DeLorme inReach Satellite Unit instead of SPOT

Thought I would share some of our recent experience with emergency satellite units. As part of out work we send folks on multi-day backpacking trips into the back country and we have lots of folks working solo at night in the Sierra.  We used to carry SPOTs for emergencies, and still do for some situations.  However, in the last few years we have been testing DeLorme inReach units. SPOTS are limited to being able to send out only a basic emergency message.  The inReach units allow GPS tracking and two-way communication via text messaging, so folks in the field/emergency situation are able to directly communicate with the home base on any situation.  They have proven to be very reliable.  Might be of interest to kayakers and other recreational folks for safety backup. 

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/

Good info ... I also see they have a $50 rebate till the end of the year!  Price of the item starts at $299.

Thanks for the info.  I still have a spot when I dive and kayak and don't need two way communications on the water but that would be cool in the mountains. 

Thanks for sharing Jim! 

Been using inreach since I dislocated my thumb riding remote dirt. Solid, reliable piece of mind.

Thanks for the review.  We also send crews out into the boonies and have 3 Spots and 2 sat phones, I've been meaning to pick up the inReach to give it a shakedown.

I did a lot of research on all of the trackers because I go on long solo trips on my Goldwing and back country hiking trips.  I came to the conclusion that the safest is to get a portable ham radio and a ham radio license.

My buddy does the same, and his wife absolutely loved being able to talk to him when he beds down in his tent at night on his adventures.