Satellite Messengers: Garmin InReach vs Spot for Non-emergency Offroad Recoveries

[Stag Tacoma]

I know these systems have been compared on here before but nobody has asked/answered in the context of Non-Emergency rescues. I overland solo cause that's really my only option, and I've gotten myself stranded a couple times. I'm looking to not have to hike out, hitchhike, and come back again.
Has anyone had experience with Spot's S.O.V? It sounds like the perfect solution if it works for offroad. Otherwise has anyone used Garmin to text an offroad recovery service?

I don't want to use the SOS from either as that seems like a complete misuse. Those are really the only two options I see for my problem but other ideas would be appreciated too.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

I have used Bivy Stick since they launched on kickstarter

I imagine it would be similar to the Zoleo offering/limitations

You can text whomever you want, it will just show up as a regular text from a fixed number when using SMS.

I would imagine the non emegency message would be limited by the recipient, if the tow company/recovery group has a mobile number that supports sms or just a landline

 

[Stag Tacoma]

I have used Bivy Stick since they launched on kickstarter

I imagine it would be similar to the Zoleo offering/limitations

You can text whomever you want, it will just show up as a regular text from a fixed number when using SMS.

I would imagine the non emergency message would be limited by the recipient, if the tow company/recovery group has a mobile number that supports sms or just a landline

Ok cool. I haven't heard of them before. I'll have to look into em

 

[Ethan N]

I had to research this Spot stuff you mentioned. It seems like a decent enough idea, just make sure you get stranded where you're covered. From their T&C: "Extrication Service - If stuck in a ditch or another inaccessible area; assistance will be provided if the location is within fifty feet of a paved road, highway or authorized trail."

Generally, off-road recovery is EXPENSIVE. Unless you have something catastrophic like total engine failure, I would suggest investing more into self-recovery equipment. On that same note, I do not think using your SOS is misuse but rather exactly what they designed it for. Too many people wander off from their vehicles and are never seen again.

Bivy Stick looks like a great option too. I don't have any personal experience in any of these but that's what I've gathered so far.

 

[Stag Tacoma]

I had to research this Spot stuff you mentioned. It seems like a decent enough idea, just make sure you get stranded where you're covered. From their T&C: "Extrication Service - If stuck in a ditch or another inaccessible area; assistance will be provided if the location is within fifty feet of a paved road, highway or authorized trail."

Generally, off-road recovery is EXPENSIVE. Unless you have something catastrophic like total engine failure, I would suggest investing more into self-recovery equipment. On that same note, I do not think using your SOS is misuse but rather exactly what they designed it for. Too many people wander off from their vehicles and are never seen again.

Bivy Stick looks like a great option too. I don't have any personal experience in any of these but that's what I've gathered so far.

I have pretty good gear, def gotten myself out of a couple sticky situations. But I've also been stranded in deep snow with no winch points. Places where traction pads didn't help either. Obviously pulling yourself out is ideal but that hasn't always worked for me.
The authorized trail thing gives me some confidence and I suppose that's a good point on the SOS. Thanks for the advice.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

Ok cool. I haven't heard of them before. I'll have to look into em

Since they came from kickstarter, I got in when they were very competitively priced. At a time, they were the cheapest offering on the Iridium network and they had the least fees, was able to just turn on and off as needed.
I also liked that they were like 5 years ahead of Garmin in having a usb-c port

Tangentially, some yahoo clout chaser last snow season made a big old stink about needing rescue (but yet felt safe enough to make the whole thing a Youtube video) at some point the local Sheriff doxxed him and put him on blast, the whole situation got super unprofessional.

But it did highlight the expectations/limitations of the "rescue" button (on Garmin, but I imagine its the same for everyone)

 

[HighVoltOverland]

I have pretty good gear, def gotten myself out of a couple sticky situations. But I've also been stranded in deep snow with no winch points. Places where traction pads didn't help either. Obviously pulling yourself out is ideal but that hasn't always worked for me.
The authorized trail thing gives me some confidence and I suppose that's a good point on the SOS. Thanks for the advice.

I have used successfully once, so annecdotal at best, the dead man recovery anchor can be used if the snow is wet. (Utah pow may not work)

 

[Geared4Utah]

I have a spot Jeep edition and the texting function works but the delay with satellites can be unexpected. The S.O.V. Is a great option you just need to set it up prior to needing it. It also has the ability for custom check-in messages for your loved one’s peace of mind. Been happy with it able to turn it off during the off season and back on when needed.

 

[pluton]

I have an inReach unit, but I've only tested it since I've not actually needed it for getting stuck or other "emergency". According to Garmin, when you push SOS on an inReach, you then have a text conversation with an operator at their call center. During this conversation you can relate that you are not in a life-threatening emergency but have merely gotten stuck/broken down, at which point they can contact a tow or recovery service.
Of course, you can also contact a friend the through the device, and have the friend assist or make recovery arrangements with a service.

 

[Garyindiane]

The newer iPhones also have emergency SOS built in. Something else to consider. It seems to work pretty good.
Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone

 

[HighVoltOverland]

The newer iPhones also have emergency SOS built in. Something else to consider. It seems to work pretty good.
Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone

Michael actually chimed in with his opinion about that!

 

[rtexpeditions]

I really like this device, my Garmin Montana 700i.
I've used the other Garmin Inreach devices and their interface is awful, the same as their other backpacking GPS units.
The Montana interface is more like a mobile phone, with proper touchscreen controls and message typing.
The display is large and clear and I can use it for vehicle and backpacking navigation and track/activity recording.
The weather app is excellent and gives you up-to-date information when you are out of phone range.
The unit is robust and waterproof. I have a spare battery so I can change it and not need to find a charging point for more than a week.
I can leave my mobile phone at home or turned off when I am out in the bush, knowing that I am contactable and I can message out when I need to.

 

[TheBison]

Don't forget about the Zoleo. We've used ours just for occasional non-emergency text messaging and it works pretty well.

 

[Rolando]

I do have a Motorola Defy. It is the most economical satellite messenger AFAIK and it uses your phone with the Bullit app.

 

[pluton]

I really like this device, my Garmin Montana 700i.
ssage out when I need to.

View attachment 269200

I have one of these and do not regret acquiring it. Easy messaging and an accurate GPSr . Having an integrated keyboard is nice.

 

[Speric]

I have an inReach unit, but I've only tested it since I've not actually needed it for getting stuck or other "emergency". According to Garmin, when you push SOS on an inReach, you then have a text conversation with an operator at their call center. During this conversation you can relate that you are not in a life-threatening emergency but have merely gotten stuck/broken down, at which point they can contact a tow or recovery service.
Of course, you can also contact a friend the through the device, and have the friend assist or make recovery arrangements with a service.

I also want to add that the inReach has a UI app, Earthmate, that I like. Makes it a lot easier to communicate using your phone to type a message than the little buttons on the device.