DeLorme inReach Update

Because of my interest with GPS training, rescue beacons and Search and Rescue I thought the August 2014 issue of GPS World had a definite connection to this blog.

Don’t know about you, but I am always a bit cautious about reading the many glowing product reviews on the web or in print.  I consider the sites such as www.sectionhiker.com, www.survivalcommnsense.com and www.GPStracklog.com as my honest brokers for related backcountry gear.

So, I thought it important to capture the essence of Tracy Cozzens' article Never Out Of Reach.

“Please call global rescue.  John broken arm, ribs, internal bleeding.  Fell 70ft crevasse.  Climbed out. Himlung Camp 2.  Please Hurry.”

This was the message sent via DeLorme’s inReach Explorer communicator sent from the Himalayas regarding the injuries received by a member of a research team.   

DeLorme’s unit allows users to send and receive 160 character text message while in the field and in this case in very remote locations.  “…the interactive SOS capability of the inReach automatically triggers remote tracking and allows users to communicate via text with responders at GEOS, Delorme’s partner for international 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring” wrote Cozzens.

Cozzens concluded the article by stating “inReach communicates over the Iridium satellite network, providing global two-way satellite connection, high network reliability….anywhere on Earth with no gaps, fringe or weak signal areas.  inReach has the ability to maintain a satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments, such as in a steep canyon or under a heavy forest canopy, DeLorme said.”

In the spring of 2013 I wrote a product review for www.seattlebackpackersmagazine.com on an earlier Delorme unit; one that was paired to my smart phone.   It worked as advertised and DeLorme provided superb customer support to this technology challenged user.  You can read my evaluation at:

http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/delorme-inreach-product-review/