PLB vs InReach - Which device would work best for your needs?

Are you stuck choosing between a GPS Personal Locator beacon and an InReach Mini Device by Garmin? Wondering which device would work the best for your needs? What is the most cost-effective option and in which case you’d want to splurge?
We researched and tried them both to help you to make best informed decision. This video is framework for your decision making.
#inreach #garmin #beacons #outdooradventure #gear #resque
Timecodes
0:00 - What to choose?
0:25 - Reliability of Signal
3:20 - Battery Life
4:53 - Two-way Communication
6:59 - Overall Cost
9:30 - Your Needs

[@alertbox]

A lot of work went into producing this video. Thanks.

[@alpine_squad]

Indeed! Appreciate your comment☺️

[@justjonoutdoors]

Great video with excellent points all the way around. For me, since my wife does not hike with me, the ability for her to “watch” me hike on a near-real-time map, and the ability to maintain two-way communication even when I am well beyond any hope of cell service is worth every penny…

[@alpine_squad]

Appreciate your feedback, Jon! Totally agree that if two-way communication and your progress updates on a map keep your wife happy then spending this sort of money for her peace of mind & permission is totally worth it! 😂

[@aspiringalpinist]

Great video!

[@alpine_squad]

Thank you 🙏 We’re keen on watching your progress in tackling Mt Cook in the future! That’s what we all initially up to in Aotearoa 🙌 🇳🇿 aren’t we? 😉

[@holyflowerpots1400]

Very helpful thanks

[@alpine_squad]

Thank you, Holy! We are glad that our findings may help others in their outdoor journey

[@NRYT2360]

one good point to note, the Garmin can be tracked, the PLB cannot. The PLB is only good if you hit the SOS button. Otherwise, it's useless until then. Garmin, your family, or even emergency services, can ping/track your location, even if you have not hit the SOS button

[@alpine_squad]

Yeah, you’re right. But it only is useful if you have someone to track you. In our case, we do not have family or friends concerned enough about us while climbing, so, carrying just a PLB is a good solution for us. Saves weight. But, if there’re people there that’d need to see your location and progress, having an In-Reach with you, is a very good idea!

[@classickid324]

I can see how that is useful especially if you solo hiking and fall or pass out. But in most cases, people usually do not hike alone. PLB sounds like it has a better tracking speed since it uses all 3 heights of satellites.

[@alpine_squad]

Totally agree!