The DEATH of Satellite Communicators?

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[@MyLifeOutdoors]

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[@jonathonmcmillan9410]

I got flagged down by a hunter in the Gila NF last week. He was stuck in the mud up to the frame of his Ram 3500 Cummins truck and had been there all day. His new iPhone couldn't connect to the satellite network, and he was completely stranded. We used my InReach to message his wife, and she called for help, which arrived about 4hr later, well into the night. He's getting an InReach now.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Good story. I have heard a few stories now about how some iPhones can take 20-40 minutes in some remote places to get a sat signal, when Garmin and some of the others are often 2-5 minutes at most. I have yet to hear of an iPhone 14 Pro not being able to reach the sat network at all though, so this is cause for concern. Thanks for sharing.

[@walmartynotc]

505 in the 🏠 👍🏼👊🏼

[@mmagscott]

I find it hard to believe anything you say. At 38 seconds you say you don’t like apple, a minute later you say you’re a apple fan boy.

[@kieranza]

​@@mmagscott he winked when he said that... Then showed all his apple gear. Round these parts that's known as sarcasm. Not a N.American strong point.😊

[@autofanist]

Yep. Great Lesson. Not relying on a phone!

[@BUYBOTH]

30 years ago at the dawn of compact cell phones it was a matter of hiking up a tall peak in an attempt to get coverage to call for help. Now it's considered a drawback to merely have to turn and face the direction of a satellite.

[@mphgps7]

Can't beat a dedicated device, the battery life and robustness of a stand alone device is worth every penny 👍

[@ucitymetalhead]

Yeah that's why they say jack of all trades master of none.

[@laoxi4844]

Not necessarily true. Look back at the portable cameras, they are the dedicated device, phones did beat them.

[@mphgps7]

@@laoxi4844 I take "snaps" with my phone and photos with my DSLR 😋

[@laoxi4844]

@@mphgps7 That was exactly what those 'point and shot' cameras for. Those cameras were dedicated device for 'snap'. They all replaced by phones now. Smart phones will one day beat all those dedicated GPS communicators. It will not be long.

[@PS987654321PS]

@@laoxi4844 your phone is only as good as your battery life. You’d be crazy to depend on it for satellite communications in a life/death situation.

[@brycewalburn3926]

Here's how communication with my wife works for backpacking trips: "Here's where I'm parking. Here's where I'm camping. Alert the authorities if I'm not back by 6pm on Sunday." "Ok." **a few days later** "I'm alive." "Awesome".

[@nedanother9382]

yeah but that BS way of doing things doesn't cost you anything, you have no subscriptions, no sign in or password to remember. You'll never get to update it, replace it when its working but Garmin needs an influx of money so they replace it and your perfectly good device stops being supported....but the new one costs only slightly more but it AUTOMATICALLY updates ALL of your social media accounts with all of you details and pictures. Did you hear that? you won't have to do anything (except pay) and everything and everyone will be in ballance and happy....right? Thats what the ad said anyway.

[@nedanother9382]

@PrepperNation_H You were correct - at the time of that comment I didn't. I have since learned that they are far worse than I thought. I don't care about there fundamentals beyond "its electronic" and I don't need their "cartography" because I have a full map and compass. Its a piece of plastic absolutely designed to fail and be replaced by next years model and subscription and insurance and rescue.....what does Garmin make again? It's fundamentally a fear based gadget that can get ill prepared folks out of trouble. For the record by far and away I was tempted by the much cheaper Messenger. I have film that I took of red button pushers who were quite capable of walking out of the mountains. they were just a bit lost and unprepared. Can't imagine how they couldn't Navigate the 200 or so yards back to a prominent trail. I'm truly a fence sitter - some good hikers have died for not having that red button. even experienced A holes like me. Have a great day

[@nedanother9382]

@PrepperNation_H this is friendly gear smack sir...no telling me I'm not doing well as an adult. I wasn't but then I stopped the rat race and landed my dream job (not working for anybody) and gettin paid to build cool stuff. truthfully it is not a perfect argument I make. I do hate the subscription life. We are two sides of pretty much the same coin. I don't go a few miles from the the trailhead - I'm a somewhat ultralight backpacker vs survivalist. Fast and mean - I do love to obsess over gear - I do stay very safe and redundant which makes it really hard to get light - 23lbs for a weekish in the High Sierra including the bear can. It's actually the best place for map and compass. typically above the tree line, easy to not get lost. I get it though. to each his own. Thanks for the chat - it gets few and far between anymore. peace

[@nedanother9382]

@PrepperNation_H Ahhhh your nose is so off. I commented on your other comment as well. We're same same but maybe different ages. Whats your number. I'm very experienced. Hence the skill to carry everything and more at extremely light weight. go long distance and climb high. Definitely not a prepper though. Along those lines. Didn't you guys have your day during the 2020 incident. I've been gun foolish. I'm trying to get better. Perhaps thats what you smelled. I'm in So Cal...wish me luck.

[@nedanother9382]

@PrepperNation_H Damnit I just looked up your channel. You are legit - I am old but you hopefully won't be looking for me in the future. peace

[@anthonyd9984]

With electronics related to a potential life and death situation, it's important to have redundancy built into your plan. I can't count how many times I've dropped my phone just from being clumsy. Even with a full battery during the winter I find the combination of hiking in cold weather, looking at maps, and taking pictures drains my battery enough by the end of the day I wouldn't feel comfortable relying on just my phone. For now, I'll always have my inreach close by until something better comes along.

[@boobalooba5786]

I don't understand the "need" for an emergency device. If you are in trouble get yourself out, or don't, but why use emergency responders?

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Definitely, relaxing on just one thing, especially a phone. Is not a good idea. Like a map if I load the route on watch or garmin GPS, still take a real paper map and compass. Nice one take care Sam

[@mikehunt5961]

Big brain nice

[@juskojj]

@@boobalooba5786 ok with that thinking i don't understand the need for emergency responders? , why have EMS & paramedics.... if you have a medical emergency get your self to the hospital or don't, if your house is on fire why call fire fighters put it out your self or don't. so why use emergency responders? come on.... the "need" for emergency device is b/c you don't have a "phone" to call emergency responders to do their job to help in an emergency...... an emergency in the backcountry miles away from your vehicle is something like you fell or tripped and broke your leg and can't get back to your car so in that case just roll over and die.....

[@9mil848]

@@boobalooba5786 the choice between dying because of a broken leg,at the bottom of a ravine or calling the rescuers with my satellite device and live to hike another day is pretty clear to me.but to each his own.

[@lynneftw]

Two words: battery life. That tiny Garmin will last soooo much longer in emergencies than a cell phone.

[@stephenbland7461]

Agree. The latest Garmin 67i has a really really long battery life.

[@For4Reel]

dont care, solar panels and powerbank, i traveld the world and backcountry and never run out of juice for my cell

[@lynneftw]

@@For4Reel And out of cell range, or cell towers down, or no line of sight to the sky for GPS?

[@For4Reel]

@@lynneftw there i have lora oder inreach but i still need a cellphone to pair with this device ;) - and the video is about sat to cell, in one year you wont need celltowers anymore for texting you will have starlink access, therefore cell is the best device fore the future

[@oldmech619]

The iPhone battery tends to last longer if turned off when not required.

[@murda2999]

For now, these two types of devices are meant for two different groups of people. If you regularly spend lots of time in the outdoors where there is no cell service, then the inReach/Zoleo devices are just what you need. I never spend multiple nights at a remote camp, so those are not for me. I occasionally might drive through an area where there's a gap in cell coverage, the iPhone can be a lifesaver though if I get into an accident or get stuck in the snow. Things will change again when T-Mobile and SpaceX are supposed to release their satellite service. It will give you the ability to check in with friends and family just like you would if you were in town. All for free!

[@waynebrissette9459]

I gave up on Space X. I had one here at the house and they way oversold their capabilities, speeds were horrible. I just can't see ever giving them (or Elon) any more money.

[@TheDisgruntledImperial]

@@waynebrissette9459 as I recall, they even named the first service plan the "better than nothing plan". They're not overhyping the capabilities, you're an early adopter. Early adopters always get the worst end of the deal, but it's usually an OK sacrifice because they really need the service, or they're super enthusiastic. SpaceX is launching more satellites to fill out the shell every month, starting to get close to every week. Give it time, I think it could really go places.

[@juskojj]

it's not "Free" your still paying for your phone and service plan. i see service plans going up in price with this added service if/when it comes out. nothing is free

[@benmitchem4104]

Nothing is ever free. You'll pay for it one way or another.

[@alanaldpal950]

@@waynebrissette9459 what’s wrong with Elon ?

[@bearcubdaycare]

As a former member of the local search and rescue unit, yeah, on several occasions there would be calls from subjects with a few percent battery left, and we'd rush to get what info we could, then wish they still had battery so that, ideally, we could stay in periodic contact. (And 2% battery life is not when to try to learn your phone's compass app (I'm not being hypothetical here).) Another issue is using phones in the mist (mine worked ok for twenty minutes, then black screen with strange colored text that I'm sure I wasn't supposed to ever see... luckily resumed working after a few days drying at home...but I'm glad that I wasn't depending on it), or dropping a phone on a hard surface. My Garmin inReach seems much more durable. (My ancient early model SPOT tracker was a little fragile; came apart a bit in a drop, though did keep working.). I've not happened to use the other tracker mentioned yet. Bringing a few battery packs (closeish to the skin to stay warmish) and rugged USB cables is a fine idea. They can be used to keep not just phones but trackers and, typically, lights charged. Make sure that you have the right USB connector for the battery and each device. Depending on the geometry of your setup, in some cases, like for certain headlamps, a right angle connector may be useful (try Amazon). That said, in an emergency, you're going to stop the bleed, stabilize, and then be waiting hours after your emergency call. A few seconds to find a satellite isn't likely to be time critical. And many do successfully use phones to summon help, even in my county's spotty cell coverage, and the average person on a hike or bike or hunt or fishing or even ATV doesn't have massive piles of safety gear, so having sat access on the phone they're bringing already is no bad thing. For day hikes, I'd be more focused on suggesting the ten essentials, which would have made many subjects more comfortable while waiting for rescue, conceivably in cases saved them from needing rescue.

[@dminter1234]

I carry an actual irridium sat phone in my truck when I am going camping. It not only works for text msgs but actual conversations. I have used it many times when I dont have cell service, and twice when broken down out in the boonies. The model I have doesnt have the sos feature, but the newer models do. This isnt a problem for me as I am usually aware of where I am.

[@MegaRyan123456]

I myself do the same .. best thing is I am in Australia and Telstra has partnership with iridium and even there standard plan Sims out of your normal phone allow you to call and make texts on an iridium sat phone though the prices are expensive great in emergency I got used handset for 350 aud .. What's even better is people can actually call you for the price of a normal mobile call if you put a Telstra Sim in in Australia

[@waynebrissette9459]

Have both Spot X and Zoleo and took both with me on my 8,000 mile motorcycle trek through the US and Atlantic Canada, Labrador, and Québec. Most of the time in Labrador and northern Québec I was out of cell phone range, Spot did a fantastic job of leaving the breadcrumbs, meanwhile I tended to use the Zoleo for messaging people. Both seemed to work, but the interface on the Zoleo is better for texting messages. I like what Apple is doing, and it might work in a pinch, but it's not going to replace our emergency devices.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

I went with the SPOT-X, mostly because I wanted an all-in-one, and I didn't care for the garmin. The thing that always impresses me about the spot-x is the battery life. Even with 10min breadcrumbs it lasts like two weeks between charges.

[@DaveNorona]

they all do, but the issue with spot is globalstar as you will see, it is an inferior sat system, the spot devises are nice but again your really buying the sat system used.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

@@DaveNorona I'm on my second year with spot. I am pretty happy with it, but I'm also a really light user. I know some people have the expectation of it being like a cell phone, the other thing I have used is APRS.

[@Galactico42]

I finally got a sat communicator this year and yes it gives my wife peace of mind, but I was surprised how much peace of mind it gave me to hear everything is a-ok when she’s home alone with the kids.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I honestly think this is the very best reason to own one. The odds of you needing it for rescue are slim. But family comes first, always.

[@AuRowe]

@@PhilAndersonOutside agree completely… However, hard to deny the amazing feeling that some probably have after finally getting one and then need it for a rescue. That happened to me with proper motorcycle gear. First accident was soon after I finally had the whole kit, and now I cringe at how stupid I was to go gearless so long

[@LarryDickman1]

When hiking or backpacking, Peace of mind is better than a piece of ass. And that is not meant as a joke.

[@nedanother9382]

I feel like that is something to aspire to. To be able to function without unnecessary fear costing money or time and more electronics. It's a REAL challenge for me maybe even more than her. But that's our hill to climb. What's the dif...as far as you know something terribLe could happen a minute later. It's false ish security.

[@nedanother9382]

@@LarryDickman1 my friend there are many ways to get piece of mind in the great outdoors...unless you're Brad Pit, I'd advise door number two. Plan well and choose well

[@patrickellinwood18]

I've had a Zoleo for a year and a half, 100% satisfaction. They also upgraded the weather forecast this fall. Thanks!

[@jeromebullard6123]

Isn’t the service like $200+ a month?

[@patrickellinwood18]

@@jeromebullard6123 service is 20$ a month, that gives you 25 free txt messages a month, it's also easy to suspend the services as needed

[@BrokenRRT]

@@jeromebullard6123 3 different plans. 20,35,50 dollars a month.

[@Vintage-406]

You hit the nail on the head with this. Often times we carry the dedicated SOS GPS for our loved ones piece of mind, and that will “Hopefully” be 99% of the use in that devices lifetime.

[@jasoncolorado81433]

You’re one step away from becoming an informercial

[@dweb2275]

Been very happy with my Garmin InReach. I mostly fish offshore and even when I'm 90 miles out in the Atlantic ocean I can communicate with anyone.

[@ms7fam433]

I agree with your assessment. I won't be discontinuing my Zoleo anytime soon... Thanks for another great review.

[@WillN2Go1]

Good video. About 8 years ago I had a rescue situation in my kayak a couple miles off the coast. I tried to reach the Coast Guard with my VHF radio on Channel 16, but it wasn't connecting. So I used my flip phone (in a waterproof bag) to call 911. (In both cases the L.A. County Life Guards would be sent out to get me, which is what happened.) So for now, the iPhone might be a good supplemental option. Sailors report that sometimes in mid ocean iPhone GPS doesn't seem to work while their navionics and handheld GPS works fine. Soon I'll be sailing across the Pacific on a sail boat. I'll be bringing my Starlink along. A month ago the boat owner was completely skeptical, saying Starlink might be ready in a year or two. Now he's saying that if it works then he will buy his own when we get to Japan. Of course he's got Iridium for reporting emergencies and getting weather and routing updates - because even if it works Starlink at this point is still supplemental. I suspect that most of the time instead of looking at numbers we'll be looking at full color wind and weather maps - and watching movies.

[@spacehoppity3127]

Really appreciate how much effort you are putting into this channel. Keep it up dude!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks

[@duneattack]

Whew, big sigh of relief. I just bought an in-reach mini 2 and I was worried you were going to say we no longer need sat comm devices because phones will now do the same thing. Great vid! Thanks!

[@Chris-eh3du]

I agree, I think eventually the Phones will come very close to a inreach device, however just one well placed drop of a phone and now you've lost your emergency device. The increach devices are a bit more robust in all conditions.

[@nateo200]

This. I often bring a backup radio or more rugged device along with a phone not because th phone is not 'advanced tech" but because it is not "rugged tech".

[@Drmikekuna]

Agree that a dedicated communicator is the way to go, but I also think that it is fantastic that new iPhones have some capabilities. The internet is replete with stories of individuals who got turned around or took the wrong path-often on day hikes. Sadly, some never made it out only to be found months or years later (or never). Many of those folks could have been saved with a device that they already owned (iPhone)... at least in the future when most people have a satellite-capable phone. For years I have used an Inreach device and will continue to subscribe-at least for now. I don't mind having backups to my backups and this would give me connectivity to two separate satellite systems. Let's not forget personal locator beacons-a one trick pony but still a pretty good trick.

[@ApocGuy]

Most dont even know that their iCrap offers that option...

[@scottfranco1962]

Small nit: the tech is not based on adding a new "satellite antenna" to the phone. Rather, recent satellites such as starlink have cell phone base stations on them. Its like trying to talk to a very far away cell phone tower, so that is why you need to face the satellite. The comparision with other satellite communicators is apples and oranges. They don't work by trying to talk to the satellite via cell phone bands.

[@BiggiN483]

We got a Garmin 66i before going to the Australian Desert for several reasons: - Emergencies! - we were gonna do a guinness world record (which didn't work) and needed to track our exact route. - we wanted to let our families know were we are, so they didn't constantly think we were lost in the desert. So they could comfortably check online from germany, whether we were moving. Yes, you need to charge your device for that to work but i still wouldn't want to use my phone for all of this. Essentially, even if all our phones had had satellite connectivity, we'd have had a very important backup plan. And seeing how most people who die in the Australian Outback die because they broke down or ran out of fuel and had no way to contact someone, i think a backup plan to just get out is the most important thing to have. In the group we had several satellite phones, because some the aussies also brought theirs.

[@matt_kelly]

One of the features I bought my iPhone14 for was SOS. It's a great BACKUP for my InReach. Much like it's a great BACKUP GPS for my Garmin GPS, and heck even my InReach is a backup mapping device. I feel more confident in having a second method of calling for help when I'm in the backcountry on my dirt bike, but it is the backup option. I've had my InReach rattle off of it's mount on my bike and hit the ground a number of time and it keeps on ticking, whereas my phone would have not survived.

[@zacharyhoffman142]

My thought on this is that I'll get it and use it for short backpacking trips and day hikes. I bring a portable battery anyway so it's not like I'm going to be in danger of running out of juice on those trips. I'll keep my inreach for international and more technical trips where there's either a higher likelihood of me being injured out of cell service or where the iPhone service doesn't work. So basically: backpacking = iphone, Backcountry skiing and climbing = inreach.

[@brianmabin5947]

Firstly, I want to say, this is fast becoming one of my favorite channels! Secondly, I have and use Zoleo also and love the peace of mind it provides my wife and I in The Rockies.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks Brian, I’m glad you are here

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Iridium is the sat network used by all the emergency systems I’ve encountered. It has global coverage for a reason, and it’s users use it for that (currently) superior attribute.

[@bubbapate5740]

Way back when I was a Deputy Sheriff in the third largest county in the country, we had satellite phones. We only used them when we where out in parts of the county where could not hit radio repeaters. Which was often. But by the time I retired we no longer had them.

[@nyrubin]

When I travel to Haiti I use my gps phone to text a lot, silly me owned it for about 3 years before realizing I can connect it to my phone lol. Also apple is smart in having you turn towards the device, since the other gps phones simply send the message when you lock into a satellite, so in case of an emergency pointing and sending the message is quicker than just walking around for 10 minutes before you make contact with a satellite.

[@BlackcatOutdoors]

I went with zoleo for the same reason, to keep in touch with my wife. I have been perfectly happy with it, I used it last weekend on a hunting trip and a month ago backpacking. Worked great for that purpose.

[@leerx7015]

Does this mean she also had a zoleo device with her in order to communicate???

[@BlackcatOutdoors]

@@leerx7015. She was at home and I was out. My wife, unfortunately has some disabilities that limit what she can do for things like hiking. She has service at our house.

[@dskains]

@@leerx7015 Its my understanding that, in this case, the receiver of the messages doesnt need the device, they just need their phone to receive the text message.

[@leerx7015]

@@dskains Thanks Derek!

[@Frisky0563]

We use the Spot X at work they are not fast to send or receive but are reliable so far. I normally work in areas without comms or cellular service.

[@denisesarazin6753]

I’ll add that I love how compact the satellite devices are, and that they can be clipped onto a pack with no worries. My Zoleo was accidentally submerged and didn’t even flinch. At he cost of an iPhone I’d be babying it

[@Jehty_]

The IPhone has a better water resistant rating than the Zoleo. IPhone upto 6m depth for 30 minutes. The Zoleo has a merely 1.5m. Honestly for an emergency device that's worryingly bad. Edit: Oh wow. The Garmin one is even worse than the Zoleo.

[@1024Pete]

I had problems with Zoleo on a cruise heading to Burmuda. In the Atlanta Ocean, I was unable to get weather or access a location. Otherwise, it worked in Burmuda and in the Arctic Circle.

[@johnshellenberg1383]

I think there's some serious conversations happening at Garmin right now, but they will keep, for now, their core market. InReach devices are true outdoor devices with rugged build quality and good battery life even in cold environments. For people like me that use their devices under pretty harsh conditions like ski mountaineering and alpine climbing, no way I'm relying on an iPhone. Yeah, I bring my phone, but it's not being depended on, not at all. iPhones are designed to be used in coffee shops, not in a blizzard on a ledge.

[@novaotter]

Hopefully the pressure will convince them to bring back customizable preset messages for new accounts.

[@misham6547]

Garmin makes a lot more then hiker sat comms, they will be fine

[@norkloops1759]

Thanks for the demo of the iPhone, it performed quite well given this is a first iteration. Would you be able to test trying to get satellite coverage with the iPhone when you have limited view of the sky, eg when located next to a cliff blocking out half the sky, as I see that as a high risk of the satellite you need is blocked.

[@aplusdesigners]

Thank you for your review. I had been contemplating whether to keep my Zoleo or sell it and get a new iPhone. Your review has helped me to make my choice to keep my Zoleo for now.

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Thanks for the great information...I do have an InReach as well as the iPhone and this really explains the benefits for having both. At least for the time being!!!

[@johncordell5696]

I have used Zoleo for three years. It worked beautifully in Ladakh and western Himalaya, actually better than in Pacific Northwest USA. Zoleo will try to send your message by anyone of three ways using wifi, phone tower signal or satellite (in that order) depending on what is available.

[@georgemaxwell3997]

An important thing to remember is that Apple relies on Globalstar, which does not work in high latitudes and is flaky a bit below them. On the other hand, Garmin relies on Iridium, which works anywhere on earth.

[@shaunlehman9158]

I spend the summers in the Alaska back country. Zoleo has been a excellent option for me to keep in touch with my wife while I’m out of cell service

[@vanfja]

Some tourists can get it and have it not work, but professionals who work in the wilderness will still be using Sat gps communicators

[@jeffreycarman2185]

It’s amazing how quickly these satellite devices went from niche for the wealthy and professional outdoors person only, to nearly ubiquitous and relatively affordable (to the same people buying $600 tents, I suppose).

[@alquinn8576]

really, it was worth the money to get my family to shut up about me hiking alone

[@sdriza]

​@@alquinn8576 exactly

[@acamparargentina]

Been tempted for sometime to get a sat device, but the prices are too high (specially down here) so what i usually carry is a radio buoy for any real emergency (there is no service fee for it) and as for my daily status contact we have a rule: no contact in 72 hours, send rescue to the aproximate coordinates) Maybe not the best, but it works in my area: I adopted this method when i went two years bike travelling before the cellphones were available, the key is to not generate dependance (quite hard nowadays) and have well mapped and routed trips counting waypoints, or as i call them, comm points

[@VictorGarciaR]

A personal locator beacon like the McMurdo Fastfind or any other, will be a better option. Stronger signal, does not depend on a private company, Pay once and no monthly fee...

[@acamparargentina]

@@VictorGarciaR radio bouys are not dependant on private companies, the system alerts the surrounding air forces and cost guard services. If the emergency is real there is no cost for the SAR operation at all, if it was a false alarm (or an non death or live situation) well... hope you have a fat wallet to pay for it, including airplanes, helicopters, etc The system was originally designed for airplanes, then expanded to water vessels and now it is available for everyone worldwide. The signal is broadcasted on emergency frequencies that are monitored 24/7 by regional authorities. I believe the the McMurdo system operates in these same frequencies, but not 100% sure

[@Dan007UT]

I got an ACR PLB for $220 with no monthly subscription. For dire use only. Backed that up with a ham radio in my truck where here in utah theres 90% chance theres some old dude listening and 90% chance I can hit some repeater around (theres lots). Much better than $20/mo for... ever? Lets see 10 years here in Utah with a monthly subscription would have been $2400

[@acamparargentina]

@@Dan007UT Indeed! I don't know... i think probably these sat companies grew up because of people ignoring the already available, and free, emergency services on one hand, and for the created dependence in "excess of communication" derived from messaging services nowadays. 30 years ago i remember i went out and told my family "don't know when will i come back, will call IF i find a pay phone (not even cellphones here back then) call 911 if you don0t get news of me in 4 days" Nowadays they "need" minimum a daily message... too much dependance for my taste

[@Elbribon1]

@@Dan007UT My month payment for my inreach is about the same as a hamburguer combo,!5 dls.And I give my family peace of mind and even they can rescue Me in an emergency instead of paying tens of thousand of dls for an helicopter rescue.

[@WONDERWOMANSHELLEY]

What is the portable heater you refer to at the end of your vid??? Absolutely love ALL of your recommendations! Thank you so much!!!! Keep sharing! 👍

[@bretbowlin2617]

I went Zoleo in part due to your reviews. Been super happy and so nice to send ok messages home.

[@Ian..]

I use an InReach and I think we are several years away from reliable smartphone satellite comms at least. However, the new iPhone feature is an interesting proof of concept and shows where the technology is going.

[@kencochrane8795]

I have been using InReach mini for many years in Alaska and the western high deserts. Reliable and multi function including minimum GPS functions. If I were buying today, I might get a Garmin GPS with InReach. At this point, I dont see much purpose for a phone with SatCom. The battery would be dead in a day.

[@SummitSeeker546]

I guess I’m old school. I go to the backcountry to get away from all the technology and to fully submerse myself in nature and the adventure. I tell my wife if I haven’t contacted her on the day I said I’d be out to wait till end of the next day before contacting the predetermined ranger station. I’ll save the stories and pictures for when I get home…

[@nedanother9382]

well thats just moronic....that cost you nothing! how the hell is your plan going to work. You have no subscription, no bring the helicopter red button. No minute by minute wrong weather forecast. How ever will your wife sleep at night? Please go back and read the syllabus. There is a cost associated with your partner having peace of mind while you have fun. You must pay it or be endlessly mocked on line. What makes you think you can just go out in the woods and come back safely without communicating to everyone else's satisfaction. I just don't get you people. Signed sarcastic 60yo

[@SummitSeeker546]

@@nedanother9382 my gut hurts from laughing 😂

[@asmith7876]

@@nedanother9382Not to mention how will he get more followers on Facegram, Instabook, YoubTube, TokTik and whatever the f*** else they come up with? LOL😂😂.

[@ohsweetmystery]

Reading all the comments here I can better understand how half the population were terrorized by a virus that has a minuscule deathrate unless you are obese and/or over the age of eighty.

[@quixoticPrancer]

Here's another reason not to rely on the phone, even when you have a portable charger. The new phones are "smart", because they will refuse to charge if the humidity sensor in the charging port detects too much humidity. I've had this happen during rainy hikes, even long after the phone is dry for all practical purposes. Good luck trying to call rescue services when you phone is dead and refuses to charge!

[@quantuminfinity4260]

If you get that warning, unplug it and plug it back in. Many phones, including every iPhone I’ve tried it on will give you an emergency override option. Use a power bank that has a wireless charging coil on the back of it along with its regular ports Is another potential solution. This isn’t meant to entirely replace dedicated devices for dedicated people. But be a potentially invaluable lifesaver to day hikers or somebody who simply out of cell range.

[@bossthefluff]

I never understand why people leave their iPhone on when hiking. The whole point is to disconnect. Turn it on to send messages & check weather. Battery should last two weeks. Easily. Bring a small battery pack & a separate camera if desired.

[@BaaSicStuff]

I have a PLB1 nothing replaces that, these text devices are nice, but in a real emergency, broken hip, stuck under a canopy of oak trees, you are screwed. My PLB1 will blast through that canopy, communicating with 3 levels of satellites, it also has a homing beacon for our choppers. I was in a rescue squadron, you dont find PLB1's in dead peoples hands, they work, we find them. The love of texting people in the middle of the forest...yuck! breaks my flow, it is nice to climb a mountain and then find you have service .... thats neat, but man, do I really need to be connected, say goodnight, maybe be reminded that I have a meeting the next day....

[@denisesarazin6753]

I would love you to do a video just about Zoleo. I’ve had mine for two years, used about 12 times on short 2-4 night trips and I find the battery life surprisingly short. I don’t keep it on for long periods, just when I’m texting and checking in (maybe an hour a day max, most of that on standby). And I need to recharge it every second day for sure. I’ve also had a number of messages not go through at all (they look like they did on my phone but the recipients never got them in spite of having the Zoleo app on their phones). A video with tricks and tips would be super useful.

[@neonsamurai1348]

I'll stick with my PLB for actual emergencies. No subscriptions and just all around better when it comes to sending signal for help.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

And the battery in that PLB will last longer than your phone battery imo

[@tomb9953]

I carry both PLB and InReach. One is none, two is one. Started carrying PLB a few years before the InReach. I have used the InReach many times just to check in or check weather. Everything changes as technology advances.

[@trailheadjunkie]

Statelite Communicators won’t go away anytime soon because iPhones do not have the ability to communicate to family or friends via satellite yet. Most will stick around to whats been working until something new and better comes along. However, I think the new Garmin Messenger that was released this year will eat up the market share of the inReach Mini.

[@johnathanhodges9366]

I wondered if you'd cover this- nicely done!

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Globalstar has issues in the far north. Just about everyone in Alaska has gone from Spot to Iridium based systems. Saw T-Mobile announced full phone services coming soon with Starlink integration, interested to see how that develops.

[@garrycollins3415]

Not really full services. If the phone cannot find a tower it will look for a satellite. Bandwidth will be limited so voice and text only. During disasters the system will be maxed out quickly so texting will be it. Working indoors will probably be doubtful. But, still a nice option.

[@jfifield20]

Well how is texting only any diff than zoleo and inreach’s main option?

[@garrycollins3415]

@@jfifield20 for the most part it isn't. I'm just saying the comment of full service is not what will be provided.

[@highlander723]

I live in earthquake prone country and I carry my Xolo in my lunch bag at all times. My wife has a Xolo as well and she carries hers with her. something happens We can send messages to each other

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

I'm a hiking provider here in Australia, and my insurance requires me to have both an EPIRB and Sat Phone; one is obviously a fast button for a life-and death situation, and the other is like having a phone. There is a big difference; any SOS button or EPIRB is for life and death, like a snake bite or an unconscious patient. My Inmarsat satphone is, for example, arriving at a Bibbulmun Track campsite and there is no water, so I phoned a ranger. Provide up-to-date information on near-fire or weather conditions.

[@jamessanchezii7775]

Totally checking out Zoleo. Had no idea it existed. Thanks!

[@elmergloo3259]

I’m so done with apps for any tech that I don’t use daily like home automation tech. I lost count of how many bricked electronics I have over the past 10 years only because companies either went out of business or stopped supporting software/app updates for their older models. Any tech related to emergency use must be a standalone device to be worth purchasing. Smartphone apps and subscriptions are your worst enemy for emergency tech.

[@rdh2059]

What is really needed is a single device that is designed for backpackers. Something that has the backpacker oriented PHONE needs, the GPS device needs, the SAT MESSENGER needs and a battery that lasts, at least a week, preferably longer.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

This will swing the other way one starlink's service comes out, I did a video on this the day it was announced. You'll be able to send pictures and low res video from the backcountry which is much more valuable than just text. For now the inreach and zoleos are better than iphone though.

[@SnuffSimon]

Something to be said about redundancy and survival. Yes carry a lighter, but also a second doesnt hurt. Carry your new cell phone, but if it falls in a river, or is dead, or is destroyed in a fall, youll be happy to have a way to stay alive.

[@novaotter]

Would love if you could discuss the changes Garmin made regarding preset messages. As of Sep 27, 2022 new accounts no longer have customizable preset messages. All you get are fixed "check in" messages. They are "starting trip", "ending trip", and "checking in, all is good". No ability to let people know not to reply and no way to make the messages more meaningful for a specific trip/use.

[@endoracing]

I got one in December and contacted them and asked to have it reverted to where it could still be edited and they did. I don't understand the move other than to push people into using messages that cost more. I suspended my service while not expecting to need it. Hopefully it will still be there when I resume it.

[@novaotter]

@@endoracing I was able to do the same, but not sure how long they'll continue to grant that request to new users...I did submit a product suggestion that they go back to customizable presets or offer a wider variety of fixed check-in message options. Fingers crossed they go back to full customizable, but I'm not betting a used bandaid on it 😆

[@cjvan713]

The amount of actual power transmitted by satellites is actually fairly small. Most likely, there is shielding in place to prevent interference so that signal strength won't be washed out by the other electronics in near contact. The same possibility may apply to transmitting to the satellite as well. Shielding would explain the need for device positioning.

[@dannykwan2958]

Question: Can I use Zoleo on a cruise ship ? instead of buying the expansive cruise internet services. Thank you.

[@Simsydav]

Just ordered an Inreach Mini 2 - glad it's not irrelevant!

[@PaulRudd1941]

Whenever I go solo hiking I always carry a power supply. As a milwaukee fanboy, its hard to not bring an 8 amp hour battery and usb attatchment with me. Keeps a regular smartphone charged for 4 cycles. Its even better if you have a solar-charging power supply. Every time i go snowboarding I always have it on me in my backpack.

[@keiththompson2289]

I was out in a remote area a couple of days ago. Five of us. It was cold. Everyone's phones died, even mine. But I had a Garmin GPS and could easily navigate us to our target area and back. I never rely on phones.

[@dustoff499]

I could care less if Apple iPhone is capable. I’ld rather take a smaller companies dedicated offering. Just the same as I prefer and use a dedicated camera Canon, Nikon etc. over a phones camera. They have more features and performance is unmatched.

[@coolerking7427]

Its not a death blow to these items. Just like CB radios and Shortwave radios. Not going to disappear.

[@figelski1]

I live on a remote island in SE Alaska… I am also a ZOLEO fan boy. For all the same reasons as you… my wife, plus, I am old now. I want somebody to find my bones besides the wolves and bears. And there is also my favorite hunting rifle…

[@justrusty]

The main reason I carry the Garmin inReach Mini is exactly the same as yours - to give my wife peace of mind.

[@len9483]

What are your thoughts on the Garmin 700i? My wife just got it for me for Christmas. I used to use the original Spot but was not impressed. I have used many Garmin products over the years and this one seems to be the most legit, I also carry a battery brick with me while out here in Arizona hiking, dirt bike riding, using the Polaris Razor....

[@RN1441]

@1:50 "The more amazing the technology is the more people complain when it doesn't work on top of a mountain somewhere. These things are miracles of technology and nobody cares" -Paraphrasing the former DARPA head Bob Colwell

[@liamalepta8003]

If you had to bug out, say for example a war situation or government upheaval. The very first item you don't want to take is your smartphone or satellite device. Anyone can ping your location. Seriously, you should consider your smartphone out as bug out gear. Bug out is different than recreational adventure, with recreational your expected to go back home, in bug out you intend to go off grid and don't come back

[@paddyc93]

Broken leg - you will turn if you need to turn... Bleeding profusely - if you don't stop the bleed yourself you will be dead long before emergency services arrive in a remote location that requires sat communication anyway, once its controlled, you will be able to turn if you need to turn... If you are with someone who is injured - if turning is what is needed to get you help, you will turn... We still have issues with people calling for assistance who don't require emergency help because their communication plans suck. They wont invest in a dedicated system as most often they are only casual outdoor users and this is why devices like this are gold.

[@lh3540]

It's killing me how they made the phone bigger. I'm a trail runner and my current phone is already about the limit for flipbelts and hydration vest pockets. I don't want tablet sized device. It's also expensive, requires a new phone plan for me, and there's supply chain drama. I just got a inreach2.

[@whk3834]

Off the main topic but what heater is that? How many watts? And how long can you run it off that battery bank? Thanks!

[@AlexT1212]

If you lose your phone or have a dead battery your screwed though. In reach mini will always be with me on trips. Small weight to carry but it could save your life, or others.

[@kap1526]

Always carry a portable battery pack

[@xenawarriorprincess6536]

Any idea what the sos subscription costs for iPhone after the 2 year free period?

[@curtis.strange]

A++ for this thumbnail, straight up art 😅

[@jott1883]

I wonder if the phone Satellite wars are just starting. Starlink and TMobile announced 3 months ago that they will provide out of network service soon, it is going to be interesting to see how that plays out.

[@THX..1138]

The Starlink/T-Mobile partnership will make satellite communicators obsolete. It's to be included free in most T-Mobile plans and should work with any phone compatible with T-Mobile.... Moreover chances are about 100% T-Mobile will still allow you to contact emergency services through Starlink even if you don't have a plan that includes it. Even if you don't have active service with T-Mobile the same as they allow 911 calls whether or not you have service...So if all you want is a way to call for help, in the near future at a minimum all you'll need is an inactive T-Mobile phone.

[@trader025]

Not sold on this doing a lot of backcountry hiking and camping I want redundancy which is why I have satcoms, cell - not that it has reception and small port ham handheld. Its a little extra weight but I dont notice it.

[@greenwoodphotography188]

Interesting subject ! Thanks for sharing this video . When its minus 20 degree the Iphone is not working , my question is what are we doing in that situation?

[@Themuskychannel]

Correct me if im wrong but I would think being able to track the satellite while sending a message is beneficial, it’s still acting the same, I have a Garmin gps66 and it seems to work the same only you have to go to a different section to trac the satellites in orbit

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

I have had a PLB for 15 yrs. The battery still tests as good. My iPhone battery wouldn’t last 15 hrs in an emergency

[@z0uLess]

Since so many people rely on smartphones these days, which phone do you guys consider the best for (ultra)lightweight backpacking?

[@jgeisler]

Rumor has it that Samsung Galaxy S23 will have satellite connectivity. It's unsure to what extent, but it would be nice in addition to SOS/texting that it allows others to track you when out on the trail.

[@rikmoncur]

Now it's been released (1st March 2023), the Samsung Galaxy S23 series does NOT have satellite connectivity.

[@Gumby1978]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

Zoleo looks nice but the monthly plan has some wierd terms. Like no suspension within 3 months and an extra activation fee so just cancelling it is a no. For this type of device being able to just buy a month package and not even have an automatic renew is a must have, this isn't like a phone where you want it going all the time, you just want it for when you go for trips like this. Now sure if you do go at least once a month thats good for you but for many it's just stupid.

[@invaderjoshua6280]

Not yet but in 2-4 years yeah probably. Companies like T-Mobile/other providers and Starlink are starting to make partnerships it wont be long before satellite calls are just a third standard option for the higher end plans like we see now with wifi, and cell tower signal calling.

[@baddogastro]

My inReach mini, works without any of the fuss that the iPhone 14 does. My inReach stays charged for 90 hrs in default mode, 10 minute interval tracking. I can connect with my android device to use the cell phone's keyboard. My inReach mini 1cost me $345.00 My base subscription to Garmin is $15 per month. Well worth peace of mind for my wife and myself when I am on trail in the backwoods.

[@wowbagger3505]

I found a good price on satphones. Then you can really communicate, most involve a communicator like emergency feature.

[@marceloantunes1193]

I read somewhere that the reason to with iphone you need to look for the satellite is bacause iphone is small and needs to save energy so it does not make a scan for satellites. It means that when you have a internet connection, it downloads the satellite positions for the next some days, and when you need it, you have to point the iphone to the location that iphone can get from the file previously downloaded. While inreach/soleo/other satellite communicators, scan for the satellite and then sends the message.

[@nutthrower4415]

So I’ve been looking at getting a device for when out hiking and the one every one talks about are the Garman reach but how is this one you have the Zoleo? Also the EBL POWER station compared to the Jackery, thanks just trying to make a good decision, thanks for your input

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I use ZOLEO and think it’s great. Everyone talks about Garmin simply because they are a big company. But they have even been noticing ZOLEO and have started copying ZOLEO features.

[@spacefacts2553]

Carry both, if you're out thru-hiking and _could_ break a leg, I don't think they'd endorse you to leave a backup behind

[@countrygirl63baker64]

Absolutely agree!! Thank you!!