ZOLEO VS inReach vs Somewear

What about the spot ? my first satellite communicator was a spot, but today the inreaches and zoleos of the world blow them away. Spots have reliability problems (maybe it's the 0. 4 watt transmit power or globalstar satellite constellation). The somewear is similar to the zoleo but doesn't have a check-in button on the device, and it doesn't have a dedicated number or email. So for a higher price, you get less of an offering. Privacy policy - terms of use - contact - guided hikes - sitemap - newsletter read this before hiking with these guides this information provided by hikingguy.

ZOLEO vs inReach Mini 2

The two are pretty different looking. Zoleo went for simple and rugged brick. There are only three buttons: on/off, sos, and check-in. Garmin’s is the opposite, as the inreach mini 2 features a full screen, up and down buttons for scrolling, a dedicated sos button, and ok and back buttons for further on-screen selection. There’s also a carabiner to lock onto your gear, just like the zoleo. The two are shock resistant and waterproof, with garmin featuring an ipx7 rating (can be submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes) and zoleo featuring an ip68 rating (can survive in five feet of water for 30 minutes).

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Going to the wilderness usually requires packing light. Therefore, the portability of your communications device(s) is important. Portability, for our purposes, is a function of weight and bulk. The garmin gpsmap 66i is one of the largest devices we tested, but it also does a little more than others. We didn't mind the bulk until the inreach mini came along. The mini is less than half the size of the gpsmap and does nearly as much. The inreach mini 2 is exactly the same size and shape as the original mini and does all the important things that the larger device does.

Garmin now makes two different models of the inreach: the mini and the top-of-line explorer+. I prefer the explorer+ model due to the full-screen color display and the much better battery life. The mini is approximately 100g lighter and less expensive, however, you cannot use all of the features of the mini without a connected smartphone, which may render the weight savings moot. While the garmin inreach functions as a handheld gps without any subscription costs, the sos and satellite messaging features do require a subscription. Garmin offers three different subscription models, each at monthly or annual rates. I highly recommend the “freedom plan” option which allows you to toggle your subscription on and off, for times when you are not out on the trail.

Garmin inreach mini | srp: $399.

Garmin love their ecosphere and actively encourage you to sync all of your garmin devices. The inreach mini 2 is compatible with most garmin devices and also with the garmin explore app, garmin earthmate app, garmin pilot app and the garmin messenger app. We currently have ours synched to the garmin tread xl overland edition and our garmin instinct smart watch.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

The best satellite phones can do everything from traversing craggy ledges and vast green hillsides to phoning home while traveling internationally. The following are our picks that will keep you in touch wherever you go. Satellite subscription required for use makers of top-tier hiking watches , garmin knows gps devices and what adventurers need. This handy mini gps garmin satellite phone is perfect for packing with your tent on outdoor camping trips. This satellite communicator lets you send two-way text messages using the iridium satellite network. It is compatible with other handheld devices, and you have unlimited access to maps and aerial images through the garmin earthmate app to support your trip safely.

September 27, 2022 by dc rainmaker | garmin reviews » sports technology news and reviews | comments (162) garmin’s just announced a new model in their inreach satellite communicator lineup – the inreach messenger ($299). And with it, also a new app called messenger, which will soon work with a number of recent inreach devices. This new app aims to more seamlessly mesh your network connectivity so that it’ll use satellite messaging as previous, but also leverage cellular/wifi networks if within range. This is ideal when you’re in sometimes viable cellular coverage, saving you satellite messages/time. Meanwhile, the new messenger device is an entirely different form factor for garmin, which has historically put inreach antennas in their handheld lineup, as well as more recently in some higher-end mainly off-road vehicle dashboards (tread series).

The mini combines the best of a gps unit and satellite messenger into a tiny, dental floss-size package with an lcd screen. It doesn’t require a phone to operate, and offers the best offline maps of the bunch. Buy garmin inreach mini now / read the full review.

The Rest of the Best Satellite Communicator Models

The best satellite messengers for backpacking or thru-hiking can be a bit intimidating because of their costs and monthly plans, but a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (plb) should be a part of everyone’s backcountry kit – whether you’re going out for a weekend or embarking on a country-crossing thru-hike. The best satellite messengers for thru-hiking come with a variety of features, smartphone applications, and subscription models. Some include mapping, some include two-way messaging, some include real-time tracking, and most are light enough that you should consider having one in your pack. The satellite messengers and plbs listed in detail here have all been reported by hikers participating in the pacific crest trail and continental divide trail hiker surveys.