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 13 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.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Boudicca908 said:

I bought the Starlink so that I can make calls in areas without cell service (using phone over wifi)

We use WhatsApp Messenger on Starlink for calls to family and for emergencies when off the cell grid. This app is becoming quite popular:
https://www.whatsapp.com/stayconnected

[topgun2]

I use the Garmin InReach Mini.

When I'm out fishing or hiking I simply clip it to the top of my fishing vest or day pack.  When combined with a cell phone (with or without cell service) I can see exactly where I am on a topo map.

Garmin has come out with a never version of mine called the Mini2 - HERE.

There are models that have maps and other features right in the unit but I wanted to be as small and light as possible.

Bill

P.s.  While on the road I use the USB connection and place the Mini on my dash.  Using the maps that Garmin provides plus Google maps my wife and a couple of close friends can not only see where I'm located but they can (using Google maps) see the stream I'm fishing or trail I'm hiking.

Edited 5 hours ago by topgun2
added detail

[Ronbrink]

The Garmin inReach service can be suspended when not in use as a cost saving measure, can be used to summon help to others in dire need at no risk of costs for their emergency/medical response, weather forecasts are available, and they offer very reasonable and affordable SAR plans.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

When I'm out fishing or hiking I simply clip it to the top of my fishing vest or day pack.

Good point. We need to be 100 ft from my truck or carry the Starlink with us which we would not do on the short hikes we walk these days.

Edited 3 hours ago by jd1923