Garmin InReach

[travelrover]

Hi Team

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Garmin inReach or inReach mini, or perhaps has one for sale or even hire?

This has been recommended as essential for a trip we are doing in April/May and I would be keen to understand are they worth it? Given we are not travelling alone and I assume others in the party will have one (given it is recommended as essential). They link with Garmin Overlander GPS (see separate thread about that) and will enable accurate transmission of current location every 10 mins or so as I understand.

Keen to hear any stories.

Cheers - Simon

[Tins]

Hmm.. I don't have an answer as such, but this popped into my feed today and I thought it might be of interest to you. I haven't watched much of it myself yet.


https://youtu.be/ilXq-POO4d0

[Fattima]

I've got the inreach Mini.
I have sent text and email messages via it and that function worked fine. Sending email or text is cumbersome via the unit so linking it to your phone is the best bet. Message sending and receiving is slow, but they are not intended to be used as an instant messaging system. I've also used it with the Garmin maps for navigation in Vic and Tasmania and that all worked pretty good, their maps are OK, but I tend to swap maps a bit as some have better detail than others in some areas. Haven't had to use the SOS function, presume it works and hope I never have to find out.
All up I think it is a good unit, I like how you can suspend your account when it is not in use (there still is a yearly fee). It is very light weight so easy to carry on hikes and bike rides. I can't compare it with other units such as Zoleo as I have not used them.

[Redtail]

I have the inReach tech on my bushwalking satnav. Never used it for comms as it's fiddly (as mentioned already).
But the family like it when I take it in the car and turn on the tracking function and they can see where I am on a map via the internet.

For emergencies I chose a sat phone. Initially renting then just bit the bullet and bought one. I figure anyone in the travelling party can use it with little to no instruction. Simples.
It also has a one-touch SOS button should a sole operator be so incapacitated to speak.

... my 10c worth.

[travelrover]

I have the inReach tech on my bushwalking satnav. Never used it for comms as it's fiddly (as mentioned already).
But the family like it when I take it in the car and turn on the tracking function and they can see where I am on a map via the internet.

For emergencies I chose a sat phone. Initially renting then just bit the bullet and bought one. I figure anyone in the travelling party can use it with little to no instruction. Simples.
It also has a one-touch SOS button should a sole operator be so incapacitated to speak.

... my 10c worth.

Thanks Redtail

I was considering hiring a Sat phone for this trip ($4 p/d I think it was) though the case the thing comes in is quite large from what I can see, space and weight is absolutely critical on this trip so i might defer the purchase just now. As i stated above with the inReach I can pair with my Garmin Overlander GPS and smart phone so it seems to provide all the connectivity we need at a reasonable price. So I think I am talking myself into the InReach. We also have a PLB.

Thanks Simon

[travelrover]

Hmm.. I don't have an answer as such, but this popped into my feed today and I thought it might be of interest to you. I haven't watched much of it myself yet.


https://youtu.be/ilXq-POO4d0


Very interesting video! I did a little googling and found this relevant to Australia. www.reviews.org/au/mobile/iphone-14-pro-review/ (http://www.reviews.org/au/mobile/iphone-14-pro-review/)

No satellite connectivity in Australia. While the iPhone 14 family are able to connect to satellites to send messages in an emergency, this functionality will be limited to the United States and Canada initially





Maybe one ;-)

[Tins]

Very interesting video! I did a little googling and found this relevant to Australia. www.reviews.org/au/mobile/iphone-14-pro-review/ (http://www.reviews.org/au/mobile/iphone-14-pro-review/)

No satellite connectivity in Australia. While the iPhone 14 family are able to connect to satellites to send messages in an emergency, this functionality will be limited to the United States and Canada initially





Maybe one ;-)

Yes, I had forgotten that little wrinkle. It'll come. Oz is usually high on 's upgrade list. Of course, there may be Govt red tape involved as well.

[Redtail]

Thanks Redtail

I was considering hiring a Sat phone for this trip ($4 p/d I think it was) though the case the thing comes in is quite large from what I can see, space and weight is absolutely critical on this trip so i might defer the purchase just now. As i stated above with the inReach I can pair with my Garmin Overlander GPS and smart phone so it seems to provide all the connectivity we need at a reasonable price. So I think I am talking myself into the InReach. We also have a PLB.

Thanks Simon

I dunno why they put rental units in such large cases. Perhaps it helps protect them from inadvertent abuse? Ours is a Thuraya, about the size of an early Nokia brick, and lives in a toxic-green nylon case in the rear door pocket where it can be easily seen and accessed.
Anyhoo, everyone's needs will vary. Enjoy the trip, and may you never need to make any emergency contact!