Satellite Communicator's

[dogsandcats]

Looking for info about GPS etc. satellite communicators. Can anyone recommend a brand or type that is the most appropriate for back country travel? Thanks.

[Lilnuts2]

We have no personal experience but talked to several that rav about starlink for handling all there back country communication needs.

[larrie]

We use a Garmin inReach. Pairs with your phone so you have full access to your contacts for text messaging. Location information is sent as part of the text message. Have used to to send my camping location information to someone who was running late for our trip.

[Steve C]

Also use a Garmin InReach device. Find the ability to text while in the backcountry valuable both as a safety measure and piece of mind. Texting with just the unit is rather cumbersome, but when paired with a smart phone quite convenient. My unit requires a monthly subscription of about $13. The SOS feature allows for communication directly with personnel who will route the call to appropriate entities.

[SierraVanCampers]

For years used a SPOT when off roading on two wheels. (findmespot. com) I wouldn't recommend them today as I think there are better choices like the above mentioned Garmin InReach. The SPOT we used was limited to three pre-defined messages that goes to family or friends.

1. Everything is great, just checking in to say Hi
2. Oh Crap, I am screwed, send help but at least I am physically ok
3. Ah Geez, send a helicopter with a basket. (this also notified Search and Rescue)

[Adventure4Vets]

I also use the Garmin InReach. An excellent way for others to keep track when I share my trip. I've used the InReach for help when I was far away and stuck in deep, deep mud! Very consistent coverage and long battery life.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by SierraVanCampers

For years used a SPOT when off roading on two wheels. (findmespot. com) I wouldn't recommend them today as I think there are better choices like the above mentioned Garmin InReach. The SPOT we used was limited to three pre-defined messages that goes to family or friends.

1. Everything is great, just checking in to say Hi
2. Oh Crap, I am screwed, send help but at least I am physically ok
3. Ah Geez, send a helicopter with a basket. (this also notified Search and Rescue)

We have a spot that we got about 3 years ago and it has a full keyboard and you can send any message (text/email) but it is a clunky device compared to any modern phone. Kind of like the keyboard was designed in the 80's, heavy push buttons. Anyway, it does work and we pay a yearly subscription of $100ish I think.

[Charliesmom]

We have an InReach for backpacking and hiking, but have recently purchased a Starlink RV package for use in the van for an internet connection when cell service is poor or unavailable (which has become for frequent the further “afield”we go). We have only tested it at home and used it once when our Cox internet provider was “down.” We will take it with us for our upcoming Death Valley trip in December. Although Starlink is expensive for the hardware (dish and router), the monthly service can be activated and deactivated when you are not going to be off grid.

[KenInRockwall]

Ditto the others that use the Garmin InReach. It is useful for creating routes, prior to an outing, and waypoints, following a route or creating one as you go. You can also track your movement and share with others. I use the InReach much for messaging, when cell service is not available or the signal too weak to be of use. It has an SOS button, in case of an emergency. There are various levels of coverage one can subscribe to and you can choose to have continuous coverage or turn it on and off on a monthly basis, if you like.

[CDACamper]

Another nod to the in reach. If you use iOS devices it can also act as a Bluetooth antenna for better GPS reception when using something like Gaia on an iPad or iphone in the van.