PLB vs Satellite Messenger // Why I upgraded to a Garmin InReach Mini 2

Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) and Satellite Messengers like the Garmin InReach devices are great options for sending out an SOS in the wilderness. I recently upgraded from an ACR ResQLink 400 to a Garmin InReach Mini 2. Here is why I upgraded and why I picked the Garmin InReach Mini 2 over the Garmin InReach Messenger and the Zoleo Satellite Communicator.
Garmin InReach Mini 2: amzn.to/3ZgCXTm
Garmin InReach Messenger: amzn.to/3TKRlBY
Zoleo Satellite Communicator: amzn.to/40y8h1r
ACR ResQLink 400: amzn.to/3lHjKMK
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[@OutsideChronicles]

PLBs and Satellite Messengers are a big investment, but will be their weight in gold when you need it. The 2-way communication has been very useful for me this winter. What is your take? PLB? Zoleo? IR Messenger or Mini 2?

[@moosespeak6140]

I live in a really remote part of northwestern Montana off grid. The PLB is my go too as devices with LCD screens and phone screens will not work becuz it gets so cold. I've seen batteries go from 90% to alerting you that it has to be charged within minutes in sub zero temps. So I always carry an extra battery set and I always make sure it's in a ziplock in a interior breast pocket to let my body keep it warm. Honestly with the cost of outdoor name brand gear so high you need to look at it as a must have gear item just like good boots or a good knife. Don't let it give you a false sense of security like bear spray does alot of people, but rather let it be piece of mind that if an emergency happens you have a fighting chance that gives you an advantage to survive it. Safe travels

[@christianb8228]

@@moosespeak6140tell that to all the hundreds if not thousands of people who have been charged by a bear and have deployed their bear spray and deterred those bears from tearing them apart…get your facts straight before talking your 💩

[@joeglennaz]

Wow, what a great video! This is the first one I’ve seen the talks about the true differences in the types of devices, and I think they’re very important difference is that a person needs to be aware of. I have personally used in an ACR personal locator beacon for the last 10 years. Initially, I chose that because it had no monthly fee and I knew I was assured of rescue. If I press the button, I didn’t have to worry about batteries being dead. I didn’t have to worry about a low power device or the device not being able to hit a satellite because it has as you said three different satellite networks. Now, as you said the disadvantage of those units as there’s no two-way communication which I think can be very valuable as well. I’m about ready to purchase a device probably a Garmin in reach to supplement my emergency backup options. If a person can afford it, I think it’s best to have both. Thank you again for doing this video and again it’s the first one. I’ve personally seen that breaks down the differences in these kind of devices, and they are very different. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@fleotusbing]

Thanks for this great explanation! As someone who watches a lot of hard-core hiking on youtube-- but only hikes locally-- I've always wondered about these.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad it was useful. The choice definitely comes down to your use case. If you hike local trails with good cell service, that is all you need. But if you are going out of service, one of these devices could save yours or a fellow hikers life. I was comfortable with the PLB for years, but have warmed up to 2-way. I have not warmed up to the monthly cost! See you outside!

[@joeglennaz]

Great video thank you a lot more detailed coverage more than most go into. I think it’s very important to understand the differences of the satellite constellations and the differences in PLB’s and satellite communicators. A couple things I would say, is one I would recommend attaching the beacon or the satellite communicator to your person and not your backpack. If your backpack comes off and goes over a cliff beacon will do no good or even if the backpack is 20 feet away but you broke your leg and you can’t crawl to it it’s gonna do no good. Things like this have happened you might set the backpack down and walk 20 feet away to go use the restroom and you have a stroke or severe chest pain. What I do with my ACR beacon is I take the lanyard and loop it through my belt loop and it’s attached through my belt loop and it’s on me at all times. one other note this is more of a syntax issue but I would say that you added capability to your equipment rather than upgraded my Fear is someone heres the word upgraded and thinks that means the satellite communicator is better than a PLB and I don’t think either one is better than the other. I think it depends on what your needs are. if you’re talking about purely life-saving, I think the PLB is far as superior for many reasons. It uses three satellite constellations. the battery last five years it has a lot more power. The entire system from the ground up is built for search and rescue, and most governments of the world subscribed to it, there have been deaths that have occurred on the other systems because someone decided the activation was not real and did not send rescue that won’t happen with SarStat government satellite networks. There is no doubt that two way communication can be vitally important and that’s why I say one is not better than the other in your case I think it’s critical to have the two-way communication, especially during tours, and having clients along and being able to keep in touch with their family, having their family track them and all that. Just as you said, we have the technology we should use it, but I would look at it more as adding tools to my arsenal rather than upgrading from a PLB. Anyway, thank you again. It’s one of the best videos I’ve seen on this subject. Stay safe.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great points, I agree a better way to state it is “adding” or “supplementing” rather than “upgrading”. Good suggestion to have it attached to your belt. Thanks for the great comment! See you outside!

[@user-kd1du1yp4g]

Very important video. I had to make that research. It's important to note that those one way beakons are more reliable in case of emergency. So it's good to have both.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Agreed if you can afford both. See you outside!

[@TotalCatskills]

Great, helpful, detailed review - thanks, Mike!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you! See you outside!

[@serena.lattanzi]

I use a Garmin mini 2 since a few years and I’m very happy with it.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great to hear! I’ve had mine for a few months and it has been solid. See you outside!

[@nickmn6108]

well explained, thank you.👍

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bucky716]

I have a Zoleo and it's worked great everywhere I've gone. Even if I know I'll be hiking where there's cell service it's still clipped to my bag. One thing rarely mentioned about these devices is that they can also come in handy if there's a car breakdown and there's no cell signal. Can use it to message someone to help find a tow or someone to just come pick you up and figure it out. Obviously hope none of us ever have a medical emergency or car breakdown but being prepared is the best we can do.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Good trip about having it in your car! You never know. Glad Zoleo is working well, it has been reviewed very favorably. See you outside!

[@joeglennaz]

Hello, as a fellow user of personal locator beacons, I would suggest that you clip this to your person and not your bag. If you trip fall in your bag goes over a cliff, your beacon does no good specially if you break your leg and you’re unable to move or crawl I always take mine and clip it through my belt loop so it’s on my person that way there’s no chance he can get away from me. Stay safe.

[@iamcondescending]

I'm planning a solo trip to northern Alberta sometime in the next couple years. I'm going to be getting the ACR because I only plan on using it if I'm in trouble. I don't plan on moving around too much, so keeping loved ones up to date isn't a concern.

[@Gadgetmawombo]

I have the PLB, I just don't want YET ANOTHER montly charge I have to keep track of. It does seem like it has a lot more features tho, no doubt.

[@OutsideChronicles]

I used a PLB (never an SOS) for many years. The new iPhones have two way sat communication, PLB+iPhone might be the way to go.

[@mjordan812]

PLB battery replacement. I did my Res-Q-Link PLB-375 myself - around $20 for the battery, IIRC. The main determination is whether or now you want 2-way comms. I was using a Spot for tracking and possible evac, but the recurring monthly cost did not provide a good ROI for me.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Good to know on the battery, mine is just about up. The 2-way comm has been a huge benefit for me relaying information to my wife. She sleeps better!

[@jackvoss5841]

Additional communications are snazzy. Your widow can rejoice about that at the funeral. An ACR EPIRB/PLB gets me rescued. That’s why I bought it. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@ericzehrung5501]

It’s also worth noting the difference it transmission output power. 5 watts for a RescueMe PLB vs 1.6 watts for inReach mini. Steep terrain, heavy tree cover or dense clouds can be factors in a device’s ability to transmit a signal.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great observation. I carry both. See you outside!

[@joeglennaz]

Carry in both it’s the best option. I truly believe it. Thank you again for doing this video. It’s so important because there are big differences in these devices and so many people just reach for a spot without even thinking there have been deaths from users activating a spot in spot not sending rescue Because it is a private system. They have the ability to “think“ there’s not a real emergency and not send rescue. Unfortunately this has resulted in disastrous consequences in the past that is not going to happen with a true POB they get an activation and help is coming like you said it may be eight hours. It may be 24 hours it may be two days, but help will be coming with PLB activation.

[@moosespeak6140]

Absolutely a must have when going anywhere in nature

[@OutsideChronicles]

I agree that if we have the technology available, we should use it if we can afford it. See you outside!

[@moosespeak6140]

@@OutsideChronicles I think anyone who's serious about backpacking and buying gear to get out into the backcountry and remote wild places should make the bare minimum decision that their life is worth adleast $300 for a GPS emergency location beacon. Another thing to remember is the people that will come to rescue you can't unsee or hit the reset button when they find your body, make sound rationale choices, safe travels!

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

I don’t do extreme hiking but do hike alone locally. I always have my iPhone with me and usually am in cell range. What do you think of the new iPhone with sat messaging? You mentioned that Apple is upgrading the satellite system. Is that the same system that Garmin uses? I get the impression that most serious hikers use Garmin but the iPhone system seems compelling, is it just an expensive toy that newbies bring along? Thx

[@OutsideChronicles]

I think the iPhone is going to help a lot of people and has already saved lives. The iPhone (and SPOT) use Globalstar where Garmin and Zoleo use Iridium. Iridium has a better track record (anecdotal) and coverage. I am sure Apple's investment in Globalstar will be a vast improvement. If you are not doing major backcountry excursions, the iPhone will be great. Right now it is only 2-way with Search & Rescue. I am sure as Apple improves the network, they will offer 2-way with friends & family (for a cost) and maybe live tracking. Some people are suggesting a good solution is iPhone 14+PLB. Thanks for the comment, see you outside!

[@savagecub]

I'm completely burned out on subscriptions ! The PLB is fine for me.

[@cman504]

Both units are useful. If your life depends on it, the PLB is the winner. Hands down, no debate. So why would you call the Garmin an upgrade over the PLB?

[@OutsideChronicles]

As I said, I agree that the PLB is going to be the most reliable. The InReach is an upgrade FOR ME because now I have 2-way communication. I carry both!

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

Agree. Wouldn’t call it an upgrade.

[@dustyroads834]

Has it ever been an issue with you that the Garmin devices don’t have a dedicated phone number? I just keep thinking that would be a big down side to me.

[@OutsideChronicles]

I know that is a thing, my number has stayed the same since I have had my InReach. I do. Not know the timeout, but if you use it regularly, it stays the same. My wife has a contact called Mike Garmin, it’s been the same since day 1. For me it has not been an issue.

[@robnye5927]

You calling the inreach an upgrade is misleading and dangerous, especially when you admit that the ACR is better for being found. I'd rather be found than texting my wife as I lay in a ditch. There is no reason to combine communications and rescue if the rescue part is going to be compromised.

[@LeifurHakonarson]

I've got both a PLB and an inReach-enabled GPS Receiver (a Montana 750i) and frankly I don't understand why you consider going to inReach to be an "upgrade". Yes, the two-way communications CAN be helpful but on the other hand, you aren't communicating with SAR (despite your statement to the contrary) but with Garmin. With a PLB you can be assured that your SOS goes straight to SAR - and uses the same technology as that supporting ELTs (aircraft "black boxes") for forwarding the information to the closest SAR organisation. So, for the CORE function of initiating a rescue the PLB is actually far superior as far as I am concerned, even the lack of 2-way communications can be an advantage - SAR HAVE to launch a rescue, they have no option to tell you to sort things out yourself 😀 I carry both on my solo backcountry trips (which are FAR outside cellular coverage) but see inReach primarily as a means of allowing the family to track my progress..

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great points and they were the reason I went with the ResQLink upfront and carry both. I really like to be able to check in with my wife with the InReach. The InReach 2-way could be handy when you do not need full on SAR, but perhaps advice or “SAR-light” assistance, a scenario where you need help but it does not have to be immediately. Thanks for the great comment! See you outside!

[@______4790]

ACR hits more sats, not low orbit iridium, and no subscription

[@chrisx5127]

So does it connect to 911 dispatcher or how does it work?

[@OutsideChronicles]

The PLB contacts the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) and the inReach contacts Garmin Response (formerly the GEOS IERCC and then the Garmin IERCC). Both route to local responders.

[@jbeebe2]

I have a question: Who's the best?

[@jbeebe2]

Lemme answer that for you: Mike's the best Thanks

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks brother!

[@LeisureTimeLarry]

Upgraded? That terminology is silly. Why not both? The PLB is more powerful, and it will work. They transmit at 5 watts to the satellite systems, and they even put out a homing beacon signal. Certain mountainous areas, canyons and canopy cover may prove the subscription units useless. Yet, the 2-way messaging and the extras are nice to have for sure when they work, but I would never talk someone out of a PLB to use it when life may be on the line. Extra, yes, upgrade, not really. Save ounces somewhere else. Use both.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Agreed!

[@hidaven]

You're nuts. I had the inreach, it SUCKED! 100 different location tests, 64 went through! You wanna bank on a 64% hit rate if your life is on the line??? Also, the PLB has a MUCH better and robust satellite network worldwide! You want both? Have at it, but i would NOT rely on that inreach for safety! Beware!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Weird, I have not had that issue at all with my InReach. I have more than 200 check in messages from my trips this year. I have not had one fail to send. I always check the location of each message in Explore to make sure the GPS data is accurate. It is always where I expect it (mountain summit, trail junction, etc). All of my hikes are in the north east under heavy canopy. I am sorry you did not have the same experience. There is no doubt that the PLB will be even more reliable since it has a stronger powered antenna and uses government satellites.

[@joeglennaz]

Wow, what a great video! This is the first one I’ve seen the talks about the true differences in the types of devices, and I think they’re very important difference is that a person needs to be aware of. I have personally used in an ACR personal locator beacon for the last 10 years. Initially, I chose that because it had no monthly fee and I knew I was assured of rescue. If I press the button, I didn’t have to worry about batteries being dead. I didn’t have to worry about a low power device or the device not being able to hit a satellite because it has as you said three different satellite networks. Now, as you said the disadvantage of those units as there’s no two-way communication which I think can be very valuable as well. I’m about ready to purchase a device probably a Garmin in reach to supplement my emergency backup options. If a person can afford it, I think it’s best to have both. Thank you again for doing this video and again it’s the first one. I’ve personally seen that breaks down the differences in these kind of devices, and they are very different. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks for the great comment! I agree, both is the safest solution. I have to say, being able to check-in with my wife is a big advantage. See you outside!