ZOLEO | Still My FAVORITE Satellite Communication Device!

ZOLEO Satellite Communication Device: bit.ly/3k69OZA
How has the ZOLEO Satellite Communication Device worked for me long term? How does it compare to the InReach Mini, Somewear and Bivystick devices? This is a long term review of the Zoleo Satellite Device.
Location Share + Details: • ZOLEO New Feature Loca...
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[@JamesMcGillis]

I just set up my new Zoleo today. It took about one hour, start to finish. Not entirably intuitive, but "doable". Anyone going offgrid should have one of these devices. Here, in L.A. several solo hikers go missing on Mt. Baldy after each snowstorm. This could save most of them.

[@TahoeMama.]

Thank you got the detailed information about the Zoleo. I just purchased one last night for piece of mind during hurricane season. I am even more excited now to own one

[@relmukneb]

Loving mine as well. Thanks for the review and recommendation earlier. Got it this summer for a season of field work in the Cascades, most of which was off cell networks. It helped my crew twice when we got a flat tire (and the wheel was rusted onto the hub, stupid fleet vehicles) and needed help. The weather updates also helped us decide to bail off a mountain with some dark clouds coming in, and we heard thunder above us on our way out. Also great for checking in with family and SO for non-essential communication.

[@greggzel5662]

Great follow-up review Devin! I think you have me convinced. Sometimes you need to really think about how you are actually going to use a device rather that what features are available. Many of them don’t matter to me, but this device seems to hit the features I need. Cheers from Nashville!

[@MyraHart1943]

Awesome! Was rewatching your old SCD reviews this summer and was hoping you'd make a long-term review on the Zoleo. I did buy one this summer based off your review and like it 👍

[@BackcountryExposure]

That's great! Thank you!

[@stepsforthesoul]

I so need one of these. Thanks for the review. Liked and Subbed from Idaho

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Devon great review.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

The ZOLEO device is pretty nice! It is great that we have a few different options nowadays. Being able to text back to home while outside of cellular coverage is OUTSTANDING. I'm definitely interested in checking out the location plus feature although it's kind of a bummer they are charging more for that. Sure do wish there was a way to follow the route via a webpage, not sure I can convince my people to download and use the app. But I guess at the end of the day if there is a problem at least the information is there for them to get in they need too...

[@SteveBiediger]

I appreciate the great review. The only real negative I picked up on was that Zoleo charges for check-ins. It’s my understanding that now all of their plans include free unlimited check-ins. (I hope I’m right). Planning on buying a Zoleo. Thanks again!

[@chaosncheckt9356]

I just completed on 18 Jul 2023 my Appalachian Through Hike and I carried the Zoleo and for the five months I was on trail, Zoleo charged me for check-ins. That and the relatively poor location sharing are the two main reasons I'm going back to my InReach.

[@tommybewick]

From the online manual, "All ZOLEOs with an active subscription (Basic, In Touch, or Unlimited plan) have unlimited Check-Ins so they do not deplete your monthly message allotment. " Maybe it changed recently? It also has listed under the plans on the website that check-ins are "unlimited".

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@tommybewick I totally agree so I was continually surprised to get notifications my allotment of messages (basic plan) was nearing zero and I had to pay for a 20 or more additional messages. I rarely used the Zeleo for messaging and/or check ins so I was confused. I did contact Zoleo from Damascus and the response was less than clear. Basically I had used my allotment and had to buy a bundle or be charged .75 or per additional message. This happened twice and after the last time I didn't use any of the functions except the auto location feature to my family.

[@musingwithreba9667]

I bought a Zoleo a couple of months ago based on your and Andrew Skurka's reviews. Also bases on price. Here in Canada it costs more than in the US, bit it's nearly half the price of any of the Garmin options, and I just don't like the functionality of the SPOT for the price. My family feels a little bit better about me being out in the backcountry on my own, and that's worth the price IMO. I have the basic monthly sub, I don't go out very often and usually not for long. Plus next year I'm planning a trekking trip in Ireland so I'll have it there with me as well in case I get attacked by a crazed leprechaun 😉

[@Fellmandave1]

Tempted! But still wavering between this and the bivystick. Thanks for the update.

[@mattmcguire1577]

What did you get and why? I just want to be able to contact a mechanic if I break down.

[@Fellmandave1]

@@mattmcguire1577 nothing yet Matt. I am raising funds for this on my KZbin channel, via buy me a coffee, but funds are slow to come in! Good luck and I wish you breakdown free trips.

[@justjonoutdoors]

My inReach Mini came off the top of my truck at ~30 miles per hour and bounced down the paved highway for about 30 yards or so. A little of the rubber armor was abraded off the antenna, but it has continued to work perfectly since (over a year now), so the damage was entirely cosmetic. That’s plenty rugged for me! I do like the dedicated phone number and email of the Zoleo, but not enough to switch…

[@jozefgrimes4139]

Thank man so helpful on the plans cool bud

[@LostAgainwithJim]

We bought a Spot because my wife really wanted the breadcrumb tracking. A month later Zoleo launched their version of breadcrumb. I think I would have rather had the Zoleo, but to my wife the tracking was more important than than the texting. And ultimately these devices are for the piece of mind of our loved ones at home more than they are for us out on the trail.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Makes complete sense. Backs up when I said you buy a device to match the features that are needed for your needs. Glad there are options out there for that, and not every device is exactly the same. Thanks Jim!

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great review and EXCELLENT b-roll! Will be super helpful for your subs! I wanted to ask whatever happened to the bivy stick? They brought you guys out on a trip in I think 2019 to showcase their new model and I haven't heard anything since from the company.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you! About the same time I was starting to use ZOLEO, I was also using Bivystick. Honestly, I feel ZOLEO is a better device and has been more reliable. Bivy I believe needed up partnering with ACR so things could be better for Bivy now with better support. I found ZOLEO's app to be a better UX as well, so between those things I stopped using the Bivystick and have stayed with ZOLEO. To the point that I became an ambassador. That's how much I've loved the device.

[@Yggdrasil42]

As a Scuba diver I think the only available option is the Inreach since it has an optional dive case and doesn't need a phone. I wish there's more competition in that area.

[@natehoover5266]

Most of my messages sent right away, but receiving messages was a different story. Even when I hit the "Check Message" button some messages didn't come through until the next day. But overall it worked great for me.

[@natehoover5266]

Also, the weather report from the Zoleo is a great feature but it counts as a message to check the weather.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Correct, plus in my experience on the AT it took between 20-30mins to get a weather update where my friends with InReach devices were getting updates within 10-mins.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I like the idea, but the service plan is expensive for something that relies on your phone being available. It could benefit from a checkin and custom message button. What happens if you are not in an emergency situation but lost your backpack with your phone. Say you had to swim across a stream and you lost your pack. A simple warning custom button would get the right crew to you without having to call in emergency services. Great idea though hopefully Zoleo is actively reading comments for suggestions and v2 will make adjustments.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Same one I use. Sometimes signal delay is annoying but it might be the same with all of them.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I have had delay with any of the devices I've used. I did have a couple check in messages send this past weekend with it unable to share location on the check in. It's the first time since using the device that I've had that happen. I know you've had that happen in the past as well. But it corrected itself later.

[@BMRTV]

7:27 UPDATE: This is no longer the case. Their plans show unlimited check-in now.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I have a Zoleo and love it, particularly the weather check ins, which (feel free to fact check), do count towards your messages for the month. I found this out when Zoleo texted me to see if I wanted to up my plan, but coincidentally that's also a nice feature...that they will text you when you're close to going over. It's also useful for skiing as well and as an emergency device in your car if you only hike/camp during the warmer months. I agree with a lot of comments about having customized check-in messages vs just the "I'm OK". Hoping Zoleo puts that in their next update.

[@jay-mk4yt]

are check ins unlimited? TY

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

@@jay-mk4yt no, they count against your total texts. I definitely flex my plan on months I know I’ll be out more. Zoleo will also send you a message (free) when you’re close to your plan limit so I never feel I overpay and go to the unlimited program when I know I’ll need it.

[@jay-mk4yt]

@@GIRLplusDOGAdventures thanks for the reply 😁

[@NewBrunswickOutdoorLife]

Time to do an update. New weather source and check-ins are free now.

[@nicholascurrymaciel761]

Just bought my zoleo yesterday for when I’m off riding motorcycles deep in the woods. You said check in messages count against your monthly texts but I don’t believe that’s true anymore. I think it’s unlimited now and I have the basic plan.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Correct, they’ve made some changes since this video was uploaded.

[@RandyA7]

I really wanted usb c as well. What a bummer on that

[@martinmrtincho3430]

I Bought a defective Bivystick and they never sent me a new one because in my country does not have a dealer . The same happens with Zoloft. Has no worldwide dealers. So if you are outside USA and want a reliable unit buy an INREACH. without doubt

[@BMRTV]

Do you ever use this in forests/forest roads or only in open areas? My SPOTx was terrible unless I was completely in the open somewhere.

[@leikah1198]

Does anyone know if international texting over the device would be covered as well? I always see people using these devices (spot, Garmin, etc) and I just wonder if I can actually use the satellite communication when abroad, or does that inflict extra costs?

[@jeffd8709]

Man I wish this review had come 3 weeks ago! I bought the Spot x and it was complete trash (returned it after my trip to Yellowstone and the Wind River Range). Constant connection issues, missed messages all of the time, the app was trash and the Bluetooth would constantly disconnect from my phone. I mainly want it for the messaging and SOS. I’ll be picking up one of these next.

[@kaylynn1702]

If I’m in the middle of no where do I also have to get a zoleo in order to send a receive messages with my parents who have a zoleo and are in the middle of no where as well?

[@jimmyclanin1283]

Hey man question; can you run the breadcrumb location sharing with others in the BC w/you?

[@elsuperpollo6715]

I can see getting a zoleo with unlimited, service since I avoid cellphones. I could pair a tablet with the zoleo

[@timgibson3787]

Zoleo could improve checking your usage. I only know what I used after the fact as I try to review my statement.

[@xTravisMarx]

Can the breadcrumb locate system be accessed with emergency services?

[@rcschlieper]

Can you communicate with the in-reach units off grid?

[@april906outdoors3]

Does the Zoleo have any navigation capabilities?

[@davemac2006]

What is the mount you show on the windshield?

[@jcb5011]

Recently, Jan 2023, Zoleo fixed a bug with Android 13 that caused the app to crash on launch, they didn't charge me for the months that the app didn't work. Still no easy way to check how many messages you have already used but, check-ins no longer count against your quota.

[@darrylkassle361]

What about others that want to contact you do they need to take out a subscription too. If wants to message me do they need to buy the transmitter or just have the app. Can someone please kindly let me know

[@BackcountryExposure]

With Zoleo you get a dedicated phone number with your device. When you text from the device/app on your phone it shows up in your standard messages. The person texting to the Zoleo device just texts like normal in your phone’s messages app and it delivers to the Zoleo user in the Zoleo app.

[@jonsanford2515]

I have a Garmin mini. I was torn between it and Zoleo. Both had some features I wish the other one had. I really wish Garmin had the dedicated number and email, and the ability to continue message chains using cell service when it’s available, like Zoleo. Garmin only sends through satellite. You have to switch to your phone’s texting to use cell signal. In the end, Garmin mini won out because it’s more capable as a standalone device, (although you don’t want to use it that way if you don’t have to). And, three unlimited preset messages allow me to subscribe to the lowest plan, which is much cheaper. (I also used a gift card and sale combo to get it for $180 out of pocket. Which helped with the decision.)

[@Adam_Newman]

When you send a message to someone does it show up as your cell phone number or is it a different number ? Thanks

[@BackcountryExposure]

When you activate your Zoleo device you are assigned a dedicated phone number to your device. When you send messages from your device it shows up on the recipients phone as the number from your device.

[@Adam_Newman]

@@BackcountryExposure thanks man I appreciate it

[@primitiveweapons4649]

Can you send messages to someone’s regular phone or do they need a Zoleo as well

[@BackcountryExposure]

It will send messages directly to someone’s phone. They are also able to message your Zoleo device directly to your Zoleo phone number.

[@primitiveweapons4649]

@@BackcountryExposure awesome information thanks!!

[@jay-mk4yt]

are check ins free? so if i never message i won't go over my plan?

[@BackcountryExposure]

They have now been changed to be unlimited. This review was before those changes.

[@malibusean9312]

Do the dark sky weather reports count against your monthly “messages”?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes they do

[@malibusean9312]

@@BackcountryExposure thanks! I appreciate the info.

[@kensvoice]

Will the Zoleo work inside a cave where doesn’t have an open area for signal?

[@BackcountryExposure]

No. And that would be the case with any satellite device as they need a clear view of the sky to be able to connect to the satellites.

[@kensvoice]

Thanks for the prompt reply. That was my concern about this device, if someone gets hurt and needs emergency help inside a cave then the Zoleo will be useless…

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@kensvoice Zoleo wasn’t designed to be used as a caving emergency tool as it’s connectivity requires an open view of the sky. So you can’t fault it for not functioning in a caving environment.

[@timothym2241]

I thought check in messages were unlimited?

[@BackcountryExposure]

This video was filmed and released before that change was made on the device. They are now unlimited.

[@pikaoutdoors7414]

How is the battery life compared to the inreach mini?

[@BackcountryExposure]

My understanding is the Zoleo has a slightly longer battery life.

[@timdutton69]

I left mine on to see how long the battery would last. After a full week there was still 25% battery life left.

[@FTATF]

Micro usb is a deal breaker

[@neemancallender9092]

Heads up This product service is NOT international I spoke with them They ONLY have service for the US, Canada, and Australia Based on this information, I purchased the In-Reach Mini

[@johngo6283]

Umm, I'm pretty darn sure this is incorrect.

[@EricFleming231]

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. To message, you need a phone. That means you have to rely on two devices working in tandem in an emergency.

[@BackcountryExposure]

To send 2-way text messages, yes you need your phone and the Zoleo app. But to send check in messages or activate sos only, you do not need your phone.

[@Dannydkdk]

Sorry for me didn’t work at all . 0-Star

[@BMLLINEAGE]

Having to use your phone is a draw back!

[@drytool]

I gotta say, you aren't very convincing for Zoleo.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Why you say that? Regardless, I shared my experience.

[@drytool]

@@BackcountryExposure I'm not knocking your experience. I highly value your experience. You do a great job of giving detailed info in your reviews, unlike me, who just throws out there that you weren't convincing... Sorry. I should've been more detailed about the boxes the Zoleo doesn't tick for me, which I might not have known had you not pointed them out. I like having a stand alone device. I find very few things that I can count on less than a phone. Also, when you were describing the pricing options, I just got confused. I'm sure I could go to the website read the options and understand, though. I have the inReach Explorer, which enabled me to figure out where I was when I was off the map and my phone was dead (Yes, I will admit that, haha). I have a set price every month and I can send out the tracking info in multiple forms to whomever I want. I gotta say, I kinda fell in love with my inReach when I dropped it in the middle of a talus field on a mountain top and didn't realize until I got home. I couldn't get back to the mountains for another couple of days, but was able to track it with my phone and walk directly to it. I have a soft spot for it now.

[@evhvariac2]

.???