Out in the big open

Octane2Go · 02-03-2019, 06:25 PM

We have a long list of places we want to go ride this year.

I was curious.

A lot of these places are out in the middle of no where.

It makes me a little nervous that it is just me and the wife going out riding.

If we ran into trouble out there, we could really be stuck.

What does everyone do to mitigate the risk?

We are thinking to buy a satellite phone.

ALJO · 02-03-2019, 06:49 PM

Be well prepared. Even if you think of every problem which may possible occur, you can't cover them all. Mother nature has all kinds of weather and soil compositions are numerous. Never loose your guard stay at all time focused.

Kim Gass · 02-03-2019, 07:15 PM

De Lorme Inreach
We do alot of canoe trips wherecwe wont see anyone for a couple of weeks like Northern Canada ( Yukon)
Not only will it summons rescue you can text messages so that you eill not miss events at home
If you want a sat phone avoid Globalstar
Reception is spotty. Been there sitting on a rock four hours looking for signal

oldmanAZ · 02-03-2019, 07:55 PM

Check into....
" SPOT Gen3 gives you a critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of cell Service. The latest generation of award-winning SPOT devices, SPOT Gen3 lets family and friends know you're okay, or if the worst should happen, sends emergency responders your GPS location - all with the push of a button. Add this rugged, pocket-sized device to your essential gear and stay connected wherever you roam."

That's from their web site. I'm not affiliated with them and don't own their product, but like you I've wondered 'What if'. When I was younger I believed I could handle most situations. Now I'm older and less sure of myself. I would like to have the option of getting a 'SOS' to the outside world just in case.

Kim Gass · 02-03-2019, 10:56 PM

I used to have SPOT
No more
Read
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.joh...3%3fformat=amp

Octane2Go · 02-04-2019, 08:32 PM

Nice, a satellite phone may be best for us.

Duke4857 · 02-04-2019, 10:34 PM

Keep us informed in what you find. I am also interested in something that will get help out of cell phone range. This post is just so I can get email updates on this topic.

Just think, in the 1980's we were on our own, a little younger maybe.

Kim Gass · 02-05-2019, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane2Go

Nice, a satellite phone may be best for us.

Taint cheap
InReach allows pairing with a cell phone
There is a reason that wildeness trippers on foot or boat have gone to it when they formerly used sat phones
Plus you can suspend service when you are home
If you feel
more comfortable using a sat phone you cam rent one
We're in FL and will do a ten day canoe trip in the backcountry. With InReach. We see almost no one
Suspend service when we get home and reinstate it when we spend time on another canoe trip this summer

Here is a good primer on Sat phones
https://www.satphoneamerica.com/?gcl...djqrotinomllac

barryg · 02-05-2019, 10:50 AM

We also have switched from Spot to In Reach. Much better platform, more capabilities, more options better for back country use than Spot or a Sat phone. It allows two way communication and is a GPS unit with all of the goodies that come with that depending on which unit you get. We went with the Explorer+ but depending on your needs one of the other two units they offer may be a better fit or at least cost less if you don't need/want a full featured GPS. While some/many newer cell phones do/can use GPS signals they only allow for positioning not communicating. Sat phones work well at communicating but not much else.

All depends on your needs. I know out here in the west not having a cell signal is par for the course in the back country.

Octane2Go · 02-05-2019, 11:17 AM

So, what functionality do you get once your phone is connected to the inReach? Can you send regular text or do you have to use a special app to send texts? No voice, right?

Kim Gass · 02-05-2019, 11:23 AM

https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/

barryg · 02-05-2019, 11:28 AM

The phone is really just being used as an interface there is an app on the phone and then the phone bluetooth's to the In Reach. The phone provides a much easier to use keyboard for texting, the screen is bigger so you can see maps better etc. There is no voice if there is no cell service Texts that are limited to 160 characters
here is a pretty good primer on it use
https://hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/in...plorer-review/

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