Speaking of the In-Reach, I found using a Sea to Summit field repair buckle easier for pack strap attachment. I was able to operate the buckle one handed more easily than I could the included carabiner.
Garmin1.jpgGarmin2.jpg
Speaking of the In-Reach, I found using a Sea to Summit field repair buckle easier for pack strap attachment. I was able to operate the buckle one handed more easily than I could the included carabiner.
Garmin1.jpgGarmin2.jpg
The Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter ~ Cam "Swami" Honan of OZ
Not specifically for the InReach, but I've had best success for GPS devices carrying them in the brain of the pack.
so you want to carry it just for emergencies then, correct? I would suggest you think about what type of emergencies you would encounter and decide how and where to carry it based on that. For me, I want it on ME at all times so that's either a shoulder strap, a front pocket on the pack, in a shorts pocket or on a belt loop if I have one and it's not in the way there.
https://tinyurl.com/MyFDresults
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
That's a good point. Having at hand could be important. I will play with it a bit pre trip. If I could set it up to track infrequently enough to extend battery life I may use that option. I will use it to check in at the beginning and/or end of each day. Mainly I don't want it to be transmitting continuously as I would like the battery to last 5 days.
I have put my inReach in my brain on trips where my shoulder straps are needed to carry other things and I did not need it for navigation. Whenever the pack comes off for a break I find a spot with less foliage and point it at the sky. May feel like a little longer for satellites to find you,but it can be worth it for comfort or space on shoulder straps.
I found the carabiner swung too much AND I could not get it off the hook easily enough for navigation. I purchased a Gossamer Gear shoulder pocket for times when I want it close by for navigation. I am rarely on trails where I need navigation frequently but I am usually alone so it's a good investment.
In terms of access in an emergency--again the carabiner was not a quick access for me so I just wanted the device in/on my pack so I knew it would not fall out/get lost. When fording a river with pack unbuckled I try to find a way to have it on my body.
I did use the SOS button for the first time this summer when I fell and broke my ankle/tore ligaments while backpacking solo. It is worth the weight, packing conundrums, etc. I cannot backpack in 2022 but I have already re-started my subscription so I can use it for my rehab snowshoe and day hikes.
AT Nobo 2013; NPT-2014-2019; NCT-PA miles 0- and CNY miles 0-53
https://tinyurl.com/MyFDresults
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
Watch some videos and join look at some forums for hints. The manual helps you set up but doesn’t necessarily give you the pluses and minuses of various options. Make sure you practice and understand limitations. You will not always have clear satellite access so may need to wait. Messaging in/out is not instantaneous like your daily cell phone use so practice so you know what to expect.
Earlier you mentioned battery life. I carry mine for SOS and occasional updates and communication with wife or fellow hikers on same trail. I have gotten five days use on a single charge with careful use/settings.
I have the mini, and I use the unlimited text messages when I go out - This way, I can have my husband call ahead and make reservations at hostel/hotel when I know I'm a day or two from town and have no service. It's also nice when I'm alone and a bit lonely to talk to him.