than choice. Frequently I'm too far in the boondocks for cell phone service. I thought it would be wise to be able to send for help in an emergency or contract for service in case of a breakdown. I was nearly in a sticky situation last summer and realized I was a bit vulnerable as an older man who might not be able to extricate himself without assistance or might take a fall and need medical help.
The inReach device is attractive to me for a few reasons, 1) it is 2-way, so can receive text messages, not just send them (unlike the SPOT); 2) the "Safety" subscription is their lowest priced plan and seems pretty reasonable; and 3) it syncs with a phone app (iOS or Android) for easier messaging and also for maps - you get free topo maps you can download and track yourself on.
And in a real emergency, having two-way communications with the GEOS team to describe the exact problem, needs, and location beyond plain GPS coordinates seems like a very valuable feature!
The device uses the Iridium satellite constellation, so service is available anywhere in the world where there is a view of the sky. The GEOS emergency response team is available 24/7.
Starting on March 25, 2014 they will begin offering their Freedom plan that doesn't require an annual subscription, though it does have an annual fee. The monthly fee is a bit higher, but as I'd only need it for about half a year, it would save me money even after paying the annual fee. Folks who camp year around would be better served with the annual subscription plans.
With the new plan, and revised annual plans, you can now send unlimited Preset Messages. Looks like you can only preprogram 3 such messages, but to a group of recipients, if desired. Somewhat limiting, but ideal for leaving GPS breadcrumbs while traveling and a feature I'd use frequently. The Safety Plan also gives you 10 messages (sent or received) of 160 characters you can compose at need, with additional messages for 50 cents each if you exceed your monthly allowance. The more expensive plans provide many more messages and also unlimited tracking points and pings, and social media hooks, which is not something I'm really interested in.
The inReach devices got better reviews on both REI and Amazon sites, than SPOT. Plus, on the negative reviews on Amazon, an inReach employee replied with info to help the reviewer, info on new updates which solved the reviewer's issues and offers to help - that sounds like they want to keep customers happy (and yes, sell a few more units, which is not a mutually exclusive goal.)
I would likely get their newer inReach SE device. It costs a bit more, but has its own display screen so is free-standing - all features are available on the device, whereas the lower priced unit must be used in conjunction with a phone or tablet (though you can send a SOS even if your phone is down).
I'm including some general background on the device and my thoughts below and would be interested if anyone else has experience with inReach.
http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreachse.php
I usually travel & camp alone, more out of necessity than choice. Frequently I'm too far in the boondocks for cell phone service. I thought it would be wise to be able to send for help in an emergency or contract for service in case of a breakdown. I was nearly in a sticky situation last summer and realized I was a bit vulnerable as an older man who might not be able to extricate himself without assistance or might take a fall and need medical help.
The inReach device is attractive to me for a few reasons, 1) it is 2-way, so can receive text messages, not just send them (unlike the SPOT); 2) the "Safety" subscription is their lowest priced plan and seems pretty reasonable; and 3) it syncs with a phone app (iOS or Android) for easier messaging and also for maps - you get free topo maps you can download and track yourself on.
And in a real emergency, having two-way communications with the GEOS team to describe the exact problem, needs, and location beyond plain GPS coordinates seems like a very valuable feature!
The device uses the Iridium satellite constellation, so service is available anywhere in the world where there is a view of the sky. The GEOS emergency response team is available 24/7.
Starting on March 25, 2014 they will begin offering their Freedom plan that doesn't require an annual subscription, though it does have an annual fee. The monthly fee is a bit higher, but as I'd only need it for about half a year, it would save me money even after paying the annual fee. Folks who camp year around would be better served with the annual subscription plans.
With the new plan, and revised annual plans, you can now send unlimited Preset Messages. Looks like you can only preprogram 3 such messages, but to a group of recipients, if desired. Somewhat limiting, but ideal for leaving GPS breadcrumbs while traveling and a feature I'd use frequently. The Safety Plan also gives you 10 messages (sent or received) of 160 characters you can compose at need, with additional messages for 50 cents each if you exceed your monthly allowance. The more expensive plans provide many more messages and also unlimited tracking points and pings, and social media hooks, which is not something I'm really interested in.
The inReach devices got better reviews on both REI and Amazon sites, than SPOT. Plus, on the negative reviews on Amazon, an inReach employee replied with info to help the reviewer, info on new updates which solved the reviewer's issues and offers to help - that sounds like they want to keep customers happy (and yes, sell a few more units, which is not a mutually exclusive goal.)
I would likely get their newer inReach SE device. It costs a bit more, but has its own display screen so is free-standing - all features are available on the device, whereas the lower priced unit must be used in conjunction with a phone or tablet (though you can send a SOS even if your phone is down).