I have used a SPOT since 2012 when I went up Everest and have never had a message not go through. I know this because I also include my cell on the message distribution list. Last year thru hiking the AT I noticed that a lot of inreach units were having trouble getting messages out in valleys and canyons. My Spot had no issues. Same thing hiking thru Buckskin Gulch and Parria Valley this year... my messages went out in the valleys and my mates with the Iridium based Garmins were having issues
This was a really helpful comparison, thank you! One thing worth noting about the Garmin that I saw in another video is that you can actually type out a message on the device itself. It's cumbersome, but for a short message or in an emergency where it's all you have, it's still an option to tell somebody exactly what you need to tell them, rather than just vague "OK" or "help" presets.
Thanks, Mike! And thanks for pointing that out. I had forgotten about that feature! It's a great feature for emergencies if you don't have your phone with you, or you perhaps just don't own a smartphone (I know a few backpackers who still have the old flip phones).
@@coloradoraptorguy9250 Spot has Flex Plans where you can pay month to month. If you are using it year round it is cheaper to do a year subscription, but if you only use it seasonally the flex plans are a good option.
@@jamesbuckle6077 , the Spot unit will flash green when a message "is sent". However, I have had it flash green numerous times when the message really didn't go through. I have never had the inReach say a message is sent and not actually send. The inReach has been way more reliable for me.
I’m an adventure motorcycle rider and have used the Spot Gen 3 for 5 years without a problem. I’ve traveled from Tuktoyaktuk NWT to Ushuaia Argentina and it has always worked. I’d love to be able to message but I’m not sure it’s worth the price as 90% of the time I have cell service. Subscription cost is import to me now as only travel 3-4 weeks a year. Is the inReach worth it for me or should I stick with the Spot?
Hi BlackdogADV, if you're not having any problems with your Spot unit and you have cell service at most of the locations you are traveling through I would just continue using what you're using. I switched because I was having problems with my Spot unit and rarely have cell coverage where I backpack.
If you don't need 2-way, then SPOT is a far better solution. I used SPOT for 11 years before I switched to the InReach mini. The biggest benefit to me is off-grid InReach to InReach communication - but I don't use that much. Most of the time I'm just using Tracking and Spot is far cheaper for that.
The Spot communicators would be fantastic if nothing better was available. However. the InReach just far outperforms the Spots in nearly every way: speed, 2-way communication, far better satelite network, speed of communication, and many other features. In the same generic personal satellite devices category (vs expensive satellite phones or high end Garmin devices) the InReach is slightly more expensive up front compared to the competition, but well worth it. Ask a 16 year old which is better to have: a bicycle or a car? One example that pays for the unit by itself: When calling for emergency help you can 2-way, explain the trouble, whether you need a helicopter, snakebite antidote, or merely directions, or a towtruck. Get the Garmin.
When I had a Spot device I did not pay an annual activation fee. I'm not sure if that has changed over the past year. About a year ago I switched to the Garmin InReach, so I'm not sure if Spot has changed their plans.
Hi! is it possible with the Garmin to record automaticly, like with the Geo, the rouths you are doing?. And if yes, how long do you think the battery lasts using only that function?
Hi! I don't use the tracking feature on mine, but I found this useful battery life info on the Garmin page for the inReach Mini: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/inreachmini/EN-US/GUID-26D02F01-8090-4D52-B466-D93B670E898F.html. I've never used tracking, but, according to the manual you have to select "start tracking" to have it start tracking...so my guess is you cannot have it "automatically" track and you have to press that option to start tracking each time you turn the device on.
Hi totaldla, yes, you can update the inReach Mini firmware with your phone by connecting the app on your phone to the inReach via Bluetooth. However, you must have cell service in order to update the firmware.
Woops, you're correct. It's been a few months since I've done an update. You do need to connect to a computer via a USB cable in order to update firmware. You can sync settings and messages via Bluetooth and phone, but not the firmware. You use Garmin express on your computer to update firmware.
I eat a variety of bars, sometimes change it up by throwing some sort of chips or similar snack in there, and my dinners are usually instant rice based with things thrown in there like dehydrated veggies, tuna packets, olive oil, etc
If you're looking for information on how to use the Garmin inReach Mini watch this video next: ruclips.net/video/U2hB-D8yCPE/видео.html
Amazing thx
I have used a SPOT since 2012 when I went up Everest and have never had a message not go through. I know this because I also include my cell on the message distribution list. Last year thru hiking the AT I noticed that a lot of inreach units were having trouble getting messages out in valleys and canyons. My Spot had no issues. Same thing hiking thru Buckskin Gulch and Parria Valley this year... my messages went out in the valleys and my mates with the Iridium based Garmins were having issues
Thanks for sharing that! Because I have just started to do research for those devices and nothing is better than such real world experience
Great review and great camera quality and sound quality. Thanks for taking the time to make. Cheers Mike
Thanks Mike!
This was a really helpful comparison, thank you! One thing worth noting about the Garmin that I saw in another video is that you can actually type out a message on the device itself. It's cumbersome, but for a short message or in an emergency where it's all you have, it's still an option to tell somebody exactly what you need to tell them, rather than just vague "OK" or "help" presets.
Thanks, Mike! And thanks for pointing that out. I had forgotten about that feature! It's a great feature for emergencies if you don't have your phone with you, or you perhaps just don't own a smartphone (I know a few backpackers who still have the old flip phones).
I'm looking into a GPS tracking device for an upcoming trip and this video was very helpful. Thank you.
Awesome! I'm glad it helped at least 1 person out there! Cheers!
If anyone has any questions on either of these devices, please feel free to ask here in the comments. Cheers!
Hey! Is the only way to purchase the Spot subscription via a one time bulk payment, or can you pay per month?
@@coloradoraptorguy9250 Spot has Flex Plans where you can pay month to month. If you are using it year round it is cheaper to do a year subscription, but if you only use it seasonally the flex plans are a good option.
Adventure Plus Me thanks for the response! 👍🏼👍🏼
Spot unit flashes green when the message is sent. Spot has unlimited tracking in the basic subscription, garmin is twice the price for this.
@@jamesbuckle6077 , the Spot unit will flash green when a message "is sent". However, I have had it flash green numerous times when the message really didn't go through. I have never had the inReach say a message is sent and not actually send. The inReach has been way more reliable for me.
Thanks for making the video. Looks like I know which one I'm going to buy.
You're welcome. I hope the video was helpful!
Hey, great video, really helped me. Thanks a lot!
Awesome, glad it helped!
I’m an adventure motorcycle rider and have used the Spot Gen 3 for 5 years without a problem. I’ve traveled from Tuktoyaktuk NWT to Ushuaia Argentina and it has always worked. I’d love to be able to message but I’m not sure it’s worth the price as 90% of the time I have cell service. Subscription cost is import to me now as only travel 3-4 weeks a year. Is the inReach worth it for me or should I stick with the Spot?
Hi BlackdogADV, if you're not having any problems with your Spot unit and you have cell service at most of the locations you are traveling through I would just continue using what you're using. I switched because I was having problems with my Spot unit and rarely have cell coverage where I backpack.
Thanks!
If you don't need 2-way, then SPOT is a far better solution. I used SPOT for 11 years before I switched to the InReach mini. The biggest benefit to me is off-grid InReach to InReach communication - but I don't use that much. Most of the time I'm just using Tracking and Spot is far cheaper for that.
The Spot communicators would be fantastic if nothing better was available.
However. the InReach just far outperforms the Spots in nearly every way: speed, 2-way communication, far better satelite network, speed of communication, and many other features.
In the same generic personal satellite devices category (vs expensive satellite phones or high end Garmin devices) the InReach is slightly more expensive up front compared to the competition, but well worth it.
Ask a 16 year old which is better to have: a bicycle or a car?
One example that pays for the unit by itself: When calling for emergency help you can 2-way, explain the trouble, whether you need a helicopter, snakebite antidote, or merely directions, or a towtruck.
Get the Garmin.
Don’s friend from Melrose. I met you a few years ago.
Thanks for this video! For the Spot device do they charge you an additional activation fee each year??
When I had a Spot device I did not pay an annual activation fee. I'm not sure if that has changed over the past year. About a year ago I switched to the Garmin InReach, so I'm not sure if Spot has changed their plans.
What app did you download to your phone so you can text from your phone using the inreach mini😊
My inReach mini is the older model, so I use the Garmin Earthmate app. I’m not sure if the newer inReach mini uses a different app. Cheers!
Hi! is it possible with the Garmin to record automaticly, like with the Geo, the rouths you are doing?. And if yes, how long do you think the battery lasts using only that function?
Hi! I don't use the tracking feature on mine, but I found this useful battery life info on the Garmin page for the inReach Mini: www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/inreachmini/EN-US/GUID-26D02F01-8090-4D52-B466-D93B670E898F.html. I've never used tracking, but, according to the manual you have to select "start tracking" to have it start tracking...so my guess is you cannot have it "automatically" track and you have to press that option to start tracking each time you turn the device on.
Amazing thx!
Think that's made my mind up.👍
thanks so much very informative you made my decision easier
Davo Davo, super glad it was helpful!
Great review
AR9fy, thanks!
Can you update the Inreach Mini firmware with cell phone, or must you use a laptop?
Hi totaldla, yes, you can update the inReach Mini firmware with your phone by connecting the app on your phone to the inReach via Bluetooth. However, you must have cell service in order to update the firmware.
@@AdventurePlusMe Which app is that? Earthmate doesn't do firmware updates.
Woops, you're correct. It's been a few months since I've done an update. You do need to connect to a computer via a USB cable in order to update firmware. You can sync settings and messages via Bluetooth and phone, but not the firmware. You use Garmin express on your computer to update firmware.
@@justjonoutdoors Do you mean "firmware" update?
@@justjonoutdoors If you plug it into your computer it is not updating by itself.
What do u eat on the trail
I eat a variety of bars, sometimes change it up by throwing some sort of chips or similar snack in there, and my dinners are usually instant rice based with things thrown in there like dehydrated veggies, tuna packets, olive oil, etc