[pct-l] Foreign Hiker - 2 questions and SPOT Connect

[Charles Douvier]

I'd like to second the recommendation of a Delorme Inreach SE. My wife got
me one so she knew I was fine when hiking alone. It's really the most
affordable two way satellite text messaging platform I could find. It works
about as good as newer GPS unit under heavy tree cover. Typically 3 or 4
tracking points will stack up if I don't get much clearing but if you're
worried about it just stand near a small opening or send a message near one
and you'll catch them up. We signed up for the 40 custom text messages,
unlimited quick texts and unlimited tracking plan. I don't really like
banging out all 140 characters of a text on it's basic keypad unless I have
some sit down time.. but the quick texts are good for letting family know
all is well.
Ours preset messages are roughly:
1. Starting/Continuing my Hike, all is well.
2. Stopping or Resting for now. All is well. and
3. Turning unit on or off for the day. All is well.
I just finished a 5 day backpacking trip in the cascades.. my battery
lasted the whole time (down to about 30%) although I had a battery pack
charger because I anticipated needing it. I would guess my unit was on 12
hours a day. I track at 30 minute intervals. Keep in mind it charges by USB
cord with an internal battery pack. You'll need a solar charger or a
battery powered usb charger of some sort.

Delorme has a decent website for tracking where you've been but I wouldn't
say it was great. It seems you can also share your progress on
facebook/twitter but I haven't used that feature.

Delorme says it's 5.7 oz, REI says 7oz. It's extra weight regardless.

Chas


Message: 1
>
> Date: Sun, 8 Sep 2013 10:39:51 -0700
> From: Melissa Cappetti <melissa.cappetti at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Foreign Hiker - 2 questions and SPOT Connect
> To: Eric Martinot <eric at martinot.info>, PCT List
>         <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
>         <
CAJCtoNOR-1kkY5nqJjw8DS7u6GaBR1BCU3GqpXutMnO0Km8J0w at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> My boyfriend and I just started using the Delorme Inreach SE to
communicate
> more frequently when I had to get off the trail due to foot injuries. I
> LOVE the Delorme. You are correct that sometimes there is a delay in
> sending/receiving messages when in canyons but for the most part it works
> brilliantly. I am so happy we have this now. We got the plan with 120
> custom texts per month and we are using all of those texts (25cents for
> each text over that cap). We did our research and from what we could tell
> the Delorme was better than the Spot in terms of 2 way communication.
>
> One bug we have found though is that twice the device has sent one of the
> canned messages when my boyfriend did not initiate it. I got the email but
> he did not send the message. Nor did it show up in his history of sent
> messages. It was very strange...he reported this to Delorme so hopefully
> they are looking into it. It was a good thing the canned messages was not
> "Send Help!". That could have been a disaster.
>
> Our 3 canned messages are:
> 1) Starting my hike for the day
> 2) Checking in, everything is okay
> 3) Camping here for the night, everything ok
>
> #2 and #3 were each sent randomly once to me without him touching his
> device. I'm guessing this is some kind of bug.
>
> We use the custom text option quite frequently to communicate resupply
> needs and sometimes I send him information on fire conditions, weather,
and
> accommodations. I did come out to the trail to do a little magic for him
> and the device helped us coordinate location and timing perfectly. I can't
> say enough good things about it.
>
> Also, Delorme provides me with a map where I can actually track his
> physical location. He has his device tracking feature set to every 30mins
> so I can see where he is. I'm not stalking him by all means but it's nice
> to check in one in a while.
>
> Some of you may think this is overkill and don't want to be connected like
> this but I find peace of mind with it and I've been a more efficient
> resupply person for him. Plus his Mom gets his canned messages as well and
> she is happy to be informed. It helps her sleep well :-)
>
> +1 for Delorme Inreach SE!
>
> Cheers,
> Near Miss
>