It’s better to be safe than sorry.
We’ve all heard this common phrase over the years. I hear it from my friends a lot when I preparing to hike alone or when I go to my cabin property where I have no cell service. One of the most unnerving aspects of doing these solo activities is possibly not having contact with others if I get into trouble. I recently became “better safe than sorry” by purchasing a satellite communication device, to the delight of my worried friends.
The prospect of needing medical attention or just letting someone know I’m all right created a bit of anxiety in the past. After receiving a tax refund check from the state of Colorado, I decided to lessen that anxiety by purchasing a satellite communication device. Now, with the Garmin inReach Mini ($320 from Amazon), a subscription for service and the Garmin Earthmate app, I am more confident I can reach help if I need it.
Features of inReach Mini (From Garmin.com website):
- GPS
- Two-way messaging
- Interactive SOS alerts
- Location sharing
- 100% global iridium satellite network
- inReach weather forecast service
- Compact, rugged design (only 3.5 oz)
- Flexible satellite airtime plans
- Cloud storage and trip planning
- Battery life – up to 90 hrs (varies depending on use)
Monthly subscription safety plans in the US are $14.95/month or for a 12 month commitment it is just $11.95/month. Not much money for peace of mind when needing off-the-grid communication. After all, it’s better to safe than sorry.
Note: I am not receiving compensation from Garmin for endorsing this satellite communication device. It is just something I have purchased for myself and believe it may help others on their adventures.