Andyconnor Loc: Ohio

I do a lot of blue lining ( trout fishing) in areas where there is no cell service, usually up a mountain. Sometimes I'm alone with no cell phone service...would like to know what is the best satellite radio to get. Would like the capability of sending a text message and able to track my position in case of an emergency.

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

One possibility is a personal locator beacon like back country skiers or offshore fishermen use. I don’t believe they have text or talk capabilities but they may be less expensive than sat phones. Some of the Apple products (iPhones 14, Apple Watch 8) have the capability to detect crashes and call for help if you are nonresponsive. Good luck on your research. Keep us updated on what you find out.

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

I'm also usually out of cell coverage. I used to carry a Spot locator but changed to a Garmin In-Reach. It works OK for me and can usually send and receive text messages as well as my location. It also has some simple map as well.

Several years ago I sprained an ankle up in the Tucannon River. I had to hop out on one leg. That was brutal so I moved to a satellite locator. That gives both my wife and I some peace of mind. I'll be back in that area this coming Saturday through hunting season. I'm usually alone so I feel a satellite locator is essential.

Andyconnor Loc: Ohio

Hi TED A----great info---I've been fishing alone and I know accidents happen---i've been looking at that one

Can someone track your movement to see if you're moving ? If my wife see's that I've not changed locations, could be a problem.

Other features you like?

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

Andy,
My first one was a Spot. It didn't work too well. I couldn't tell if the messages got out. They often didn't. Newer ones may be much better by now.

I bought the In-Reach Explorer. It is not the smallest one but it doesn't need to work through a cell phone. I can send out text messages and bounce one back to myself. That helps verify that the message actually got sent. It can also send out location pings at set intervals but that is an additional fee. The down side is it isn't cheap.
If you like going out alone then you should have one of the satellite messengers. The also have the ability to send out a 911 call with your location. I've never used that feature. One thing I like is that I can stand over my selected location and send out a text message to others giving the exact location. They can look it up on Google Earth and see the exact spot. I used that feature for my last 2 elk. My son texted back to me a route out giving a break in cliffs to use. I also use it when fishing. It saved me once when I ran aground and needed rescue. I told them what I needed to get back out. I take it with me when hiking and also when boating. Lots of places around here don't have cell coverage.

Fish Bonzer Loc: Carlsbad Oceanside

I like my In Reach mini the battery life is good, and the ability to send messages are good, the monthly service is pretty cheap and you only pay month to month.

Andyconnor Loc: Ohio

I just bought an I-phone 14 and it has satelite capabilities......anyone use it for exploring? does it have maps?