Emergency communication
 

Would be greatful if someone can help me with suggestions for emergency communication via satellite while out in the busch.

I want something that can send SOS via satellite, and also "I am fine" messages to pre-stowed phonenunbers (via satellite)
No voice communication.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance :).

Spot Device by Findmespot

or

InReach by Garmin (formerly DeLorme)


Spot Device:

Pros:
Cheaper purchase price and subscriptions.
Slightly smaller.

Cons:
Messages have to be pre entered online before leaving. No customized messages on the go.

Needs clear line of sight of the sky to work.

InReach:

Pros:
Pair with smart phone via Bluetooth for full custom messages or use clunky typing on the device itself.

Much better satellite coverage.

Cons:
Considerably more expensive purchase price and subscriptions, but subscription can be suspended (small monthly fee) or downgraded/upgraded at any time and as often as you want.

Needs clear line of sight of the sky to work.


I've used both and I prefer the InReach even though it is quite a bit more expensive.

Used both for extended periods from Iceland to Ushuaia and while neither was particularly reliable (breakdowns on both) there is no contest - inreach is far better at getting the signal through especially at high latitudes and as stated, allows two-way communication by sms or email to any mobile or email address and of course has verified emergency call as well.

Thanks for the answers. If the coverage of the Spot Device is so much worser, if think that it have to be an InReach then.
Acc to InReach, is it possible to send SOS without to use any menu? Does the device has to be turned on all the time, and is that consuming a lot of batteries?
And is it the same as for Spot Devise? Or are there any differences?

In my opinion there is no reason to buy the spot device over the InReach unless money is an issue. To the best of my knowledge there is nothing the Spot offers which the InReach doesn't ...aside from about 1/4 the cost.

Neither device needs to be powered on unless you're using the tracking function.

The Spot is the inferior device, but of course considerably cheaper. Delorme requires monthly subscription whereas Spot is annual. Purchase cost of delorme is nearly double the Spot cost

There is a single button on the inreach protected by a slide so all you need to do is switch it on - long press of a button plus step to power on and another press - slide the safety bar and press the SOS button. Then have to confirm after a few seconds. There is possibility to tell them what the emergency is so they don't send the whole shebang out just because you have a flat tyre.


Both allow continuous powering via a USB cable and you can opt to track or not. If no tracking then batteries will last many days even with device switched on. Delorme has inbuilt battery and Spot can use AAA cells (or could???). If you enable tracking then people back home will be able to follow your progress at intervals of from 10 minutes to 4 hours and you also have the option of a "camping here, all OK" message. You can send your tracking info to Spotwalla.com and the maps will be there forever if you want to review your trip and maybe add some nice camping spots to iOverlander.

Both have an optional yearly subscription (less than 20 dollars) to a rescue service insurance scheme which might help if you are in a country that doesn't have free rescue services.

Best to have a look at both device web sites and decide what is bet for you. There are also review sites which will give you comparisons of the features.

BTW the tracking feature is not just a gimmick. Enable it and give at least someone back home the url of the map so if you are incapacitated they will at least know where to come to pick up the pieces once they realise you haven't moved for a week. Also stops these silly appeals on social media when mom gets worried about errant child who normally phones every day but forgets because they are in the jungle chewing on magic mushrooms for a week.

If you are in the USA, the REI Summer Sale includes the InReach communicators -- and is right around this time of year. I got ours 30% off with free shipping.

Here's the map if you're curious about the tracking feature. It just rides in the back of our Subaru, and lets those back home "we're not dead yet" :D

https://share.delorme.com/JoAndMike

Worth it just for that IMO.

Hi Tony,

Thank you for your comments on the Garmin (Delorme) InReach. This is quite helpful to make my mind up. It wasn't a bargain but I just bought the InReach!

Andre