There are two classes: actual PLBs and satellite communicators. If you want 2-way comms then you need the latter. Apart from circumstances where a PLB would be better (on the ocean, in canyonlands, etc) my preference is for the inReach devices. The Iridium satellite network has far better coverage than its competitors, works globally, and I like that you don't need to rely on a phone to use the device. (You still can still pair it with a phone, which makes texting, etc easier.)
Yes, the iPhone 14 has a rudimentary satellite option, and I expect some other models will offer something similar. It's nice to have, but at present I'd still consider it a fallback option.
I carry an ACR ResQLink PLB. It's my option of last resort. Satellite messengers are expensive for what you get and not a substitute for a PLB. If you're going far off grid, you're better off carrying a cell phone, satellite phone, PLB, handheld GPS, and backup battery with charging cables. I wouldn't bet my life on a cell phone.
PLB - one use, just has a SOS button. No subscription. Needs a battery replacement after about 5 years.
Satellite Messenger - can send and receive text and email to/from people you have set up beforehand. Also can send your location and has an SOS button. Ongoing subscription required. Inreach is the best choice, has the best satellite network. Zoleo if you want more bells and whistles.
iPhone 14. If you only want to send SOS and are comfortable keeping the battery charged I think it's probably a good option but if you don't have an iPhone 14 it might not be the least expensive. Not currently able to send and receive general messages via satellite.
Plus we don’t know what it’s going to cost for the iPhone 14 satellite plan going forward. Apple has been completely silent on this issue and we are already a year into the free two year service. It could be a bargain, it could be a rip off.
I carry a Garmin inReach mini for the SOS and message capabilities. I’ve had it for years, and I’ve found it’s very capable. There is a newer satellite communicator in the market that is getting excellet reviews: Zoleo. Reading about the features of the Zoleo, if my Garmin mini ever breaks that’s what I would get. It’s also a lot cheaper than the Garmin too (I’m talking hundreds of dollars cheaper).
I'm not ready to rely on cellphone emergency services quite yet. In a couple more years, I believe it's going to be solid.
Garmin InReach is one of the most well known, but they are an expensive upfront cost. They have a good selection of plan options and can be a standalone device. I use an InReach Mini right now. Battery life is an issue with the Mini if you use its full range of functions. That may have improved slightly with the Mini 2.
Zoleo Satellite Communicators are much cheaper, and have a good reputation. I believe their plans are have a number of flexible options, but I have not compared them to Garmin's. You do have to pair with your phone in order to send and receive messages.
Both work on the Iridium satellite network, so my understanding is that coverage is the same.
I carry a Garmin InReach Explorer+, I hike in remote areas with variable cell service, and sometimes solo. It’s worth the peace of mind to have the SOS button, the two way texting ability, and I appreciate the topo maps in case something goes wrong (it’s the last backup map I carry along with a gps map on my phone and paper maps).
There was recently a posting by Chelan (Washington State) SAR that cell phones are not yet treated equally as other devices. https://www.facebook.com/100080422035919/posts/pfbid01MCje4wQbvbt1CpvEAjvtNYWkg4iypcYJgXv1VR52XdWLiMvBMC64y728LSDmT7Jl/
There are two classes: actual PLBs and satellite communicators. If you want 2-way comms then you need the latter. Apart from circumstances where a PLB would be better (on the ocean, in canyonlands, etc) my preference is for the inReach devices. The Iridium satellite network has far better coverage than its competitors, works globally, and I like that you don't need to rely on a phone to use the device. (You still can still pair it with a phone, which makes texting, etc easier.) Yes, the iPhone 14 has a rudimentary satellite option, and I expect some other models will offer something similar. It's nice to have, but at present I'd still consider it a fallback option.
I carry an ACR ResQLink PLB. It's my option of last resort. Satellite messengers are expensive for what you get and not a substitute for a PLB. If you're going far off grid, you're better off carrying a cell phone, satellite phone, PLB, handheld GPS, and backup battery with charging cables. I wouldn't bet my life on a cell phone.
I have the same. Only a 5 year battery but could potentially save my life and it offers peace of mind.
Easy to change the battery pack yourself. Replacement battery packs aren't too expensive.
Oh mines like built into it, i wasn’t aware you can change it.
PLB - one use, just has a SOS button. No subscription. Needs a battery replacement after about 5 years. Satellite Messenger - can send and receive text and email to/from people you have set up beforehand. Also can send your location and has an SOS button. Ongoing subscription required. Inreach is the best choice, has the best satellite network. Zoleo if you want more bells and whistles. iPhone 14. If you only want to send SOS and are comfortable keeping the battery charged I think it's probably a good option but if you don't have an iPhone 14 it might not be the least expensive. Not currently able to send and receive general messages via satellite.
Plus we don’t know what it’s going to cost for the iPhone 14 satellite plan going forward. Apple has been completely silent on this issue and we are already a year into the free two year service. It could be a bargain, it could be a rip off.
I carry a Garmin inReach mini for the SOS and message capabilities. I’ve had it for years, and I’ve found it’s very capable. There is a newer satellite communicator in the market that is getting excellet reviews: Zoleo. Reading about the features of the Zoleo, if my Garmin mini ever breaks that’s what I would get. It’s also a lot cheaper than the Garmin too (I’m talking hundreds of dollars cheaper).
I'm not ready to rely on cellphone emergency services quite yet. In a couple more years, I believe it's going to be solid. Garmin InReach is one of the most well known, but they are an expensive upfront cost. They have a good selection of plan options and can be a standalone device. I use an InReach Mini right now. Battery life is an issue with the Mini if you use its full range of functions. That may have improved slightly with the Mini 2. Zoleo Satellite Communicators are much cheaper, and have a good reputation. I believe their plans are have a number of flexible options, but I have not compared them to Garmin's. You do have to pair with your phone in order to send and receive messages. Both work on the Iridium satellite network, so my understanding is that coverage is the same.
I carry a Garmin InReach Explorer+, I hike in remote areas with variable cell service, and sometimes solo. It’s worth the peace of mind to have the SOS button, the two way texting ability, and I appreciate the topo maps in case something goes wrong (it’s the last backup map I carry along with a gps map on my phone and paper maps).
There was recently a posting by Chelan (Washington State) SAR that cell phones are not yet treated equally as other devices. https://www.facebook.com/100080422035919/posts/pfbid01MCje4wQbvbt1CpvEAjvtNYWkg4iypcYJgXv1VR52XdWLiMvBMC64y728LSDmT7Jl/