If you push the SOS button will they charge you?💰

[@ddff5242]

Important to note, dixie did not have regular health insurance. There was a newish federal law passed around 2021 maybe that requires alllll insurance to cover backcountry rescue. Dixie was a unique situation where she didn't have any normal health insurance. Most people have health insurance.

[@lyfandeth]

Dan, about ten years ago New Hampshire went to a split system for rescues. If the weatherman said 80° sunny and balmy at 7AM and you got hit by a 4' blizzard after lunch, they won't charge you for the rescue. OTOH if it was 45° out and predicted to snow heavily by sunset with temps below zero, and you set out in shorts with no shelter? Yeah, you are going to get the bill. They've been doing this through an objective program, with almost everybody happy. Idiots pay the stupid tax, victims of circumstance don't. And it keeps taxes down. The policy is well posted at trailheads all over the state.

[@DanBecker]

Wow!! Good to know

[@Patrick-vo3cr]

@@DanBecker In New Hampshire we have Hike Safe Cards you can pay for on New Hampshire Fish and Game website. $25 for an individual, or $35 for a family (parents and minor children), and are good through the end of the calendar year. If you need by chance a rescue, then you're not liable for rescue cost. Fuel for the national guards black hawks, man hours, etc.

[@natehikes]

In NH - mainly in the Whites - we have a lot of rescues involving negligence. But I feel it’s applied appropriately. Hiking in sandals, no headlamp, no food or water - that happens more often than you’d think. And yes, in those circumstances, you will be charged if SAR is needed.

[@rebeccasartcorner]

I live in Sweden and last year my parents bought a inreach mini 2 for me (but I pay for the subscription) because I mainly hike with only my dog as company. Earlier this year I got myself in a situation when I was hiking in the mountains and I wasn’t able to get my dog and myself out of there so I had to push the SOS button. I wouldn’t change it for a phone with satellite. I like that Garmin updates your emergency contacts from the moment you press the sos button to the moment you’re “safe”. This time I was able to talk to my parents (who are my emergency contacts) and warn them I was pushing the button. But it was nice to see how things worked when it wasn’t an emergency and my parents worry a lot less since we got the inreach. The police picked me up in a helicopter and dropped me off near my car. So far I haven’t had to pay. Something that I noticed when sos was active on my Garmin was that it was draining the battery and the battery on my phone held up better than the battery on my inreach, even though I used my phone to write all the messages.

[@THExPOPEXIX]

yeah i have the 67i or 66i too and love it. got it on sale for same price as the newest inreach mini last year. has its own screen for maps and typing messages. so many other features i never even considered a mini after i saw it

[@Jjlipschitz]

I have tested both. You can only send a message if your phone is on SOS. If you have service but it does not work, you have nothing. You can't put your phone into SOS mode to force it to send over satellite. Garmin always sends the message as long as you have a clear view of the sky. Until Apple allows you to send a message over satellite when your phone is reporting service but it is not functional over cellular, Garmin has a more reliable product for use out in backcountry.

[@TagiukGold]

I saw a video on the channel JChristina where he forced his phone into SOS mode by turning off the cellular and wifi, and he was able to use the Starlink direct to cell functionality since it was enabled for his hurricane hit area.

[@DragonRoams]

I think I will always prefer a standalone device as my emergency backup. It's cool that my phone has the capability so there is a backup if one fails or gets broken. I used the spot for a years but have been using Garmin for the last year or so and it has much less issue than the spot.

[@kurtbaldwinwildlife]

Just to add to the cost/no cost for rescue comments, in CANADA, there is no cost or fee for any rescue or post rescue care. All heli, SAR, ambulance services are free in genuine emergencies.

[@johnirvine9942]

Be wary of the air ambulance bill however. Air ambulance and ambulance bills are not covered.

[@zacchariaturnbull5322]

I had to use my InReach when I sprained an ankle in Grand Canyon, not the SOS but messaging. My main concern with the messaging process is that it's too slow, and you still want faster message processing even for non-life threatening situations.

[@Rachel_1983]

I love my Garmin watch! I have a refurb Fenix 6s and haven't had any problems. I bought it after using a really cheap used Fitbit for a couple months purely to learn what features I actually use, don't use and wish I had. It was eye opening and led me to find the Garmin was a perfect fit for my needs. Charging frequency was especially important!

[@dadassery8506]

One time I took a slip getting off trail. There was a helicopter circling for about 45 minutes. I wouldn’t have thought it had anything to do with me until I pulled out my phone and saw the SOS was activated. Cancelled and the copter went away.

[@Bones575]

I'm surprised there wasn't a protection button, like on the Inreach mini.

[@erwinslootweg7938]

as a European, hearing "you shouldn't be thinking of the cost when you are in an emergency" ..yes, yes indeed you should not. but hey the European way, where you don't have to think about the cost, is socialism....right ?

[@e.k.4508]

Most Americans have a weird idea about socialism - or being social, meaning: having a quality healthcare-, school- and social service system for everyone. Socialism is a curse word in the USA

[@lauriejorgensen3692]

I just bought my daughter, who hikes alone, a mini in reach 2. Thanks for the info about “enable”

[@dj46104]

I don't think about this at all. I'm never using SOS unless I genuinely need help, to the extent that I'm more worried about surviving than getting charged for help.

[@Livesoutdoors-c2v]

Yea really, you are spot on, how much is your life worth? Mine is priceless. That is after all why we have these things, to save our lives!!!

[@danelledavis9164]

I also have the insurance that includes SAR.

[@neonsamurai1348]

I am going to stick with a Personal Locator Beacon. While it does not have any messaging features, there is no subscriptions or costs beyond the device, it connects to multiple satellite networks, and has about 3-X times the broadcasting power (depending on which beacon) of any messaging device, which means I can transmit successfully in places where the messaging devices can't such as deep forest or inside a ravine. It also directly connects to local government rescue services anywhere in the world including the middle of the ocean.

[@danelledavis9164]

PLBs all the way and mine also allows texts. The Garmin team stays in touch with me until help arrives even if I’m not able to reply.

[@enudretheinsult]

Los Angeles SAR helped me in the Angeles national forest. They were fast and professional and very nice.

[@phasmata3813]

So much talk about iPhones and Garmins as if those are the only two choices. Passing mention of Pixels having SOS and a small bit about Spot, but Zoleo, Somewear, Bivystick... And what about dedicated PLBs? Regarding the "don't hesitate if you're in genuine need," I hate to inform SAR that I will still be hesitating because if there is a chance of an ambulance or hospital getting involved, I can't afford that, and I don't feel like I get to tell SAR to rescue me but to leave the US healthcare system out of it completely. US healthcare needs to be fixed before I'll ever not hesitate to call for help. Also, with random exceptions like Dixie's lurking out there just waiting to surprise me with a ruinous bill I was never warned about, I'm never going to trust that SOS button to be free. Never. And paying a corporate middleman insurance is not a proper solution. That's too easily exploited by greedy suits (see: us healthcare costs and health insurance premiums).

[@mtkoslowski]

You make a lot of sense. I share your opinion.

[@strangerous1313]

They are dying technologies, so nobody cares.

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

it seems everything depends upon which agency in the area is on call and what their protocol /attitude is toward backpackers.

[@genericalaskanexplorer4470]

I live in the interior of Alaska and my in-reach just never has worked right for me. It has extreme problems connecting with my phone and even when it does it just will not send text. it worked once a few months ago for a couple days and then it just stopped sending texts all together. I'm still on a plan that I feel is a waste of money because I cannot use it for texting.I can send the preset messages and still press SOS if need be but that is all I can use it for in my location.

[@Bones575]

Does the tracking feature work while you are out in the back country?🤔 Your contact person can see your location that way. Of course, setting it to every two hours or something like that so it does drain the battery.

[@stevewright2241]

Cold weather can limit helicopter rescue.

[@Outdoor_MED]

For me, I am not going to rely on a phone for SOS! I am going to have a dedicated device for SOS and GPS. Garmin team all the way

[@zachcalder3143]

If the technology is the same (which it will be soon enough) then that seems highly unnecessary. Garmins alone are extremely expensive and not to mention the at least $10 a month subscription plan to even use it.

[@Dorn-Dvinn]

Sooooooo expensive. Just no.

[@bauerma4]

Am I the only one who’s going to mourn the loss of escaping cell coverage?

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Best to not treat technology as infallible. Communications convenience and reliability has given us a sense of security that can be taken away instantly. Prepare for something to not work.

[@johngould7548]

I have the annual Garmin plan with 10 free messages per month. Garmin says I can keep it but if I change plans I lose the annual feature. Will probably keep it for now and see how things shake out. I’ve got my 15 pro max I can use also.

[@SGU.TF-141]

Lets face it Garmin is dead

[@mattsailor4966]

Maybe not, at least not yet. MyLifeOutdoors posted a good video on the limitations of the iPhone satellite texting. It's not a 100% replacement yet.

[@ruddyman]

You burn quite a bit of battery with the screen on while you point for several minutes (worse in bright sun conditions), and the fail rate is much higher than in reach in my experience. Nice to have, but it's not at the point where it'll replace anything for me.

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

I've had my Garmin fail repeatedly. I would never trust it for an emergency. It's a PLB for me.

[@danelledavis9164]

I don’t think they mean a Garmin watch. I think they mean a Garmin PLB, which is what the in reach mini is.

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

@@danelledavis9164 I'm talking about the Inreach Mini. Mine has repeatedly failed. And the mini is not a PLB. Garmin don't make a PLB.

[@danelledavis9164]

@@BurfieldPhoto1 It locates you by satellite. A woman’s husband was lost located the other day because of it. In what way did your Garmin mini fail? The SOS button didn’t work?

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

@@danelledavis9164 I've never had to use the SOS function thankfully but I've had tracking and messaging fail frequently enough to not rely on its SOS function. I carry a PLB for that. A Garmin's location is provided by GPS coordinates embedded in a text message, and if that message doesn't get through there is no way to locate the device, unlike a PLB which can be located directly without GPS positioning via Doppler shift or a secondary homing frequency.

[@danelledavis9164]

@@BurfieldPhoto1 It works on the Iridium Satellite Network which has 100% global coverage. I have several hiking friends with this device and they’ve never said that it has failed. I guess they just have different experiences.

[@StamfordBridge]

Ha. Elon is one of the last people on Earth right now whom I’d trust to improve anything about society.

[@williampennjr.4448]

How do you use your cellphone when your out of WIFI range and you don't have a Starlink account?

[@e.k.4508]

As i understand, the newest iPhones and Google phones (pixel) can send a sos via satellite. Most Android phones don't have this functionality. So in case of no cell service or WiFi your phone is useless

[@lyfandeth]

Tmobile says they have no information yet, but the Starlink system appears to use frequencies that only NEW 5G LTE phones will have. So plan to buy a new phone--but not until someone knows which ones will work.

[@12STONESADVENTURES]

That's awesome so is this same satellite connectivity available with Android? Or is it something still in development?

[@Bones575]

They talked about that in the video.

[@lakorai2]

Samsung and Google have models with sattelite

[@danelledavis9164]

This will mean nothing if you don’t have an iPhone 14 or for amateur hikers that don’t know to put their phones in airplane mode on the trail and end up with a dead phone with no way to recharge it or if your phone goes in a river or down a cliff. I’ll count on my Garmin in Reach to save my life any day….every day. Also, I’m predominantly a winter hiker and I’ll definitely stick with a PLB to save myself or someone else I come across that needs help.

[@HansPetterBekeng]

Dude, there's really no Garmin-Apple war. The InReach private consumer market is a minute, minuscule part of Garmins business. The whole consumer products thing is kinda a side-business for Garmin altogether, because they are primarily a marine and aviation navigation company, who delivers GPS solutions to commercial fishing boats and the aviation industry. Also, the main bulk of the people having an InReach are actually serious people, who of course wouldn't trust their lives with an iPhone for a second on a winter expedition or something.

[@zachweinberg8318]

I'm curious about this Yellowstone Trip. I get that a certain percentage of your audience is new to backpacking and may not have their stuff. But there's got to be a decent percentage of your fans that have taken your advice over the years and collected the gear needed to meet you at the trail ready to go. With that, I'm wondering if you do any trips for non-beginner backpackers that's maybe a little less money but requires a bit more self-reliance? Perhaps something in Sequoia National Park around next August? Lol, just something to consider. Also, I've been using the iPhone for satellite messaging since iOS 18 came out (maybe 2-3 trips now)... there's no reason for an InReach anymore. If like me and most people watching you, you're in the U.S., and can make to semi-unobstructed skies, I haven't had an issue or put much effort into sending texts to my loved ones while backpacking.

[@Unknownping]

Imagine owning an iPhone in the first place 🤮

[@georgepark1917]

Question is will Garmin bring features so that it doesn't become the next Blackberry?

[@danelledavis9164]

My Garmin mini allows texts and notifies Garmin with my location to get me help. That’s all I needed to do, to save my life.

[@craigiedema1707]

How do PLBs factor into this? If SOS is your main reason for carrying a device is a PLB a better choice? Edit: I see this is a common question here.

[@e.k.4508]

A Garmin inreach (or the GPSMAP for that reason, it also has the Inreach functionality) is a two-way communication device. You can explain your situation instead of only pressing the SOS button. Very helpful when not in a life threatening situation but you do need help. They can talk back and give you advice. Or you can just message your friends and family about non-emergency situations. Edit: a PBL doesn't have this two way communication

[@craigiedema1707]

@e.k.4508 I asked this question because I've heard that sometimes there can be problems with these 3rd party services contacting emergency services. Where as emergency service monitor PLB signals (in my country at least). I own 4 Garmin GPS devices, they are awesome things. I just not sure whether I need another one.

[@dsa4347]

What about Motorola Defy?

[@mattpelofske4632]

I purposely reserve the right to get lost.😂

[@summittaedae2323]

I’d be scared to deploy my plb

[@mtkoslowski]

Even when death is the probable/possible alternative?

[@trapsquad593]

6G map work

[@jefflibbey]

I really like Dan and enjoy his channel but this is the first video of his that I noticed the increasing number of ads. I really hope it's a KZbin anomaly and not a deliberate choice that Dan made. For me, ads every 4 minutes is infuriating.

[@dsa4347]

KZbin is showing "Adults Only" ads on your channel. (I never watch such stuff.)

[@TomB898]

Great video. Still watching it. My one question so far is “Why does the battery on the Garmin last longer?” . I know the Apple watch has low power mode but what else can they turn off when someone is in the backcountry? If Apple figures that out, then they will be the watch of choice both in and out of the remote areas.

[@Bones575]

It depends on the watch. I have a Garmin fenix 5x. It's an older model but it has enough juice for the one day, while it's tracking

[@e.k.4508]

Not everyone has an iPhone or apple device. U think it's only common in the USA to own an iPhone

[@SpaceCaptnFace]

Hiking solo in Colorado, I don't carry a plb...there's so many people out here you're likely a yell away from someone. Unless I'm winter hiking, I almost always come across somebody else regardless of how remote the trail is

[@mtkoslowski]

That’s your survival strategy?

[@SpaceCaptnFace]

@@mtkoslowski apparently people never survived in the outdoors before inreach

[@KFay-d5d]

Backpacking the CO Trail, sometimes I only see people 1-2 times a day. So I now have Garmin for true emergencies.

[@mtkoslowski]

@@SpaceCaptnFace Lol!

[@romererunamerika9437]

@@SpaceCaptnFace nop lewis and clark had a Garmin in reach mini 1 it was old with the micro charging cable before electricity but it work in many close calls! welcome to 2024 were we live in the 19884 novel.

[@tadghsmith1457]

Garmin is dead. An Iphone plus a cheap PLB will do the same job for cheaper.

[@wackerman7259]

T-Mobile?????

[@adamstewart7465]

You should get charged for pushing the SOS button. It's a no-brainer. You overestimated yourself and underestimated the journey.

[@arkeez1181]

Huh ? So you do think we can forecast and prevent ANYTHING that can happen to us in the wild? Are you literally insane my little boy?

[@adamstewart7465]

@@arkeez1181 I must have been in a sourpuss mood. No, you couldn't forecast anything in the back country. You can't forecast leaving your house. I did a little research. 12% are actually for car accidents. Only 10% could self-rescue. I'm an a******.

[@TomDutch]

Chris 'Hazzard' into sos gear.. makes sense.

[@alaskanstrat6618]

Star Link mini for 100$ ish more is far superior in just about every way other than size , but for high speed internet worth it . Nice job cherry picking the comments you dont like or agree with and getting rid of them LOL !