Garmin Satellite Phone
I never thought I would appreciate the Satellite phone as much as I do. In the past I was more in the mindset of “what could really happen”. Then on one of my hikes without kids I imagined how I would handle one of the kids tripping and falling off the ledge. It was a narrow trail so a distracted kid could easily misstep. Or what would the kids do if I fell? That started to prompt the idea that when I’m out alone with the kids it would be nice to have a way to get help. While this isn’t a comparison of multiple satellite communicators, here’s why I chose the Garmin inReach .
While mine is old now, the technology has only improved but I’ll speak to the features I really like:
Tracking capabilities - At the beginning of a hike I start it and it sends a signal every few minutes so others can track me on a map (if they have the link). It gives me peace of mind on solo hikes or in remote areas that if we don’t come back there’s a way to know where we are.
Emergency button - while I’ve never had to test this functionality, there’s an easy access one button emergency call. My phone is always on my pack on the outside so if I fell and got stuck I can hopefully still reach the button to get help. It’ll send a message to the contacts I added and 911.
Text messages - it allows you to send text messages. While not the easiest of devices to text on, it can get a message out. Besides I’m not out there to text the world. But it’s nice to be able to say you’ve reached camp or are turning around. On one hike I got to within a half mile of the end point and saw very recent activity of a cougar. I decided to turn around but also wanted someone to know since I hadn’t seen another human for 20 miles (and they were headed the other way). It’s nice to know someone might be checking your tracks, just in case.
While the Satellite phone has been mostly a comfort for me, it has paid off when we had a missing hiker in Glacier. Having a way to communicate with someone at the lodge made all the difference. Needless to say, hiker found. No issues.
I’ve taught my kids how to get an emergency signal out so that if something were to happen to me they can call for help as well.
