Search  for anything...

Garmin 010-01735-10 inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation

Based on 1,608 reviews
Condition: Used - Very Good
Checking for the best price...
$469.99
Holiday Deal · 6% off was $499.99

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as / mo
  • – Up to 36-month term if approved
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Free shipping on this product

This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by CoJack407

Arrives Thursday, Nov 19
Order within 21 hours and 13 minutes

Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protect Your Purchase

Easy claims online, fast replacements, no fees

Checking for protection plans...

At a glance

Condition
Used - Very Good
Model
010-01735-10
Screen size
2.3 in
Dimensions
2.7"L x 1.5"W x 6.5"H
Weight
8 oz
Vehicle Service Type
Car
Special Feature
Bluetooth
In the box
USB cablecaribiner clipdocumentationinReach Explorer+
Works with
Smartphone

Features 5

  • 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
  • Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
  • Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
  • Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more

Description

You may venture off the grid, but you’re never out of reach as long as you’re carrying an inReach SE or inReach Explorer. These handheld satellite communicators are designed for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to roam farther and experience more without compromising their loved ones‘ peace of mind. From backcountry experiences to international adventures, inReach provides communication, location sharing, navigation and critical SOS functions for anyone who loves getting away from it all, on land, water or in the skies.

Specs 33

Brand Garmin
Vehicle Service Type Car
Screen Size 2.3 inches
Special Feature Bluetooth
Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
Map Type North America
Audio Output Mode Digital
Battery Life 30 hours

Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, Nov 19

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • Zip Pay in 4
  • Financing through Apple Pay
  • Financing through Google Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


Great GPS Unit with a ton of features
I have been looking at GPS units for well over 2 years. I finally saved up enough and purchased this unit. Usually, when I am backpacking I am in areas where there is sporadic to no cell signal. I think the unit is simple and intuitive to navigate and use. It holds a charge and does exactly what it says it does. I usually take a screenshot of the weather before heading on any trips and have found being able to get realtime weather forecasts a day or two after I have started my trip can really change what I plan for the day. I have been out twice when the forecast said partly cloudy with little to no chance of rain and pulled the weather forecast from this unit a day later which said t-storms within a given timeframe. Knowing that I needed to hump it if I wanted to stay dry. The texting feature works well, sometimes it can take 15-20 mins to send the message as the unit is looking for satellites. Family/Friends are able to follow along on my hikes and see where we are real time and how fast we are moving. I chose this unit specifically for the onboard maps. Last year, my phone fell out of my pocket as I was climbing over a fallen tree and the screen hit a rock. The phone was ruined. I couldn't use or see anything on the screen. If that would have happened earlier in the trip, I would have had to spend more time with my map making sure I was headed on the right trail. The unit is completely independent but connects to your phone for convenience. The earthmate app works great and I can do almost everything through my phone. This gave my family piece of mind while I am backpacking for multiple days and that alone was worth its weight in gold. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2018 by Casper

Even better than previous generation InReach Explorer+ and Battery Stays Charged when turned off for over a month
[WARNING: THIS IS NOT A NORMAL GPS - YOU NEED A SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE IRIDIUM NETWORK. BUT IT'S 100% WORTH IT AND COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE] ***UPDATE*** I have had this unit for a year now and it has never let me down. What is super impressive is the battery life. I have had it turned off in a drawer for a little over a month and the battery is still at 100% when i turned it back on. That... is exceptional. No other electronic device I own has that kind of battery life. **************** It breaks my heart to hear about people going hiking in the desert or high mountains and getting lost, only to be found days or weeks later, if at all. This does not have to happen with today's technology. The new InReach is Everything you loved about the previous generation InReach Explorer+ with some extra benefits. Now the whole unit is ruggedized and water resistant with better designed buttons. And the fact you have detailed topo maps built in is a killer feature now. No longer do I have to refer back to my paired iOs device to see map detail. It's one less unit I have to carry. One less battery i have to worry about. I was truly worried this would go downhill once Garmin acquired them, but so far, Garmin has added value to InReach. If you ever go anywhere where you MAY be out of cell coverage... or if you want some added insurance for a loved one (so you can reach them or they will be to be able to reach you)... Buy this unit... subscribe to the $12 a month plan. Rest easy. This could save your life. Also... don;t skimp. Get this unit. Not the cheaper version. If you plan to skimp... do your own meal prep instead of buying pre-made freeze-dried meals for your next backpack trip. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017 by gadget geek

When there's no phone service, this device is extremely helpful
I bought this item to keep friends and family informed of our activities and locations during a trip into southern New Mexico and the Big Bend area. Much of that area has limited or no phone/data service. We we able to communicate with friends and family even where there was no other reasonable way to do so. Had there been an emergency, even a minor one, we could have obtained varying levels of assistance from almost everywhere we went. Because the device needs a clear view of the sky, it does not generally work as a GPS or satellite communication device when indoors, in a car (unless near a window), or presumably in a narrow canyon. We did receive a message while in Boquillas Canyon, however, and that is a deep canyon, but not a "slot canyon." Since I carried other devices for GPS info, I didn't really use the GPS features much on this device, but when I did look at it to see how it was doing, it looked like it would be helpful in the event the other devices were lost/stolen/broken/etc. I used the one-month "recreational" data plan, and easily stayed within the limits of the plan (40 messages, unlimited track points,...). With the device set to its default of 1 track point recorded every minute, and one track point published to the Garmin website (for others to view) every 10 minutes, the battery life was excellent. It used about 15% per day, with it turned on for about 12 to 15 hours per day. Since the display is not a touch-screen, it is a little tricky to use, but on the other hand, the button-based interface allows using the device with wet fingers, gloves, etc. Fortunately, we did not have an opportunity to test the S.O.S. feature. The documentation on Garmin's website is a little lacking regarding the number of "preset" messages (which are free) that you can set up. It turns out that you get three, no matter what data plan you choose. It's best to discuss with your future message recipients what messages would be the most commonly desired. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2018 by Cheryl Sharpe

Great Product that Gives Everyone a Piece of Mind
I bought this product and will use it for trips to the BWCAW in northern MN. I use the device mostly for communication to the outside world that all is well and I have it just in case all is not well. My subscription is the most basic $16 a month freedom plan. I also used it for weather and for GPS capabilities as well. To summarize how it works: there are three messages that can be sent an unlimited amount of times. You can customize the three messages at home before your trip to say anything you want and to send to anyone you want. Emergency texts are unlimited and free. I only get 10 "other" messages which includes replies back to the phone. The other messages can be free texted through the Earthmate App or texted through the phone in a very painfullyslow manner. I believe there are other pre-made messages that can be saved to the phone but will count as messages against your cap unless they are a part of the three chosen "preset" messages. The plan lasts 30 days and they have options to either have monthly plans that are automatically charged year around (cheaper/month) or "freedom" plans that offer you the flexibility to pay for the service only when you need it but cost a little more per month. They also offer plans that include more non-preset messages per month. The device comes with options for insurance but it only applies to the person who purchased the plan not for anyone in a group that is with you. The interface on the phone itself and the interface of the Earthmate App is straightforward and the TOPO maps work well. The basic weather reports are every 3 hours and were accurate (weather is everything in the BWCAW). I have two critiques. The battery gets drained quickly when the device is left on. I would say it would only last 48 hours at a maximum if it is left on. However, if you turn it off when you don't need it the battery is conserved and could easily last a week. The second critique is that Garmin makes a specific BWCAW TOPO map that includes campsite locations and portages, however, it is not compatible with this device. Probably has something to do with the fact that Garmin bought the product from another company and they haven't made the Garmin TOPO maps compatible with this product. However, the TOPO maps that do come with the device work well and are fairly detailed. At least detailed enough to get you out of a jam if you had to. Overall this is a good product that is expensive up front but then is reasonably priced for what it offers; a piece of mind to you and your loved ones. It really is a responsible product to have in any wilderness setting even if you may have cell phone reception with your regular phone that is spotty. Do not buy this product if you are ONLY looking for a GPS. There are better options that Garmin makes for only GPS capabilities. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2018 by nitehawk49

My most-used outdoor accessory!!
UPDATE --- Any reservations about this product have disappeared. After 1 year it is my most-utilized outdoor accessory. A true PLB is still the better rescue option, and a dedicated Garmin GPS, with routing options (Automobile, Hiking, etc.) rather than direct-(straight-line)routing-only is a better on-the-fly GPS. That said, however, the live tracking and two-way satellite communication of the inReach is a godsend for anything up to and including a life-threatening emergency, and a solid backup for a 406MHz PLB in a life-or-death rescue situation. In some backcountry locales here in the Rockies there may be a slight delay in send/receive time, but never a failure. The trip logging is solid, especially when synching at home fills in all the gaps (10-minute vs. 2-minute intervals). Garmin will be hard pressed to improve the inReach's functionality; it is well worth the initial outlay and the subscription. ------ First, the hardware. FIVE stars for this aspect of the inReach Explorer+. I purchased the inReach as a satellite communicator -- period. For a hand-held GPS to use on the trail here in Colorado, I carry a venerable old GPSmap 62sc, which I love, and use it with BaseCamp software. For personal safety and "rescue-ability" I trust nothing less than a true 406 MHz locator beacon, specifically an ACR ResQLink+, fully registered and maintained. All of that to say that I am not looking to the inReach to be a full-function GPS, nor to save my bacon in a life-or-death situation. I bought it to allow two-way texting & email communication with my wife (and others) while I and my kids are out of cell range, which is more often than not here in the Rockies. I have purchased the mid-range subscription plan (about $25/mo.), which allows me 3 pre-set messages (unlimited use for free), and up to 40 messages per month and unlimited tracking points without additional charge. Thus far it has been more than well worth the expense. It functions flawlessly as a satellite messenger; of course, I have always allowed it a clear view of the sky in light of its Iridium system requirements. Its operating system is more intuitive and less cumbersome than the Garmin GPSmap units, but will still seem clunky to anyone accustomed only to a smartphone. Speaking of smartphones, interfacing with the Earthmate phone app has gone well so far, and could make composing longer, more complicated messages very smooth and quick. The inReach has an SOS function (which goes first to the GEOS call center) , which I am happy to have as a backup to my far superior 406MHz beacon (which goes immediately to the military and first responders). It also has the obvious GPS functionality -- but unless my GPSmap gives up the ghost sometime soon, I will go with the more powerful, multi-function GPS capabilities of a dedicated GPS for navigation, routes, etc. Now -- about the online software (MapShare for guests/visitors/viewers, and inReach.Garmin for user management): TWO stars at best. The problem is not with the instructions or the intent of the software. The problem is in the way they work, or more accurately, don't. They are a hot mess. The map function (and the maps are fantastic, by the way) does not respond to the user's settings to show/not show tracks, to delete old tracks, to show small intervals (say, 10-second log intervals) beyond the intervals of the 10-minute uplink/send. Sometimes the messages during tracking appear, sometimes they don't. At least once, my user software would not pull me up as a user at all. Right now, after deleting, un-checking, and otherwise attempting to make past tracks go away, all are visible on my user software and on the MapShare page. After an all-day outing with the inReach set for 10-second log tracking and 10-minute send intervals, all that is showing on my maps are the 10-minute intervals, with long straight lines connecting them. I am hoping that the volatility and unreliability of the software is a holdover from inReach's DeLorme origins and will be cured and set right by Garmin. The best hardware in the world can be hopelessly hobbled by bad software support. For now, I will use the inReach enthusiastically and hope for better days ahead as far as the online software. Oh, by the way -- for anyone who is wondering why I would carry all the extra weight of a PLB, a GPS unit, and an inReach, I rank them in that order as far as importance to me --- and I purchased them in that order for three very distinctively different reasons. Now I can keep myself safe, navigate with confidence, and keep the fam happy, too. I figure I can lose a couple of pounds of body weight and call it even. (And I will continue to carry a map and compass, too.) See you on the trail. UPDATE: Still love it, still use it at least weekly for backcountry excursions, but am VERY frustrated at its apparent inability to synch stored log intervals to my home page map once I am back and cabled to my desktop computer. 10-minute send intervals don't cut it when I am doing research and writing for publication. But even the power-efficient 1-minute log intervals don't show or download to my map. Trading emails with Garmin, but no solution yet. Other than that, it's a wonderful asset to own. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2017 by The Professor

Simple and reliable
I had to teach a class to my Search and Rescue group (one of the busiest in the U.S.) on ELTs, PLBs, and satellite messengers a couple of weeks ago so I did a massive amount of research on these devices. For personal use, I wanted a device with 2-way messaging capabilities and narrowed it down to either the SPOTX or inReach Explorer+. I went with the inReach for 2 main reasons...the Iridium satellite network is generally considered to be more reliable and faster than Globalstar, and the recently-released SPOTX has been getting some rather negative reviews. So far, I've been extremely happy with the inReach Explorer+. Activation and setup was very easy and problem-free. Garmin's inReach webpage makes it easy to add contacts, configure Preset and Quick Text messages, etc. I paired the inReach with an iPad Mini that I often use for navigation and with a Samsung phone. While it might be easier to use the phone or iPad keyboards to enter messages, it's not that hard to type messages on the inReach device itself if you are used to the old Garmin GPS scroll-and-select method of entering text. The only advantage the SPOTX has over the inReach is an actual keyboard on the device. I have been surprised at the speed of sending and receiving messages with the inReach. I've sent numerous Preset messages since receiving the device a week ago. It has taken only 1-3 minutes for messages to reach the recipients, and I have received replies 1-3 minutes after they were sent. Speaking as a rescuer, it's helpful to be able to communicate with the person who activated their device. A two-way conversation must be initiated by the device holder, with one exception. The device holder can configure his/her Mapshare page to allow messages to be initiated by anyone viewing the page (family/friends). Some people, rather than hitting the SOS button, have messaged family or friends about needing help. They, in turn, called Search and Rescue. If the Mapshare page is configured to allow message initiation, and if we can get that web address, then we can text the person directly. In the case of an emergency activation that goes to the IERCC, the SAR group can communicate directly with the device if the IERCC sends a message and tells the person needing help to send a message to a SAR officer's cell phone/email. Once we receive a text from the device, we will have direct contact. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2018 by F. Mendonca

Useful, interesting device for sending family peace of mind
I am an avid hiker, camper, wilderness backpacker, and traveler. Last week, I took my 4.5 year old son on his first-ever backpacking trip, and naturally, his mother was very worried for his safety. We compromised by purchasing this inReach Explorer+ (on sale for $350) with the Safety Plan for the occasional wilderness treks. In this review, I will describe: - Difference between the inReach Explorer+ and Mini - Satellite communication plan options - Messages I have pre-programmed IRIDIUM SATELLITE COVERAGE By far, the Iridium satellite network covers the globe better than competing Globalstar (which the SPOT satellite messenger uses). In fact, SpaceX launched 75 new Iridium satellites into space in 2019 to replace the older, 1997/2002-era ones. The Satellite service enables two-way texting, and multiple subscription plans are available. INREACH DIFFERENCES I chose the larger inReach Explorer+ option because: - Longer battery life -- Better suited for longer treks lasting more than 1-3 days -- During my June 2020 trip, it still had 60% of battery left after 3 days - Better satellite lock - Pre-loaded, free GPS maps (including city, topographic, satellite aerial color images, etc) -- Acts as both a Satellite Communication (subscription required) and a standalone GPS Navigation device - Color screen - Graphical interface inReach Mini is better because: - Lighter in weight - Slightly cheaper - Smaller - Newer technology and can communicate with a supported Garmin watch Both devices are able to communicate with the Garmin Earthmate app via Bluetooth to exchange information or provide enhanced user interfaces. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION PLAN OPTIONS I only backpack occasionally, but when I do, safety is always at the top of my mind. Yet, I never wanted to purchase a satellite communication device because the service plans were always so expensive. If your life were in danger, however, then no cost can make up for that, especially when your own child is in trouble. Activating the inReach device did not go smoothly. The first time, it failed to see that I had already purchased a Safety Freedom plan, but after rebooting it and retrying, it worked. Messages are not sent in real-time. It heavily depends on how good the link between you and the satellite is, and the inReach is set to check for new messages every 10 minutes by default. You can, however, manually check for messages, but keep in mind that this can drain the battery. The plan we chose was the "Safety" monthly plan. The way it works is as such: ANNUAL PLAN - For year-round service - No annual activation fee - Lower, monthly cost MONTHLY "FREEDOM" PLAN - For occasional service - Annual activation fee of $25 (from the anniversary date of initial activation) - Monthly cost that can be suspended/stopped. Only turn it on for a month at a time -- When SUSPENDING (pausing) the monthly plan, service will continue through the end of the paid period - No fees to upgrade or downgrade plans, but you do have to stick with a chosen one for a month For more details, visit Garmin's inReach website. (Amazon won't let me link, but search the web for "inReach Subscription Plans"). The reason we chose the Safety "Freedom" plan is that it is the cheapest ($15/mo) for emergency use. All I wanted was the ability to send unlimited "We are OK" messages and send custom ones as needed. The Safety monthly plan includes: - 10 Custom text messages. Each additional ones (both sending and receiving) cost $0.50 -- Unused ones do not roll over to the following months - Unlimited sending of Preset Messages (you are allowed 3 presets). I will share later how I set mine up - Tracking Points to let people know where you have been at $0.10 each -- Those who want to know where you currently are can submit a Location Request for $0.10 each I had no intention to send custom messages or to be in constant, two-way communcation with my family. All they needed to know was that we were okay, and if they did not hear from us for four hours, to then send us an emergency message to see how we were doing before they would start to worry. If you intend to write or receive a lot of custom texts (and/or send enough tracking info) that would total to $20, then you may want to consider purchasing the $35 Recreation "Freedom" plan for the month instead. I did not foresee to spend $20 (difference between Safety and Recreation monthly plans) worth of services, and Safety was perfectly fine for my purposes. When you are done with your trip, don't forget to SUSPEND (not "CANCEL") your Monthly plan! The service will continue through the end of the paid period. PRE-PROGRAMMED MESSAGES You are given 3 Preset Messages (which includes your current location) that you can send an unlimited amount of at no extra charge. Here is how I set up mine: - "EVERYTHING IS OK AND JUST CHECKING IN." Only reply back if emergency. (Each message $0.50) - "STARTING OR LEAVING FROM HERE. If sent 2x with no other msg in-between: Leaving this camp/overnight stay." Only reply back if emergency. (Each message $0.50) - "STOPPING OR TAKING A BREAK HERE. If sent 2x with no other msg in-between: Staying here overnight." Only reply back if emergency. (Each message $0.50) Each of them would be sent to an email distribution list containing members who needed to know where we were PLUS a text message to some VIP people, such as my wife. Note that text messages may not reliably work (depending on carrier issues and other factors), and one reason I opted to send to both text and email. You could also send trip data to Garmin's MapShare web service which an optional password. MAPSHARE Garmin offers the free MapShare service, a website that you can share with friends and family to interact with you, such as seeing where you are, what messages were sent, and optionally, to send you messages and/or make location requests. The website would be [Amazon won't let me link the website address], where "your_custom_name" is determined by the device's owner. The owner can set from which date people can view trip data from, helping to ensure privacy on past trips made. SOCIAL NETWORKS You could also share trip data to Twitter and a Facebook Group, although I am not happy with the latter. I would have much preferred to have been able to publish ONLY to my Personal account's Newsfeed with options to configure who can see the information. TRACKING There are two things that can be configured: - Log Interval -- How often the GPS checks for and records your current location. The more often, the more battery is consumed -- Data is not available in your Garmin account until you sync via USB cable or through the Earthmate app -- Allows you to view your exact route once you are home or have Earthmate synced with the GPS. This data is NOT send to your MapShare web page -- Default is every 1 minute - Send Interval -- How often the GPS sends your current location, elevation, speed, and heading to the MapShare page. Each of these is a "Tracking Point" ($0.10 each on the Safety Freedom plan) -- Default is every 10 minutes SOS FUNCTION I have not tried the SOS functionality, though I did briefly push it to see what would happen. It sounded a loud alarm, but I stopped it before SOS was activated. When activated, you would be put in touch with the GEOS Travel Safety 24/7 global network. If an emergency is confirmed, GEOS will reach out to local emergency responders and later also update your emergency contacts (if set up). Garmin does not charge for messages and tracking sent between you and GEOS, but I am not sure if GEOS would send you a bill for talking with you. Garmin does state that SOS use is unlimited with the subscription. Any charges between you and other parties that GEOS puts you in touch with (ie. Police, Coast Guard, Search & Rescue, etc.), however, are for the person the SOS was activated for. This means that if you come across an injured person, and that person needs help, you can activate SOS and THAT person (not you) would be financially responsible. You would only get charged if the emergency is for yourself or for someone you are financially responsible for. SOS can be cancelled when no longer needed. To activate SOS, note that an inReach satellite subscription is required. The SOS button cannot be accidentally triggered: you would have to remove the protective cover and hold the button for a few seconds until the SOS countdown appears. You may want to consider GEOS SOS insurance at $18 a YEAR which covers up to $100,000 in search and rescue expenses ($50,000 per incident). There also is insurance available for medical evacuation to a hospital near your home ($130/year for US & Canada, $175 for International). TIPS Before you go out on a trip, I would perform the following tasks: - Program your Preset Messages and Custom Text (for quick selection) messages - Populate your Contact List on the inReach website and sync to your device via the Earthmate app - On the inReach website, you can set up Waypoints and Tracks to help with navigation - Run a Test from the inReach website. You are allowed 4 per month -- A test message would have the inReach send a message to the satellite, and the satellite would send a reply back - Turn off Bluetooth on both the inReach device and your smartphone (where EarthMate is installed) to conserve battery life. Only turn on for syncing as needed - Only 1 Earthmate app/Smartphone can be connected to inReach at a time -- I tried to connect two phones to the inReach device, and that was not allowd - Send some Preset Message tests -- They are unlimited and free. Verify that email, MapShare, and texting to your contacts work - Fill in your Emergency Information -- Contacts: Who to contact (name, phone, email) -- Notes: Medical information (ie. allergies) --- I would also include a brief description of your trip details, such as number of people with you, your trip itinerary, etc. If you trigger an SOS, the GEOS operator will be able to see that information and relay it to the emergency responders to help with rescue - Purchase a tempered glass screen protector (bought one by Tusita) - Purchase a case or sleeve for additional protection (bought a silicone sleeve by Tusita) Overall, I am really happy with the device. It is so fun to have a microUSB-rechargable GPS available with topographic maps and have the ability to send and receive text messages. It has brought a lot of peace of mind to my family whenever I sent hourly "We are okay. Just checking in" messages, and knowing that if we are in a true emergency, we could activate the SOS button. REMINDER: When you are done with your trip, don't forget to SUSPEND (not "CANCEL") your Monthly plan! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2020 by YuenX

Amazing life saving device - YOU NEED THIS
If you need the ability to summon help or text from anywhere, get this device. I’ve used in multiple countries with no issues. I often ride an ATV in the back country, and having the ability to let my wife know I’m ok and going to be late is great. I also liked the idea that I could use the SOS feature to summon help if needed. I seem to have a tendency to get myself into “situations.” I always wondered what exactly would happen if the SOS button was pressed. 2 months in to owning this device, I found out. While riding with no cell coverage, I came across another ATV rider who was having a heart attack in the middle of the trail. Miles from cell coverage, I reached out and pressed the SOS. Within a minute, the emergency operator was texting me that my SOS had been received. I was able to communicate the nature of the emergency to the dispatcher and receive confirmation that help was in route. Knowing that help was on the way puts your mind at ease vs a SPOT, where you have no clue if your distress signal has been received. Within 20 mins, police, firefighters, ambulance and fish and wildlife were on the scene. As was my wife, as I had neglected to text her that I was ok, and she was the 1st emergency contact. Word to the wise, if you are using the device as a Good Samaritan, let your emergency contact know that you are ok, as the dispatcher can only give out limited information. I’m not sure you can put a price on summoning help anywhere in the world. Yes the device is expensive, and yes you have to sign up for a service plan. But if you are like me, and frequently out of cell range, this is a life saving tool. I never leave home without it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2018 by Cory
Checking for best price...