Best option for GPS/Sat phone?

[ericmack]

Once again appealing to the wisdom of the many here- wondering which GPS and/or Sat phone and/or combination of both is a good one to take. Only interested in emergency stuff, limited texts, connectivity, and reasonably durable since I fall a lot. Of course- needs topo maps and ability to be precise on miles hiked/location/elevation/etc.

This is an amazing forum- already learn a ton from reading.

respectfully- Eric/Junk Pile

[BCPete]

Delorme Inreach ... not a phone, but the texting works fairly well. It's a little clunky putting together a text message, but it works anywhere. The GPS functions are pretty good once you get used to the format of the device.

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreach-explorer.php

[ATAdam]

I Picked that up as a kit, with the case, goal zero and some other do dads in the kit.

To get the best bang for your buck you need to pair it with a smartphone, that you've already downloaded maps to from it's own APP. For TOPO and some of the way-point features to work. Also you can use the software and if you have someone at home; they can log into your account and check messages you've sent out in the wilds - pretty cool feature - like SPOT on steroids.

I got it for 425 - worth it. I'll bring it with me on the AT for fun, but really got it to test for my PCT try in a year.

I have the droid maxx - its all waterproof and has the corning gorilla glass, with the Otterbox case. You can link your phone via bluetoof to the explorer and the functionality is pretty sweet. I recommend a phone with a big battery if you plan on using the two - the Droid is the BEST, or maybe a Galaxy S4

It's pretty excessive and techno geek for general hiking - but it's fun!

[ericmack]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[Fireonwindcsr]

I've seen Garmin handhelds in the $150 range, then couple that with the Appalachian Trail maps for $49. Still researching tho. Not starting until Mid March

[Fireonwindcsr]

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/prod91298.html

AT maps

[Fireonwindcsr]

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/prod91298.html

AT maps

this just in..... Handheld Magellan GPS on Woot - $89


http://electronics.woot.com/plus/magellan-gps-5?ref=gh_el_2_wp_7

[ericmack]

Excellent- thanks so much!

VR
Eric


this just in..... Handheld Magellan GPS on Woot - $89


http://electronics.woot.com/plus/magellan-gps-5?ref=gh_el_2_wp_7

[Walkintom]

Second the Delorme InReach. When hiking Isle Royale back in September I was able to get hands-on with one that a fellow traveler had and it's really nice. With the plan he had, he could send unlimited texts from a pre-built list of about 50 different messages. His wife could see on a map where he was when the messages were sent.

All in all a great unit for those times when cell phones are not an option.

[ericmack]

Thanks much- seriously looking at this one most of all.


Second the Delorme InReach. When hiking Isle Royale back in September I was able to get hands-on with one that a fellow traveler had and it's really nice. With the plan he had, he could send unlimited texts from a pre-built list of about 50 different messages. His wife could see on a map where he was when the messages were sent.

All in all a great unit for those times when cell phones are not an option.

[LAF]

for the AT I use 2 things: AWOL's guide and Guthook's App (http://www.guthookhikes.com/apps - available for iPhone or Android devices). The app provides elevation profiles, rudimentary topo and actual location on trail (gps). Granted this doesn't have SAT phone capabilities but you do get cell service most of the time (Verizon seems to be the better provider)