Anyone using InReach or Zoleo?

[T-Rock]

I am researching options for "emergency communication's" while out exploring.
I don't feel ham radio is an option, want something with more consistent and wider reaching capability - thus satellite options.
My primary desires are to

1. Feel confident that an SOS can be sent almost anytime anywhere and someone will get it
2. Enable communication updates (i.e. texts with status updates, where am I, etc)
3. Enhance the GPS capability in my maps (gaia, onX, etc) on my devices (phone, tablet/ipad, maybe even in Jeep).

I "think" that some of the devices out there allow for #3.
I haven't used any of the Garmin options or other gps devices.
With that my initial research has lead me to these two options InReach mini vs Zoleo as likely the best choices for my desired use.
Has anyone been using either of these? Other satellite communications? Pros/Cons? Preferences?

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[CerOf]

We use a garmin in-reach during summmer. We set it to drop bread crumbs that someone back home can see on the internet. Otherwise, we never used its text messages.
never used the emergency response feature, but I’m confident it works as advertised.

we would activate the subscription in late June and cancel end of September.

 

[ShastaJT6]

I have the Garmin Montana 700i - The two main reasons I picked it up were communication with no cell service, and to have as a backup. I realized I was going out on hunting trips and marking where my truck was in OnX, then hiking off into the wilderness.. and if my phone broke or the battery ran out Id have no way to find my way back.

Then there was the idea of comms, if i broke my leg out hunting and didnt have cell phone service Id be kinda screwed.

I dont use the Montana very often - when Im out during turkey season I will mark my truck then put it back in my bag. I carry it all the time when Im offroading or hunting but rarely actually use it. Send a text once in a while to make sure everything is still working properly.

Its one of those things that I always have with me, but rarely turn it on and use, so I cant give the best review / pros & cons, but I can say it definitely gives me peace of mind. The SOS button functionality also helps my mom and my better half sleep at night.

 

[Free2roam]

My buddy uses the spot when we are backpacking. Drops crumbs while we are traveling off trail and he can text his wife if he needs to. Plus it's got SOS capability

 

[T-Rock]

I have the Garmin Montana 700i - The two main reasons I picked it up were communication with no cell service, and to have as a backup. I realized I was going out on hunting trips and marking where my truck was in OnX, then hiking off into the wilderness.. and if my phone broke or the battery ran out Id have no way to find my way back.

Then there was the idea of comms, if i broke my leg out hunting and didnt have cell phone service Id be kinda screwed.

I dont use the Montana very often - when Im out during turkey season I will mark my truck then put it back in my bag. I carry it all the time when Im offroading or hunting but rarely actually use it. Send a text once in a while to make sure everything is still working properly.

Its one of those things that I always have with me, but rarely turn it on and use, so I cant give the best review / pros & cons, but I can say it definitely gives me peace of mind. The SOS button functionality also helps my mom and my better half sleep at night.

Yeah I should have said "peace of mind" as a primary reason for getting something like this.
I suspect I will send a message with update a couple times a month and not really use it otherwise. It is like my fire extinguisher and first aide kit, I don't carry them because I use them every day.

 

[Deadeye]

I have an in reach. Does all three, but not ideal for texting. Literally I only use it for a daily, “we are alive, going here” type message to parents.

tethering to an iPad works very well.

I prefer the small inreach. Battery lasts a few days and it doesn’t take up much room in a duffle

 

[dcmdon]

I have an in-reach mini.

Its one of the best purchases I've ever made. I enjoy hiking alone in the White Mountains, especially in winter and there isn't great cell service.

The value is not just in its function as an emergency locator. Its that I can send a sattelite text to my wife if I'm running late.

We have a protocol. I send her a text when I leave the trailhead. When I summit and if there is any change in my expected time back at the trailhead. I also set it up to send her my location periodically.

The mini depends on a blue tooth connection to a cell phone for its user interface, for all but the most basic functions. This works for me. I'd rather save the weight compared to other Garmin in-reach devices. If the weather is going to be bad I also bring a second old cell phone with downloaded maps and the Garmin client software. This phone is sealed in a vac pack and is 100% waterproof.

If its wet and I want to use the Garmin, I pull that out of my pack rather than my primary cell phone.

This works for me. You may find something that works better for you.

One counter intuitive point when hiking is that you generally don't have good cell service at the trail head. But you often get service as you ascend. So if I want to be able to tell my wife that I'm safely at the trail head I need the Garmin.

 

[Steven_B]

I just picked up the Zoleo. It was between the Zoleo and Spot for me because the InReach doesnt assign you a permanent phone number like the Spot and Zoleo. Recently, based on some e-commerce stores, the Spot isnt getting the best reviews. And then I watched this video (below) and it kind of pushed me over the edge and bought the Zoleo.

 

[sarguy1941]

I have the Garmin InReach+ as well as the Overlander. When they are synched sending a text is much easier on the overland but can be done with just the Inreach. During the week I take it with me for work as I frequent locations with no cell. In my years with SAR Garmin was always our go to device so it was a simple choice for me. The plans vary and I have the basic plan with emergency messaging. For the cost its well worth it.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Was a SPOT user for about 10years, then SPOT X for 2 years, but switched to Inreach mini 2 years back and like it overall much better.

Used these primarily for my wife tracking me riding alone on motorcycles. I found the SPOT coverage in our area "spotty" at times in tracking bread crumb mode, but Garmin has been flawless all over the West coast.

 

[Josh00333]

We always had an InReach in our group when motorcycle "adventure" riding.

Not sure I would invest in one unless I soloed a lot with a truck.

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