I have been doing this for years with an older InReach (built by Delorme) and it works well.
I am always looking for a substitute though because the Garmin interface and operation is very cumbersome and poorly thought out.
Emergency beacons, do you carry one?
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I am always looking for a substitute though because the Garmin interface and operation is very cumbersome and poorly thought out.
Roy
Well-known member
Here in Australia cellphones etc are usually out of signal.
Although you can get a cellphone booster something like the InReach is essential...
John Navitsky
Well-known member
jim0379
Active member
I was with a small group hiking from Yosemite Nat'l Park to Lake Tahoe in the Carson Iceberg Wilderness. One hiker in the group lost footing on the trail, and broke every bone in her ankle. We were probably 8 miles from a road in any direction. I had an InReach and another group member had a Spot. The SOS's resulted in a Civil Air Patrol fixed wing aircraft, which arrived in about an hour, and after he waggled wings upon seeing us and flew off, the California Highway Patrol helicopter and EMT crew arrived about 45 minutes later. Fallen hiker had her ankle stabilized and was in a hospital in Tahoe before the rest of us made it to the evening's planned campsite. Don't leave home without one.
Thanks, I will look into that. Have you used it? My main complaint is getting all of the old messages, tracks etc. off the device that still seem to reside there after synching. Thanks again for your suggestion. I'll be downloading it soon.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
no, we have a pair of the alpha 200i units
joe43
Well-known member
I am amazed at all of the excellent information and advice already posted to this blog entry.
I will add my own recommendation that deals with maps, compasses and basic outdoor skills and knowledge. I am 79 and grew up when electronic stuff was pretty much non existent, especially for outdoor activities. Those venturing in the outdoors knew they had to have topographical maps with them, the ones with contour lines, water features, etc on them, and they had to know how to read them and use a compass (and the sun and shadows) to determine directions. When my wife and I did hiking in Colorado or any other place, I always bought a topo map for the area where I would be hiking even if it had marked trails. Our practice still applies to everyone who ventures out today as far as I am concerned. Paper topo maps and compasses are needed. Get them before you start your trip. Do not rely just on electronic devices or electronic maps as some may fail or some may not be 100% accurate. And you must invest time to learn how to read them and use them properly. For me that took place in the Boy Scouts and US Army. I do like the recommendations of taking some sort of electronic signaling device on any adventure hike or outing asa Plan B or C device.
mapstore.mytopo.com
I will add my own recommendation that deals with maps, compasses and basic outdoor skills and knowledge. I am 79 and grew up when electronic stuff was pretty much non existent, especially for outdoor activities. Those venturing in the outdoors knew they had to have topographical maps with them, the ones with contour lines, water features, etc on them, and they had to know how to read them and use a compass (and the sun and shadows) to determine directions. When my wife and I did hiking in Colorado or any other place, I always bought a topo map for the area where I would be hiking even if it had marked trails. Our practice still applies to everyone who ventures out today as far as I am concerned. Paper topo maps and compasses are needed. Get them before you start your trip. Do not rely just on electronic devices or electronic maps as some may fail or some may not be 100% accurate. And you must invest time to learn how to read them and use them properly. For me that took place in the Boy Scouts and US Army. I do like the recommendations of taking some sort of electronic signaling device on any adventure hike or outing asa Plan B or C device.
MyTopo Map Store: Waterproof Maps Shipped in 24 Hours
Quickly order USGS Topographic Maps, MGRS maps, 1:50000/1:25,000, Aerial Maps, Game Management Unit Maps for hunting, and maps for popular hiking trails. View our vast collection of historical USGS topos and national park maps. Order Delorme Gazetteers, Falcon Guidebooks. Call 877-587-9004 with...
mapstore.mytopo.com
John Navitsky
Well-known member
to be fair, paper topos may not be accurate as well
Well said and very true. I carry two GPS devices, one of them is an InReach and I also use my phone's GPS to plot my location on third party maps on the phone such as Alltrails. i do this out of curiosity more than a specific need.I am amazed at all of the excellent information and advice already posted to this blog entry.
I will add my own recommendation that deals with maps, compasses and basic outdoor skills and knowledge. I am 79 and grew up when electronic stuff was pretty much non existent, especially for outdoor activities. Those venturing in the outdoors knew they had to have topographical maps with them, the ones with contour lines, water features, etc on them, and they had to know how to read them and use a compass (and the sun and shadows) to determine directions. When my wife and I did hiking in Colorado or any other place, I always bought a topo map for the area where I would be hiking even if it had marked trails. Our practice still applies to everyone who ventures out today as far as I am concerned. Paper topo maps and compasses are needed. Get them before you start your trip. Do not rely just on electronic devices or electronic maps as some may fail or some may not be 100% accurate. And you must invest time to learn how to read them and use them properly. For me that took place in the Boy Scouts and US Army. I do like the recommendations of taking some sort of electronic signaling device on any adventure hike or outing asa Plan B or C device.
MyTopo Map Store: Waterproof Maps Shipped in 24 Hours
Quickly order USGS Topographic Maps, MGRS maps, 1:50000/1:25,000, Aerial Maps, Game Management Unit Maps for hunting, and maps for popular hiking trails. View our vast collection of historical USGS topos and national park maps. Order Delorme Gazetteers, Falcon Guidebooks. Call 877-587-9004 with...
It is remarkable how the three different GPS's will show three different locations for me on their respective maps at the same time. They are off by fractions of a mile versus miles but that can be alarming in the mountains. At times they will lose connectivity entirely so maps are a great backup resource.
After I retired I worked as a fly fishing guide for several years and would download and print out 8x10" topo maps of the back country. I haven't guided for about 15 years but still have a file folder stuffed with topo maps stashed in my car between the driver's seat and the console and still refer to them from time to time.
Thanks again for your comments.
Roy
Well-known member
I wish paper maps were more readily available theses days.I am amazed at all of the excellent information and advice already posted to this blog entry.
I will add my own recommendation that deals with maps, compasses and basic outdoor skills and knowledge. I am 79 and grew up when electronic stuff was pretty much non existent, especially for outdoor activities. Those venturing in the outdoors knew they had to have topographical maps with them, the ones with contour lines, water features, etc on them, and they had to know how to read them and use a compass (and the sun and shadows) to determine directions. When my wife and I did hiking in Colorado or any other place, I always bought a topo map for the area where I would be hiking even if it had marked trails. Our practice still applies to everyone who ventures out today as far as I am concerned. Paper topo maps and compasses are needed. Get them before you start your trip. Do not rely just on electronic devices or electronic maps as some may fail or some may not be 100% accurate. And you must invest time to learn how to read them and use them properly. For me that took place in the Boy Scouts and US Army. I do like the recommendations of taking some sort of electronic signaling device on any adventure hike or outing asa Plan B or C device.
MyTopo Map Store: Waterproof Maps Shipped in 24 Hours
Quickly order USGS Topographic Maps, MGRS maps, 1:50000/1:25,000, Aerial Maps, Game Management Unit Maps for hunting, and maps for popular hiking trails. View our vast collection of historical USGS topos and national park maps. Order Delorme Gazetteers, Falcon Guidebooks. Call 877-587-9004 with...
Like cellphone coverage - Electronic maps are just not available in the places I like to go...
You can find the maps online from GAIA, Alltrails etc. There seems to be a lot of sources.I wish paper maps were more readily available theses days.
Like cellphone coverage - Electronic maps are just not available in the places I like to go...
Just download them and print them. Unless the map is trail specific I usually just download the map and select the section of the map that I want and then print that.
This is great info. Did not know that there were so many different options.
Once I'm back in a canoe next spring even though lots of it will be in view of a major city's skyline I'll be carrying something (likely Garmin InReach) other than relying on my cell phone; should have it now for the non wilderness hiking I'm doing since I do it almost exclusively alone and I've checked a few times and found zero cell coverage. This thread was a good reminder that I've forgotten that cell phones are not the tool needed!
Palouse
Well-known member
Maps | U.S. Geological Survey
Our programs produce accurate geologic maps and 3-D geologic frameworks that provide critical data for sustaining and improving the quality of life and economic vitality of the Nation. They also organize, maintain, and publish the geospatial baseline of the Nation's topography, natural...
USGS maps may also be available at State Land Grant Universities and/or State Geological Service offices, USFS and NPS sites.
Sending you a private message.
I drove a Chevy Silverado ZR2 yesterday, along with a 2019 Land Cruiser and a 2022 Ford F150 Tremor. I would love to take a Sequoia out but not many out there and the ones that are dealers are selling for significantly over MSRP which is a no go for me.
fcotterill
Well-known member
A Garmin InReach or similar device (with backup charger) would have avoided a potential disaster at sea. This photographer was fortunate to avoid seriously rough seas
petapixel.com
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
pembrokeshire-herald.com
Similar situation in Australia, which could have turned out fatal
petapixel.com
Wildlife Photographer Missing at Sea Found in Different Country
He's lucky to be alive.
petapixel.com
The 'remarkable story of survival' of a dad missing at sea in Wales found in Ireland
Solo sailor Chris Ellery sparked a massive land, sea and air search when he failed to return home after a trip to Pembrokeshire.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
Photographer’s drift to Ireland: The full story behind Chris Ellery’s ordeal
THE story of Chris Ellery’s unexpected journey across the Irish Sea has captivated many, especially after the photographer from Bristol was found safe in County Wicklow, Ireland, last Saturday. The 54-year-old set off from Pembrokeshire, Wales, with plans for a short solo trip but ended up...
pembrokeshire-herald.com
Similar situation in Australia, which could have turned out fatal
Missing Photographer Found With Snake Bite After Six Days in Remote Mountains
She's 'fortunate to be alive'.
petapixel.com
I have carried and ACR for the last decade..
www.acrartex.com
Home - ACR Electronics, Inc
ACR Electronics is the leading manufacturer of EPIRBs, Personal Locator Beacons, ARTEX ELT, AIS, Man Overboard, Searchlights for the Marine, Outdoor, and Aviation markets
www.acrartex.com
I agree with some of what you say. However, consider for example someone who goes for a hike in relatively unchallenging conditions, slips and breaks a leg. That renders you immobile immediately and there's no reasonable way of getting back home alone. I can go further and say every time one leaves your home and ventures outside there is a certain amount of risk involved because you are not in control of the environment anymore.
So I think it's a matter of assessing the potential risks involved in the venture, assessing one's own abilities, deciding how much risk one is willing to accept (hopefully being realistic and honest with yourself), and then including plan B and C such as the ability to reach rescue services as a last resort.
As for the rescue folks, at least they have training and are capable of determining whether a specific rescue is too risky for them to attempt or not. And they volunteer for the job with a good understanding of the potential risks to their own safety that comes with the job.
I assume at least some of the rescue services are taxpayer-funded. As for making someone pay for a rescue, yeah, it can be considered, but only for cases where the rescued clearly displayed poor judgment and took unreasonable risks.
I carry a Garmin inReach when I am in places where cell coverage is absent or iffy. Even kayaking on the lake where we have a cabin in Northern Minnesota can take me out of cell coverage.
I've not needed the inReach for emergency purposes so far and hope that I do not. But it will be good to have if there is an emergency for me or others. I also find it useful to communicate with my wife on a non-emergency basis when I am on photo trips to remote places. I've sent her texts with the inReach from Greenland in the north to the Antarctic Peninsula in the south and many places in between.
It is interesting that Apple is adding a text-by-satellite feature to its more recent iPhones. (And certain models had an emergency text-by-satellite feature before this.) But as far as I can tell, it is only available in North America for those of us living in North America. I saw some fellow participants on a recent trip to British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest use their iPhones to send satellite text messages. I assume that Apple will increase geographical coverage over time. Not sure what the pricing will be after the initial free period.
I've not needed the inReach for emergency purposes so far and hope that I do not. But it will be good to have if there is an emergency for me or others. I also find it useful to communicate with my wife on a non-emergency basis when I am on photo trips to remote places. I've sent her texts with the inReach from Greenland in the north to the Antarctic Peninsula in the south and many places in between.
It is interesting that Apple is adding a text-by-satellite feature to its more recent iPhones. (And certain models had an emergency text-by-satellite feature before this.) But as far as I can tell, it is only available in North America for those of us living in North America. I saw some fellow participants on a recent trip to British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest use their iPhones to send satellite text messages. I assume that Apple will increase geographical coverage over time. Not sure what the pricing will be after the initial free period.
jpgrove
Member
Yes I carry one for a number of reasons, I had an original Inreach and now have a Garmin InReach Mini 2, while it is expensive to operate, it is invaluable insurance policy.
On the newer iPhones, if you are outside of cellular service, you can text via satellite, or dial 911 to send an emergency SOS. My son just had to use this feature when his backpacking group got stuck in a snowstorm on the side of a mountain.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
fwiw, garmin now has some less expensive inreach plans, i think like $8/mo so you can keep your device activated less expensively
I worked search and rescue for the NPS when I was younger and also witnessed a lot of questionable choices by people venturing into places they were not fit enough to get out of and they got themselves into a dire position.
Obviously everyone should know their limits. I would not attempt things I did when I was younger today.
I have used an inreach from delorme since they were launched mostly as a texting device to keep my wife from being worried. It’s there if needed should something happen that I can’t get myself out of. But I do everything I can to avoid that.
The most basic GPS is still the one I use the etrex line because it runs on AA and the battery’s last weeks on the latest one. It’s also quite tough. It’s easier to populate now then ever with garmin explore. That a basic compass and map and your good on navigation. Phones eat battery’s way to fast to be relied on for any long term navigation. My GPSV also still works fine from @ the year 2000.
Obviously everyone should know their limits. I would not attempt things I did when I was younger today.
I have used an inreach from delorme since they were launched mostly as a texting device to keep my wife from being worried. It’s there if needed should something happen that I can’t get myself out of. But I do everything I can to avoid that.
The most basic GPS is still the one I use the etrex line because it runs on AA and the battery’s last weeks on the latest one. It’s also quite tough. It’s easier to populate now then ever with garmin explore. That a basic compass and map and your good on navigation. Phones eat battery’s way to fast to be relied on for any long term navigation. My GPSV also still works fine from @ the year 2000.
SerenityScenes
New member
I carry a Garmin InReach when I hike. I keep it in my camera case. I left it in the camera case, turned off, when we were driving around Yellowstone. If there was any need to call for help I could just turn it on and hit the SOS.