Garmin's InReach 2024 year in review

[topgun2]

Each year Garmin provides a "year in review" which shows the kinds of activities, places, reasons for users asking for help, etc. for users of the Garmin InReach satellite rescue device.  There a number of these types of devices on the market, but this report by Garmin highlights some of the reasons for using any of these.

The Garmin report can be viewed HERE.

Bill

[Patriot]

That’s a neat review.👍🏻

We have iPhone 14’s with IOS18 operating system and Verizon as our satellite service provider for an emergency SOS off grid.

Our Starlink Mini is also another option we can use when are at our base camp. 

https://www.verizon.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/messages-via-satellite/

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

Edited 7 hours ago by Patriot

[John Dorrer]

Our Garmin Explorer is a great safety backup. Never had to use it. At one time when we did off-grid camping, I used it to plot our routes and used it to hike. We would also message our kids. We would set it up so our kids could see where we were at all times.

[topgun2]

In my opinion - if you are going to spend virtually any time in the out of doors and/or where cell phone service can't be guaranteed then (if you can afford it) having one of these satellite communication devices is not a luxury but a necessity.

Most of these can be used for many functions in addition to their SOS feature.  These include: messaging, real time tracking by friends and loved ones, trip planning, "bread crumb trails", weather, etc.

I spend the better part of two months each year in relatively remote places fishing and hiking - usually alone.  Certainly it is comforting to know that I can get help in the event of a medical emergency and I can let my wife know that all is OK.  I must admit however that I never considered many of the uses that are noted in the report above.  In addition, during the hurricane Helene back in October, 2024 we were without telephone and internet for about 5 days (many others had it much worse) and the only communication that we had with the outside world was via our satellite communication device.  We also (now) always carry it with us when going on trips in the event we have a vehicle or other issue.

Bill

p.s.  No, I do not own stock in Garmin nor any other of these companies.😁

[Boudicca908]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

many functions in addition to their SOS feature

@topgun2 -- Which Garmin device do you use? Would you buy the same, or see reasons for a different selection?  

I bought the Starlink so that I can make calls in areas without cell service (using phone over wifi) -- BUT I don't leave my Starlink outdoors and I don't leave it on all the time. There was one occasion last year when I wished for cell access and couldn't make it happen.