ZOLEO Summed Up in 4 Minutes ⏳ + Quick Unbox

[@lamarpye]

I run a grader/snowplow in a very remote area of manitoba and purchased a zoleo unit to keep with me in case of an emergency. February came and I was 60km in the middle of nowhere when I had a breakdown in -35C weather at night. I was able to contact my mechanic with the zoleo unit and he got to me within a 2.5 hours. This thing saved my ass and I never leave home without it.

[@LostLakes]

Yikes! Glad you had it...invaluable

[@jtatham4]

I’m shocked you only have 40k subs.. This is one of the best outdoor channels on KZbin. I just watch your trip videos for hours. They are so therapeutic when we are all locked up inside . Your editing and composition work is perfect. It really makes us feel like we are right there with you and appreciate how beautiful Ontario is. Plus you seem like a really solid dude ! . Thanks !

[@LostLakes]

Appreciate that so much Jon!! Lots to come this year once our camping ban is lifted...

[@Twobarpsi]

250k now!

[@bullenbjork]

275k now!

[@jachri]

I got mine around this time last year. I bought it to put my wife's mind at ease during solo canoe trips. I sent her an "ok" when setting up and breaking down camp each day. Using the co-ordinates sent with the "ok" message she could track my progress. It was a great purchase!

[@LostLakes]

Good stuff Chris! I wonder who appreciates it more...the user or loved ones at home

[@jachri]

@@LostLakes Its also great having access to current weather conditions before heading out on large open water sections of a trip.

[@Greg_M1]

Thank you for getting to the point, covering the essentials, being concise -- all in 4 minutes. Bravo.

[@mattvaandering]

The smile on your face when you talk about weather forecasts...a true Canadian woodsman

[@LostLakes]

LOL I really love weather. I probably check the forecast 5-10 times per day, and more when a trip is upcoming of course

[@MikeDangles3]

@@LostLakes is it unlimited weather checks? It seems unclear on the site if it uses one of your 'messages' as a check or if they're included.

[@SBTBOJ]

@@MikeDangles3 I checked today with zoleo they say that each weather report will cost 1 message from your monthly total...

[@mrwes100]

Just got one Jon for father's day. I'm so glad I finally made the commitment

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

I literally just purchased this a week ago. I really love it. Piece of mind for wife and I is soon worth it

[@LostLakes]

Right on!

[@johnherman3261]

Glad to see you guys becoming more safe in your adventures

[@MHarenArt]

I'm sorry you had them, but also glad you shared your scary experiences, to help convince others that they shouldn't WAIT to get one until something awful happens. Get one. Sh** happens.

[@susannal.9147]

Thank you for this! So informative and without any annoying extra fluff. I just bought the Zoleo and didn't know - even after reading the instructions - that it also allows weather updates, and driving a high-sided truck that's important for me too.

[@gravityalwayswins1434]

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Cost is only initially considered, and certainly is NOT considered in an emergency. Thanks for the last two vids Jon it is VERY good to see.

[@LostLakes]

Exactly :) Learning my lessons slowly...

[@DrTeeHenry]

Just got mine. Your video gave me peace of mind that I made a good choice. The Zoleo will give us peace of mind when we are otherwise out of reach. Thanks for the video.

[@fathertomoutdoors6579]

So glad you got one. Recently I was off grid and my wife fell at home. Fortunately I still had a single bar of mobile up on the hike. She fell 7 ft onto her head. She is fine, nothing short of a miracle! Doctor said I should have found her dead. Too much at risk not not get these.

[@LostLakes]

So scary Tom...glad she's ok!

[@garychiang2568]

Love my ZOLEO. The weather feature is awesome and we used on the Bowron lakes circuit and it was very accurate to our actual location and not just to the weather station 100km away.

[@LostLakes]

Great to hear Gary. The Dark Sky forecast was a big selling point for me. When you get bought by Apple for a billion dollars (IIRC), you're probably on to something

[@careenaalexis]

Neat device for sure, great cost. Nice to see an affordable;e option available for sat comm. Might get many more on board with getting one for their own safety!

[@LostLakes]

Hope so! Better to learn the easy way. I mean Erin was fine ultimately of course, but I would still call our experience the hard way. Could be a hell of a lot harder though

[@hugoderrick9361]

I know it is pretty off topic but does anyone know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@briancrockett9880]

Thanks for the information. I was looking at getting something for sound of mind for my family while I’m out in the backcountry and this looks ideal.

[@alainlefebvre9860]

Awesome video! I started researching these devices and remembered you mentioning zoleo in one of your other videos. Quick KZbin search and boom. Four minutes later, I was already sold on it. Thanks!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah right on, thanks Alain!

[@FreakofNature1]

Glad to see you found a device Jon! I went with the in-reach mini after my accident. I am sure the Zoleo will serve you well!

[@ddtwdmb2]

Thanks, just used your activation discount code and it still works.

[@LostLakes]

Right on 🙂

[@LostLakes]

If you feel like ZOLEO is the right device for you and you want to buy one, using this link at Blue Cosmo will provide us with a commission (no cost to you): bit.ly/3x9fKWg (American site but no issue ordering to Canada) We also have a coupon code which doesn't give us a commission, but it will save you the $25 activation fee (max 100 uses). If you're activating a device you've already bought, using the coupon LOSTLAKES will make your ZOLEO activation free. www.zoleo.com​

[@paddlehooked4687]

Maybe just me, I tried the link and it said “invalid shortened URL” tried mobile with chrome and safari.

[@LostLakes]

@@paddlehooked4687 Thanks for this Rob, I tried on mobile and got the same but it's working on desktop. Bah. They offer a bitly shortening service too...let's try this: bit.ly/3x9fKWg

[@LostLakes]

@@paddlehooked4687 That one worked for me on mobile

[@ThatsAPaddlin88]

The Zoleo is all I need. Love mine

[@dajo492]

I’ve used it for 2 years. Love it. Good video

[@craigatkinson8418]

Thank you! Decided to buy a Zoleo. Used your referral link and the activation discount. Both were good!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Craig, I really appreciate that!

[@sooleyoutdoors2728]

excellent information. thanks

[@waynebayer3144]

good to see you got one

[@ORBEX]

Great review and looks like a great product.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks ORBEX 🙂

[@haydenmeadors38]

That’s a great piece of gear! I’ve wanted one for awhile especially on some trips I took last year, but the Garmin Inreach was a bit pricey for what I wanted to pay lol. This is much more budget friendly!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah I've had those thoughts! The peace of mind is amazing out there

[@Johnnywalleye1]

The phone number makes it great for some one at home it's just like sending a text ,price is right. For me everything you need

[@jamesm.831]

if you want something for safety only get a personal locator beacon. more reliable and uses a better network (NOAA SARSAT, same used on aircraft emergency locator transmitters and boats). Only provides one way emergency signal but no subscription required.

[@LostLakes]

Hey James, that's actually what we got initially, the ResQLink. I spoke to it in the vid before this one but basically in some scenarios, it still leaves you in a bad spot out there. But it's certainly a massive improvement over having no link to the outside world

[@justinkinney5773]

Just got the same one works great

[@LostLakes]

Right on, I'm thrilled with it so far

[@prwoolrich]

Great review Jon

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Paul :)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Great looking product. I feel the need to upgrade my GenIII SPOT.

[@LostLakes]

Could be the ticket! Been testing it in the bush and I'm really thrilled with it so far

[@anhatur]

I have a Garmin device (the 66i, which is an updated Explorer) as I wanted a GPS unit as well. And based of what you showed here I agree this has some great advantages. One thing is, they seem to have a better price on the subscriptions, which adds up to quite some money over time. Another is battery life, as I have to charge every day at least. A third is a better weather forecast, as the Garmin sattelite forecast only warns of "strong winds", cloudy weather, rain and such. What makes the Garmin good for me is, I don't trust a GPS unit that's hard to use in bad weather. And my phone makes a great example of that. I bring a map on any trips outside of my back woods of course, but you can't always use that so well either. That's the not necessarily good conditions when i want to be able to trust that GPS. But I hope the Zoleo and other units can inspire Garmin to make better offers, I can say.

[@LostLakes]

Glad to get this insight UPT...I looked at all of them and like all gear, these devices have their pros and cons. For me, I use apps like Avenza on my phone for offline maps, so I was fine without the mapping, but for some folks that might be important

[@RichRich1955]

Isn't the low cost Garmin plan $12 a month for an annual plan when zoleo is $20? The zoleo is heavier to than the inreach mini2.

[@anhatur]

@@RichRich1955 It may have changed. Another thing is, I have discovered that you do get more detailed forecasts, even for wind, if you click far enough in on the menu system. Each line on the forecast works as a menu item, so if you click it you get more information. So it works but is still rather cumbersome if you want an overview over a period of time. Trying to assess how the wind develops over time for example. I missed out on that last august, when the wind turned and a block against the wind turned into a wind tunnel. The tent survived, but I can’t say I slept well that night.

[@markmatheson603]

I'm of similar opinion. I wanted 1 device, not paired to the phone so have a Garmin Explorer+ for a while. Jon brings up some good points about weather though - for a paddler the wind forecasts are garbage on the explorer+ and all weather reports seem to be inaccurate where I go. After many years of use what I thought I needed isn't what I need lol. I rarely use the GPS but I do bring my phone and use it for many other things anyway(!). Messaging is a priority followed by weather(wind!) at least for me so I'll be looking to switch. The Garmin Messenger looks intriguing (it uses the apple weather app) but I owe it to Jon to have revealed to me how things have changed. Time for an upgrade for me - thanks Jon!

[@NorthernRetreat]

Piece of mind is definitely worth something.

[@brookiesandbackstraps4244]

Thanks for this review, I have been contemplating the inreach mini, however gonna take a look at this. I have used the one way spot 3 before, got chewed out when I finally got out to phone service, seems all my canned messages weren't going through and didn't know it, so now going to get a 2 way com.

[@LostLakes]

Wow, that is brutal. And so frustrating that you'd have no way of knowing. On the ZOLEO there's one checkmark if it was delivered and two if they've seen it, like on WhatsApp

[@Twobarpsi]

Good review and highlighting of its features.

[@DDRider-DD]

excellent review, I am getting one now....

[@timmcguire3809]

Thank you for the discount code for Zoleo. You have inspired me to get out and explore nature again :-)

[@LostLakes]

My pleasure :) Love to hear that Tim!

[@Gillesgip]

Wow , nice, precise product demo. I'm going to investigate more, looks like the price range I was looking at. Thank you for sharing!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Gilles! They're currently on sale (link above, along with a coupon code for free activation)

[@Gillesgip]

I just ordered the zoleo.

[@Gillesgip]

Activated my zoleo today and used your code and saved 25$! Thanks.

[@workenmanus06]

Sounds like a great product

[@karl00l]

Thanks for the review, saw this as an option after having a bad experience without one last year.

[@LostLakes]

Just takes one experience like that eh...they're on sale right now too :)

[@vuduvgn]

Thank you for the discount!

[@johnbmadwis]

Thanks for the review and explanation. FWIW, small goal zero power pack (I have the flip 24) and a small solar panel (I have the nomad 7) are great for charging small devices like phones and cameras. Peace of mind that if you forget to turn something off or start with less than full batteries or otherwise just get to a dead battery that you can charge in the field.

[@jni34108]

Nice, simple & informative 👍🏽

[@suezaple4950]

sounds great

[@goodleftovers1268]

THIS IS GREAT ONTENT

[@mysteryguyhiking3281]

Great review! I love my zoleo and being able to communicate off grid aswell as share my location.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks MGH! Really a big leg up

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

I'm sold 👍👊

[@esthertrueblood1925]

Thanks for the code!

[@kevanwithaneh5171]

Like it but wish it had a small keyboard for texting. I don't own a smart phone so it would be handy and the weather reports I find are a bit sketchy at best. Thanks for showing us the Zoleo though.

[@LostLakes]

Ahh yeah if you don't have a smartphone then the Garmin or SPOT might be the only practical option

[@TheNorthwestWind]

I think youve convinced me to grab one

[@abigailrose7314]

Nice!

[@stevehisey389]

I have the Inreach mini and tend to turn it off most of the time unless messaging just to save battery. It gives me too much peace of mind to the point of traveling SOLO often. I'm sure that I'm not the only one lured into the backcountry by a perceived sense of security these "tricorders" provide. Beam me up Scotty.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah and just imagine the future...I presume someday the entire earth will have cell coverage. We might be living in the last age of offline locations

[@UguysRnuts]

Busted some ribs on a solo ten day paddle in Algonquin last September and could have used this. I survived and am still not sure I want one. Feels like sleeping with a nightlight.

[@LostLakes]

Agh that's painful stuff. Lol I hear you, I've been in that space, mentally. But you never know what can happen...heart, appendix, clot... Dying is one thing but but what I realize now, most of all, is how awful it would be for loved ones back home

[@UguysRnuts]

@@LostLakes That's a heck of a deal on the Zoleo you're offering from Blue Cosmos. Is the price quoted in Canadian or US dollars?

[@LostLakes]

@@UguysRnuts yeah it's because it's USD lol. But at the current exchange rate it's still cheaper than the Canadian price and I've been told it ships from Ontario so there are no customs/duties

[@UguysRnuts]

@@LostLakes Thanks for the rapid response. You're right, it's still $40 less than MEC. I wonder if the activation coupon is still valid?

[@LostLakes]

@@UguysRnuts I'm almost sure it still is. Can't imagine it's been used 100 times yet. Probably not even 10

[@marknewman8609]

I think the Zoleo would also be handy if you are backpacking in different countries and don't want to use your data (if there is no wifi). You would be able to text your family or friends to let them know your safe.

[@LostLakes]

That's a really cool idea, I hadn't thought of that!

[@michaelpicones195]

Zoleo for the win!

[@TOcdnbiker]

Nice video and great channel! Nice to see great Ontario related content. We started kayak-camping (we have Delta 16 sea kayaks) three years ago including a trip to Lake Superior and several in Georgian Bay and in the North Channel. We are trying to decide which device to get and the Zoleo is very interesting. Do you have any experience with the marine weather reports and how much they cost? The did not find anything substantial on the Zoleo web site. From the video, you seem to make do with the normal weather report. Thanks!

[@LostLakes]

Thank you! To my knowledge you can't get marine forecasts on the Zoleo but I've found the wind forecast on the Zoleo does the job. Though I've been meaning to get a marine radio as well for big bodies like Superior

[@paddlehooked4687]

Considering a Sat Comm and Zoleo sounds good. Unlike you, backcountry isn’t a full time gig so I cannot justify a monthly fee. It doesn’t seem like they have a pay as you go plan. Any suggestions for this? Would love get pick something up where you can get a kick back of course too.

[@LostLakes]

IIRC, the ACR Bivy Stick has credit-based plans with no subscription but I could be wrong. Or you could get a PLB with no fees, but that's only the SOS button. ZOLEO is the only one I can get a commission on but appreciate that Rob :)

[@useryggfdcc]

The have the Spot gps device. Never used it yet, hope it is good.

[@davecalder2688]

Hi Jon,,,I’m thinking about getting on of these..I thought I heard you say you can purchase a pre-paid card option as opposed to a monthly plan? Thanks Dave,,BTW I have my 1st trip to algonquin booked to test my new canoe

[@LostLakes]

I'm not familiar with a pre-paid card option...but the cheapest option is (or was) $25/mo. Enjoy your trip!

[@pete332]

Hey Jon, after a lot of research I opted for the ZOLEO as well. For battery life, ease of communication with others & a detailed accurate forecast. I still haven’t set it up 😏 Is it not now linkable with the Gaia maps service so you and your loved ones can track you on your travels ?. You didn’t mention it so I’m assuming I’m wrong. It’s unfortunate, I just got mine about 2 months ago, if I would have known, I would have waited. Oh well 🍻

[@LostLakes]

Hey Pete, that's interesting...I haven't heard anything about a link with Gaia. But when you check in you can send your lat and long in decimal degrees...but the receiver doesn't need to know how to interpret them. They can just click on them and it opens the location in Google Maps/the default mapping app

[@pete332]

@@LostLakes interesting, thanks Jon.

[@kmflynn329]

If you go overseas. Would it be best for a friend in the states to have one too?

[@davecalder2688]

Hi Jon. Is blue cosmo prices in american dollars or canadian. Thanks

[@joshfillier9665]

I assume incoming messages weather it be from sms or app to app go against the allowed texts messages on the service plan?

[@pierrelauzonjr]

We just purchased the zoleo satellite communicator you reviewed. We also used the LOSTLAKES code. It worked… thank you John… we can’t wait to use it when we go to Algonquin in 2 weeks.

[@LostLakes]

So glad to hear that and hope you enjoy it as much as I have on your trip! Thanks TPS!!

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

I am trying to decide between this device and the inreach. There seems to be pros and cons to both. I like the breadcrumb feature of the inreach (being a sea kayaker planning a 300km trip) But how useful that will be I don't know. The SOS will still send my position. What as your deciding factors - assuming you looked at the inreach

[@LostLakes]

Yeah that's a good point. However ZOLEO recently introduced an add on called Location Share+ (not sure if this is available in Aus though) which is an extra $7.50 a month for breadcrumb tracking and unlimited check-in button use. The inReach (mini I'm assuming you're looking at) is nice too but this seemed like the more affordable option at the time for the device and plans

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

Thank you, I found the location share. Which is an awesome feature for them to add. The price is certainly better, I save $130 on purchase price and even with the location share it’s still $10/month cheaper. I ended up going the Garmin purely because when I suspend that service for a month it’s free, but suspending the other was $7.50/month so I figure if I used it every month, the zolio is better, if I use it only a few months a year the Inreach is. Time will tell if I regret my decision lol Now that I’ve purchased it I can see myself wanting to use it even on short trips, not just 3 week long trips lol. Loving your channel, keep up the great work :)

[@LostLakes]

@@Beyondthebackyard-au thanks so much!! Hahah ALWAYS a battle of pros and cons with gear isn't it. Either way, it's a terrific investment that will pay for itself. That's interesting that it's $7.50 to suspend, I think it's $5 here

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

@@LostLakes I’m sure they base everything in USD and just do a conversion, which means here we pay more because of the low Aussie dollar.

[@LostLakes]

@@Beyondthebackyard-au sounds like the same problem we get in Canada hahah

[@chiefonelung3416]

Hey. Because of your previous video and this video I just ordered a Zoleo using the link you gave below. I assume that the promo code "Lost Lakes" I can use once I receive the item and activate it. I am really excited to receive this. Maybe my family and friends will get off my back about going off grid camping alone.. Hell! I think I'm too damn old and tough for a bear to chew on anyway. The poor bear would get sick as hell. Thanks again for an Incredible video. You certainly sold me. Please remain safe out there and have fun. As soon as I get this device and activate it I'm heading deep into the Cherokee National Forest bordering Tennessee and North Carolina to do some trout fishing and camping for a couple of weeks. I can hardly wait.

[@LostLakes]

Appreciate that so much!!! Sounds like a great time...now without F&F on your case! I've been there. *Their* comfort is really such a comfort to guys like us. I hate worrying that people are worrying about me. LOSTLAKES should make your activation free when you receive it and go to set it up, but please let me know if you have any issues. Enjoy my friend and thanks again!

[@JohnDoe-iq4kz]

What is the monthly bill cost ?

[@downymaster]

Do you have a Canadian website link so you get a commision? Very interested in this product.

[@LostLakes]

Really appreciate you asking DM. I think the Blue Cosmo price of $199 USD is cheaper than the CDN price with the current exchange rate. But are customs and duties an issue with the order? Would love to get the perspective from your shoes. Thanks again!!

[@downymaster]

@@LostLakes looks like free shipping, should be no duties, cost is $260.01 at the moment. Gonna pull the trigger, hopefully you get your commission (I used your link above).

[@LostLakes]

Fantastic, thanks a million DM!! The commission is actually pretty solid so that helps a ton and I truly appreciate it! I presume that's the first commission so it's great to know to look for it and make sure it's working. I'm sure it is, just never done anything through AvantLink before. Thank you again and I hope it serves you well!

[@downymaster]

@@LostLakes If you have any issues getting your commission I have no issues sending blue cosmo a note to confirm I was making my purchase based on your video and advice. I do a few remote fishing trips each year, and the wife does some remote kayaking as well, we will both enjoy the peace of mind for each other to have SOS and communication readily available.

[@LostLakes]

You're a pal! Most kind. I just checked and it hasn't hit my dashboard yet but I'll give it more time. I'm sure you'll love it immediately as we have, and if either of you ever REALLY need it, it could be the best thing you ever bought

[@chiefonelung3416]

Hey. I thought I would let you know that I received my zolieo today. I have it activated and have cried it out a couple of times. They promo code LOSTLAKES they said was not good. I activated it over the phone by calling Seattle. I just thought I would let you know. I know you cannot do anything about it but I'm still really happy that I made the decision to buy the Zoleo.

[@LostLakes]

Really appreciate the update and I'm confused why it wouldn't work. I'm going to ask them. Sorry about that and thank you again

[@LostLakes]

@@chiefonelung3416 absolutely

[@LostLakes]

*The Toronto office got back to me. They said:* We apologize for any inconvenience caused. The coupon code does work for both US and Canada regions as that is how we set it up which we just tested again on our end and is confirmed working for both regions. The reason it might not work is from the following: * User added the coupon in the coupon field, but did not apply it (there is a button to apply the coupon) * There is a typo on the coupon code entered. It should be either lostlakes or LOSTLAKES without a space at the end/beginning * The coupon was already used for the same account. (The coupon can only be use one time per account) * The coupon can only be used for new activations, not for plan changes or reactivation of service. *Based on what you've told me, and the fact that the Seattle office should have been aware of all of these things, I can only imagine that they typed it in wrong. Is it possible that they added a space? What are your thoughts?*

[@chiefonelung3416]

@@LostLakes you are probably right. Since I activated it verbally over the phone live, they may have typed it in wrong. I may call them and see what they say. It's really not a huge deal but twenty bucks to buy a couple of decent steaks. I love you man you guys please stay safe and healthy and thank you so much for getting back to me. I appreciate it.

[@LostLakes]

@@chiefonelung3416 thank you my friend!

[@katt1woman]

What brand of nova craft canoe do you use, I am looking at a Bob Special in tough stuff for my husband and I what are your thoughts?

[@LostLakes]

It's their 16' Pal. I really like it. Fourth canoe I've owned and overall I'd say it's my fav. Recently wrote a review of it for their website, copied here, if you want to read it. 99% of my tripping had been in prospectors before I got my Pal. I looked at dozens of models from all manufacturers but landed on the Pal and I liked it immediately. A little narrower than a prospector but still very stable, faster, and less impacted by crosswinds. I bought this boat primarily for solo trips (with the option for tandem) in northern Ontario off the beaten path and got the Tuffstuff layup for durability. Jagged rocks are not friendly to the gel coat (which I’ve touched up with West System epoxy), but the hull is strong. My bags didn’t fit flat when soloing initially, but after removing the second seat (an easy operation), there’s tons of room for my 115L pack and 60L barrel. If packing for a tandem trip, fitting a second 115L pack might be tight and then the prospector may have just that extra little bit of room needed to do so. I took the Pal on a solo trip on Lake Superior from Silver Islet to Rossport and didn’t lose one day to conditions, despite being undecked (with a dry suit of course). In some tough wind and 2-3ft swells, it was very stable. In fact, at one point I was distracted while filming some video and a huge swell broke on a shoal I hadn’t noticed. It took me for a wild ride but the boat responded and saved my bacon. I run a little whitewater but nothing over class II and I’m comfortable with using this boat undecked for that application. I increasingly use a double blade on flat water due to a wrist issue and my 250cm paddle is just enough for the Pal, though 260 or 270 would be better. I got the aluminum trim which is my preference (I don’t like maintenance) and the skid plates. It’s a versatile boat, a pleasure to paddle, and I look forward to taking it around Ontario for many years.

[@BigSkyGuyWhy]

I have an alarm system at home that also sends texts. Will the Zoleo send me texts from that as well? In other words, will I receive every text on my phone of I choose the Unlimited Plan with Zoleo???

[@ChristiannTyler]

Great video! Can you use it as a gps? Or do you need to have a dedicated GPS for navigation?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Christian! Yeah you can download offline maps that show your GPS location (more below) support.zoleo.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405310726679-What-is-Location-Share-

[@matthewheil264]

The prices on the plans appear to be higher than Garmin Inreach and SpotX plans.. but there's a lot less fine print (Garmin and Spot both have activation fees, as well as annual fees to enroll in their flex plans). Is the monthly cost the only charge? Is the plan contractual or are you able to pause/cancel on months you don't use it? Thanks!

[@LostLakes]

Yep, if you pause it's about $5/mo and you hold on to your dedicated ZOLEO phone number and email (as opposed to cancelling outright). There's a $25 activation free but that's waived with the coupon code above. And they have a great sale on them right now (also linked above at the Blue Cosmo site)

[@alex-pope]

Can you cancel the plan after 1 or 2 months? If you only go on a couple trips a year for example. Or do you pay for the whole yr up front?

[@LostLakes]

It's month-to-month, and you can suspend it for $5/mo and keep your dedicated phone number and email if you want to, but I don't think you can cancel within the first three months

[@davidperkins9957]

So, we travel worldwide. Needing different cellphones according to places we go. I’m assuming we can replace all that with this one device, correct?

[@LostLakes]

My understanding is that it works anywhere on Earth but I would contact support to be sure. Also it's a messenger device rather than a sat phone so you can text/email from it (from a ZOLEO number and email you'd get) but not phone calls

[@SBTBOJ]

Great review and love your channel. It's great to see someone in my own province enjoying what I love. I was just looking to purchase one of these and would like to support your channel but the link sends me to an American site Blue Cosmo?? They say that they have a Canadian site Road Post and they have my email and said they would commission you if I purchase from them. I want buy one from a Canadian site but I want to make sure you do get your commission to support you.

[@LostLakes]

Thank you so much Chris!! Really truly appreciate you going to such extra effort and care to try to ensure that we get the commission. I fully trust that Road Post would do it fairly, however some have ordered from Blue Cosmo and said that it actually shipped from Ontario and that they somehow didn't even have to pay taxes 🤷‍♂️ Either way, thank you so much for your support and thoughtfulness 🤠🤠

[@SBTBOJ]

@@LostLakes ya no problem I'm not sure if they can get it to me soon enough thou I'm heading out next week it's to bad they don't have a store front cause I was willing to drive to Etobicoke to get it. They will only ship it.

[@TomOnTheRun]

how well does it work connecting to the satellite while on your back pack?

[@LostLakes]

No impact that I can tell...I often have it in my pant pocket and it works

[@TomOnTheRun]

@@LostLakes Wow! Impressed that you have that type of connection.

[@paulbossence5687]

Hey Jon, ive followed since u camped with Joe, any recommandations for a 4 hr drive from Stratford for a couple days?

[@LostLakes]

Appreciate it Paul :) Tough criteria (as I'm sure you know) but the first thing that comes to mind is The Massasauga PP. They just changed the rates there so it's $40 per campsite per night rather than $10/person/night, so it's expensive if you're a soloist but good value if you go with a few people. Great fishing. You can do interior (like Spider Lake) or bay side on the Georgian Bay archipelago.

[@CanadianSledDog]

I keep mine on my belt all the time. What made you choose Zoleo over Garmin? I hate that I don't have a dedicated number, but I can text using the screen on my InReach mini.

[@LostLakes]

Cost was another big factor...the ZOLEO device is a lot more affordable. Great battery life and IIRC a better/more detailed weather forecast. The on-device texting is nice on the mini if absolutely necessary, but also looks a bit painful lol. Either way, the core functionality that they share is a huge advantage out there

[@CanadianSledDog]

@@LostLakes it's good that there's a more affordable option so more people will carry these. And it is very painful texting on the mini!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah!

[@richardsmith7783]

You know thats not a bad thing to have, Because ( You just never know )

[@LostLakes]

You never know...

[@peterwerthner9438]

Hello Jon. I've been a follower of your channel for a long time and i remember reading this Zoleo video a couple of years ago. Now that most of my trips have become solo trips due to the fact most of my fellow trippers can no longer do it, (or are gone - God bless them) I've finally decided to get myself a Zoleo . I've never felt a real need for it before, but at 78 my security and being alone in the backcountry is dictating the need for it now. (and my wife is insisting) I have a couple of questions for you. Are you still using it and is it still meeting your requirements today? Any feedback would be appreciated . Thanks, Peter Werthner (Ottawa)

[@LostLakes]

Hey Peter, I know it's hard to accept having to pay for one more subscription but you won't regret it...it's one of the best and most useful insurance policies you'll ever buy. I've had mine almost 3 years now I believe and it's still working great. Just got back from an 8-day trip and the battery still lasted the whole thing (though I turn it off at night...no sense in wasting that battery power). My only complaint is that the weather forecast doesn't show lightning (though I'm not sure if others do)

[@rick00001967]

i have what might be a stupid question about the Zoleo. i was told in order to activate the device they will send a text to my cell phone to verify my identity. but does that mean i need to use that same cell phone if i want to pair a phone with the device? i am asking because i want to use one of my old phones (that no longer has any cell phone plan) to bring with me in the bush. i have searched for the answer and cannot seem to find one. hoping Lost Lakes can answer this or maybe someone else who sees this.

[@LostLakes]

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine because we pair the ZOLEO with my wife's phone as well (and I used my own for anything like activation). But I would contact ZOLEO support if you have any doubts...they're very helpful

[@rick00001967]

thx jon. i was able to reach zoleo. my old phone will work just fine. all anyone needs to do is put the app on the phone that will be paired (as long as the software version is not too old), but when filling out the account info i would enter my active cell phone number (different phone). they would then send the activation code to my active cell phone, and i enter the verification code in the app on the old phone. easy peasy. thx !!@@LostLakes

[@Canoe64]

Does accessing the weather cost a message credit?

[@LostLakes]

Yep

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Can i send a message to Erin for research purposes ?

[@littlepony6762]

👍👍

[@goodleftovers1268]

WHATS YOUR CAMERA GEAR ON A TRIP

[@LostLakes]

Main camera is the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300. As an all-in-one backcountry camera, I haven't found anything to beat it. It's not so expensive that it would be devastating to break it, no multi-lens system to carry, articulating screen so you can selfie mode with it, mic port, and tons of zoom. And then we also use the GoPro Hero 7. More recently got the DJI Mavic mini and recently the GoPro MAX 360 camera

[@wq7352]

Does it have any GPS capabilities or does the App when paired with the phone?

[@LostLakes]

When you send a check-in, it includes your coordinates. If the recipient clicks on the coordinates, it opens the location in google maps (on Android at least). But there's no mapping in the app. IMO it was a smart move because there are dozens of free apps out there for offline maps. Those apps specialize in it...they're bound to do it better. They kept costs lower by avoiding that app development and offer the best priced device

[@TheMako28]

I'll be ordering one soon. Use your link above or your Amazon link that I've used in the past?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Chip and sorry for the delay! For ZOLEO, I just have the Blue Cosmo link :) They're on sale right now BTW

[@TheMako28]

@@LostLakes I thought if I used the Lost Lakes Amazon link you received commission on anything ordered . I hope so because I had actually ordered it a couple hours before I got your reply.

[@LostLakes]

@@TheMako28 could be! I've wondered if there's a redirect commission like that. Either way, the effort is equally appreciated!

[@justinwu86]

Is your free activation code still working?! Btw when your next video coming out?!?? Dying for some content.

[@cookscatapults]

Hahahaha Wowzers....Thanks

[@SuperIceman008]

The Zoleo is way to expensive, We have the SPOTX with the yearly plan of $239.40 US per year which gives us 1200 text messages, The zoleo only gives 25 text messages/weather for $300 per year which is very expensive . We usually do about 700 texts per year. I like the weather feature but I can easily get somebody to text me the weather forecast etc. We too are in Thunder Bay area, we use SPOTX all the time, winter camping, summer canoeing and sailing on the big lake. I am waiting for Elon Musks satelite phones to come if they are price competive to the cell phone as he said they would be.

[@goodleftovers1268]

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE CANOE PLACE

[@LostLakes]

Fav lake is Superior, but all of Ontario has amazing options. I can be more specific if you're looking for a recommendation. Depends where you are, how far you'd drive, how much time you have, and your experience/desired difficulty level

[@goodleftovers1268]

@@LostLakes i live in ontario

[@DanReinfoma]

I’m curious if you’re sponsored or affiliated in any way with Zeleo ? I’d like to know you chose it or they chose your channel.

[@LostLakes]

I chose them. Before I bought it, I reached out to them to see if they'd give us one to try and they generously obliged and gave us one for 6 months as a "media evaluation." They gave me the coupon code posted above which benefits anyone using it but no incentive for us. On AvantLink (affiliate marketing site), BlueCosmo.com also offers a commission-based program which I signed up for.

[@DanReinfoma]

Thanks for the transparency. Love your videos and adventures. Have a great day

[@katsadventures7027]

How much does it cost to use it monthly?

[@LostLakes]

Ranges from 25 to 70 I think

[@bigbear42088]

You almost make it seem like there's a monthly fee or that it costs continuously on some type of subscription or like a pay-as-you-go phone could you elaborate I guess I could just do my own research but I'm kind of busy drinking hard iced tea and watching KZbin

[@LostLakes]

Hahah yeah there is a subscription. For ZOLEO: www.zoleo.com/en-ca/plans/

[@UguysRnuts]

A few choices in plans and the ability to put it on hold after two months (I think)by paying like $5 a month. A little cheaper than the Spot or Garmin plans.

[@bigbear42088]

@@UguysRnuts kind of lame seems like everything is going to this subscription-based and they think we're just made of money what if you only do a few trips a year I know you could rent one but at the end of the day these companies are for profit and not for your safety it's just so the rich get richer as well as your trusting a lot in someone else's satellites having this false sense of security as of right now there's telecommunication problems in Canada with cell phone providers who's to say that they're always going to be there for you how long have this company been around and what are their data banks and Tower equipment look like is that open information do they own or are they piggybacking

[@LostLakes]

Yeah I get that, it's hard to stomach another subscription on top of internet, cell, cable, etc. All I can tell you is after all the experiences we had, I realized how worth it this is. But if you only do a few trips a year it's hard to justify...renting a few times a year might cost you more in the end though. Roadpost, the company behind ZOLEO, has been in the industry for decades. And the global coverage is provided by Iridium via satellite (no towers).

[@bigbear42088]

@@LostLakes it does seem like it could be worth it as I am self-employed and always wanted to do a month in the bush while still working Do you think it would be feasible for something like that to be emailing clients and dealing with staff

[@benweir665]

Comments make the world go round.

[@LostLakes]

🌎🌍🌏

[@TomA-NWOntario]

Marathon?? Tbay here

[@ChargerDad]

Hopefully you're not with Rogers! Ham radio is where it's at. VE4GTM

[@LostLakes]

😝

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Bear chasing me send help...