Is anyone here using satellite trackers/messengers like InReach or Spot?
If so, how do you like it? Have you had to use it for an emergency, and how well did that work?
Is anyone here using satellite trackers/messengers like InReach or Spot?
If so, how do you like it? Have you had to use it for an emergency, and how well did that work?
I don't have one but will someday. A buddy who I back country ski with has one. My wife gets a txt when he turns it on and she can see where we have gone on a topo map, it checks in every 10ish minutes (I think he can adjust the frequency). Never used it for an emergency but I'd trust it can send out the appropriate signal to trigger search and rescue. pretty simple and handy devices.
I understand they work, a former member used one when snowmobiling the back country.
I just bought one for my daughter last week, she took off the next 2 months to hike the PNT, like Pete said you can pre-program text message's prior to your trip and send them. She set hers to ping us every hour if its on, you can also switch from satellite/map view. From what I've read heavy tree cover can effect coverage, her friend carries a mobile satellite GPS unit with the SOS feature, but we like the tracking feature which Mom really likes since she will b off the grid for days at a time.
There are several companies that have trackers and or emergency locator devices. In general they all work. Some you buy and as long as you don't turn it on (emergency) there is no additional cost. Some have text service and you pay a monthly fee just like a cell phone. We used them during the Mojave Death Race (225 miles through the desert for a run/bike race). Every runner/biker was required to have one, turned on and tracking. Was able to monitor the location of our teams the entire race and the race management was able to monitor all of the race teams. Generally, as long as you can see the sky, it is going to get connectivity. Tree cover can play with the signal a bit.
Planning on getting one but is low on my list. Mostly want one for traveling outside US as in the US it's hard to be too far from help. I also have a Ham license and plan on a aprs system.
I've got ham radio too and have relied on that for years. But with much less activity on the bands nowadays I'm unsure if anyone would be listening to hear a distress call.
I used an InReach while I was climbing in Nepal a year or so back. My Mom wanted me to have something in case I got into trouble. Thankfully I never needed it for an emergency, but it did work great for tracking and text messaging. You get a URL that you can give to people so they can track your progress. It is a monthly fee (I think it was under $50/mo) that doesn't have any contract, so you use it when you need it. So you take a trip...activate it for the month...then deactivate it when you get home for however long you want...then activate again for your next trip. It uses satellites, not a cell signal.
If you have any more questions please let me know.
I just have a PLB, no location or connection. Just the ability to send a signal if it's life or death. It's cheap insurance.
Iv got a spot but Iv never used it.
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In a never ending search for the proper mix of dirt & rock !
With aprs you can get a text message out and also have a last POC as long as someone is tracking your location. Also helps to have a hike out backpack. I built one when I started wheeling. Has everything I need to spend a couple days hiking to civilization.