Hiking News: inReach Images, Free Sat Messages, Epic Trail Closed

Garmin leaks an image of a new device, free satellite messaging for iPhone users, and more!
Tom Brown Books:
amzn.to/3TvyTOS
iPhone Sat Messaging:
support.apple....
Garmin inReach Images Tease:
/ c_-3x2tpb0g
T-Mobile Emergency Alert via Satellite:
www.t-mobile.c...
Adiona Alert ZOLEO Offer:
adionaalert.co...
Adiona Blog Story:
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inReach Banned Countries:
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Fenix 8 Review:
• Garmin Fenix 8: The Tr...
Amazfit T-Rex 3:
amzn.to/47wGt1v
Footpath App:
footpathapp.com
Watch Duty:
• Best App for Wildfires
FireSat:
• Can AI help firefighte...
Rattlesnake Drinking Water:
• Giving a rattlesnake a...
Wolverine Mt Rainer:
/ i_saw_a_wolverine_in_m...
Kalalau Trail Closure:
dlnr.hawaii.go...
Havasu / Grand Canyon Flooding:
• Havasupai Flash Flood ...
Donations to Tribal Council:
theofficialhav...
Grand Canyon Fee Increase Proposal Feedback:
parkplanning.n...
NPS Visitor Spending Report:
www.nps.gov/su...
Cheetos at Carlsbad Cavern NP:
/ pfbid02gt3vedrm9vxnnj5...
Mammoth Cave NP Post: / pfbid02ddn5xrluj6yvitu...
My Congaree NP Video:
• Hike Congaree National...
✅ *LATEST GEAR LIST: hikingguy.com/...
In this video, I cover the latest in satellite communication and some important hiking news. If you own an iPhone 14 or higher, update to iOS 18 to use non-emergency text messaging via satellite. It’s a handy way to let loved ones know you're running late when out of cell range. Stay tuned for an in-depth video on how this works.
Garmin recently teased an image hinting at a new inReach feature. I'll keep you updated as I find out more. There's also news from Verizon teaming up with Skylo, the company behind the Pixel 9's SOS feature, to bring SOS services to more phones. T-Mobile is set to roll out satellite messaging with Starlink, and they plan to expand to other carriers next year. Another exciting update is Starlink's ability to push emergency alerts via satellite to phones off the grid-crucial for outdoor safety.
I attempted to test Garmin Response on my Pixel 9 in a remote area of Cleveland National Forest but was surprised to still find cell phone signal. A reminder: if you don't have a signal, try dialing 911 for the best emergency response. Speaking of international travel, remember that some countries, like India, restrict satellite communicators. Always check the approved list on the Garmin website before packing your gear.
I also discuss the disappointing Garmin Fenix 8, my thoughts on the AmazeFit T-Rex 3, and the upcoming review of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. For fire-related updates, I highlight the ongoing situation on the West Coast, including the Watch Duty app for alerts and the impressive new satellite system, FireStat, for detecting wildfires in real-time.
For all the hikers out there, don't forget to filter your water, especially with toxic algae blooms on the rise. I share insights into some recent events, like the Grand Canyon's flash floods and toxic trails in New Mexico. And if you’re curious, I've got more content, including some niche how-tos, available in my newsletter and KZbin feed. Thanks for watching, and stay safe out there!
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[@HuskyMike]

Thanks for posting Cris. Over the weekend, I spoke with the volunteer at the Tahquitz Fire Lookout who mentioned a new fire in/ near Lytle Creek. Not showing up on Watch Duty so it may have been put out already but thought I'd mention it in case you've heard anything about it.

[@Hikingguy]

I heard it too, I think they got it out when it was really small - looked like it was in the burn area from the last fire there. It's hard to keep track these days.

[@HarryKuloh]

Love the format of conglomerating outdoor-related news. Thank you for doing this. One unsolicited suggestion re the rapid speech delivery style that I've noticed with some outdoor YT folks; some may like it, others not so much. Akin to methamphetamine DCrainmaker stimulant delivery style. I'll have to also check it a few vids from Chase the summit and desfit to see if they are also rapidspeech. Just something to keep in mind.

[@Hikingguy]

Is my speaking too fast? Wasn't anything intentional on this end.

[@HarryKuloh]

@@Hikingguyyour delivery speed was perfectly fine. Just a caution to avoid going over into the realm of speed talk like rainmakers style 👍

[@gmcook17]

I just received an email from Garmin on 9/18/24 stating that the inReachable Messenger Plus can now do Photo & Voice messaging when linked to a smart phone. I’m glad I waited to buy one of these devices. Thank you for the videos they are always informative!

[@Ta50039]

Nice shout out to Tom Brown.

[@ZeRo-22-]

I don’t follow your page regularly but appreciate the content when I watch your videos. Great stuff!

[@pmm1044]

With Inreach you can get weather reports

[@texasbe2trill]

Great content and hiking news updates! I look forward to seeing more content like this! Keep moving forward! 🥾

[@MrMe7111]

Appreciate the info !! 👍👍

[@justinlysne806]

Great content. FYI, you cannot boil or filter out toxins from an algae bloom. Isle Royale National Park's inland lakes have that problem from time to time.

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know thank you

[@TheArsenalChief]

👍 from Bhutan

[@UpNorth2000]

Safety aside, isn't it a little sad getting away from cell reception is all but gone?

[@Hikingguy]

agree

[@luannproctor672]

Thank you for the video that is very helpful and useful I appreciate your videos I got the watch duty app now it’s on my phone

[@williamhansen1580]

Another great informative video, thank you, Kris. Interesting about the norovirus in Hawaii. Maybe this is what happened at Havasu Falls as well? I wonder how this virus is getting into the water, is it human fecal from people using the bathroom to close to the streams? I’ve had norovirus in the past, it’s horrible.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea good point, same thing that happened at Havasu earlier. Not sure of the origins but will look into it.

[@christinerolle3876]

Thank you Cris very helpful and informative.

[@sparks6666]

Great video. Getting my iPhone 16 pro Friday.

[@bridgethikesandruns]

Hi love your vid’s always super informative. Have you thought about a Coros watch?

[@Hikingguy]

Testing one now stay tuned...

[@johnhallford239]

Thank ya sir

[@juskojj]

ever think of looking at the instinct 2? or doing a review on it?

[@Hikingguy]

Might pick up a 3 when it comes out, its probably due soon

[@juskojj]

@@Hikingguy good to know. my instinct 1 is randomly turning off.... was looking at the instinct 2, now i'm curious about the amazfit t rex 3......

[@williamhansen1580]

Hello Cris, I hope you’re having a nice weekend and all is well. I’m planning to do the rim to rim in the Grand Canyon in the next couple of weeks, just waiting for the heat to drop. But I was wondering if you think that water Spicket are safe to drink out of, I just don’t wanna get norovirus as I’ve had it before, and man is that one unfriendly. I talked to the Ranger Park services and they said that they chlorinate and filter the water and they check it, but when the temperatures are hotter like it is now things can grow, etc., and if you feelMabey don’t take a chance, do you think I should use water purification tablets, because I believe if I’m not mistaken, most water filters don’t filter out viruses. I appreciate your expertise and insightful info, thank you kindly.

[@Hikingguy]

I have never had a problem with the corridor water and always followed the info that it was potable. That said, anything can happen and if the ranger mentioned that, you might want to use drops like this: alnk.to/fwrE5Mw I'm seeing norovirus more and more at different places unfortunately.

[@williamhansen1580]

@@Hikingguy Good morning Cris, I hope you’re having a nice one. Thank you kindly for your informative reply and purification drops suggestion. We don’t want norovirus, I had it once, man that’s very unfriendly. Hope you have a good day de and thank you again.

[@peterbedford2610]

Inreach allow or let you only have certain services for a month or two?. Or do you have to commit to a year.

[@Hikingguy]

Freedom plan let's you turn on/off monthly for an annual fee

[@paulramsey2000]

You can do month to month, I think it's just a little more expensive per month that way.

[@peterbedford2610]

Thanks

[@ThatFlowState]

You can also do shorter periods (days, a week) with third party service providers. There's a video about those on this channel called "Garmin inReach plans: The ones they don't tell you about".

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Just keep it on monthly safety plan ! You’ll need and and it won’t be activated . Dont be cheap . I pay for two of them on safety plan

[@mprudhon]

What’s your opinion on Gaia for forest fire data over lay?

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't been looking at it much since Watch Duty - in the past it was okay but not sure these days - I think I noticed the sat photos are lower res now but have to dig a bit - not sure if they're going downhill since Outside

[@jimhowardbatey410]

Excellent video. Keep going.

[@robertnowak949]

In EU some parts we actally have flooding

[@BRADH-xw8sw]

Will this msg capability work with IPADs with cellular running IPADOS 18 ?

[@Hikingguy]

Just iPhone 14+

[@hupo]

Just bought a inreach mini 2..

[@kylerowley1231]

Once apple adds tracking and an SOS button garmin is dead. Come on apple.

[@rcuadro]

I normally keep my phone in airplane mode to save battery...

[@Therealgilmoregurl]

Same! I actually missed a wildfire alert two weeks ago which was scary to think about. 😊

[@teufeldritch]

This should NOT be done, I repeat this should NOT be done; but sometimes I think visitors to national parks should have to pass a test before entering. The amount of stupid we hear about seems to increase every year.

[@chili1593]

Regarding camping fees- state and national parks are notoriously underfunded and have excessive deferred maintenance. We can and should do more to help.

[@DPM-dp9on]

The NPS is the problem. Hopefully the Chevron case ruling will allow more oversight and challenges to agency overreach.