Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger $99.95

SIX29P

Yesterday 2:02 AM

924 Comments

Joined Jul 2019

SIX29PYesterday 2:02 AM

924 Comments

So a pager?

2

szehner32792

Yesterday 3:38 PM

157 Comments

Joined Sep 2015

szehner32792Yesterday 3:38 PM

157 Comments

Quote from SIX29P

:

So a pager?

More or less. Their function is more an off-grid safety device than a communication device. They allow you to do checkpoints/check-ins when hiking (like if you stop to camp), periodic "I'm okay" messages, and tracking. They also allow for single button SOS that would deploy SAR. All of this works over satellite where the user would likely be off-grid. They have other models with more communication functionality, but the price is higher.

Garmin is another player in this space and offers more of a communicator platform, but theirs comes at a much higher price.

Something to keep in mind is that the base communication plans don't typically come with SAR insurance, and usually needs purchased separately.

1

MoneyTree

Yesterday 3:47 PM

956 Comments

Joined Nov 2009

MoneyTreeYesterday 3:47 PM

956 Comments

Quote from szehner32792

:

More or less. Their function is more an off-grid safety device than a communication device. They allow you to do checkpoints/check-ins when hiking (like if you stop to camp), periodic "I'm okay" messages, and tracking. They also allow for single button SOS that would deploy SAR. All of this works over satellite where the user would likely be off-grid. They have other models with more communication functionality, but the price is higher.

Garmin is another player in this space and offers more of a communicator platform, but theirs comes at a much higher price.

Something to keep in mind is that the base communication plans don't typically come with SAR insurance, and usually needs purchased separately.

Can you get away with just having one of the newer iPhones that have built-in satellite features? It does sound like these dedicated devices are more rugged and better battery life if you intend to be off the grid for extended periods.

1

szehner32792

Yesterday 5:21 PM

157 Comments

Joined Sep 2015

szehner32792Yesterday 5:21 PM

157 Comments

Quote from MoneyTree

:

Can you get away with just having one of the newer iPhones that have built-in satellite features? It does sound like these dedicated devices are more rugged and better battery life if you intend to be off the grid for extended periods.

To put it bluntly, I would trust a dedicated sat device in an emergency over the iPhone feature (in battery life, connectivity, and ruggedness). If I was doing something where my life could be put at risk, I would be spending the money on a dedicated purpose made device. Would an iPhone work for basic comms? Probably. Would I want to rely on it in a life and death situation? Probably not.

1

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Yesterday 5:27 PM

1.9K Comments

Joined Feb 2005

Fuzzy WuzzyYesterday 5:27 PM

1.9K Comments

Quote from MoneyTree

:

Can you get away with just having one of the newer iPhones that have built-in satellite features? It does sound like these dedicated devices are more rugged and better battery life if you intend to be off the grid for extended periods.

For casual hiking, yes; but having also tried iPhone messaging off the grid, it can be inconsistent - and you're relying on a fragile device. Also, many of these dedicated messengers work worldwide/in the ocean, vs an iPhone can only provide satellite messaging in certain countries.

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