In this video, I break down the differences between the iPhone’s new satellite messaging and the tried-and-true Garmin inReach. As a long-time user of both, I’m switching things up a bit now that the iPhone has free messaging and SOS over satellite. The iPhone makes satellite messaging incredibly simple, but it has limitations, like not being available worldwide yet. On the other hand, the Garmin inReach, with its Iridium satellite network, has full global coverage and offers rugged, outdoor-specific hardware. The iPhone is more for casual hikers, especially with the addition of an OtterBox case and a battery pack to give it more outdoor resilience.
However, when it comes to emergencies or long-term wilderness trips, the Garmin inReach still stands out. It’s built to handle extreme conditions, has a battery that lasts for days, and offers features like breadcrumb trail tracking, location sharing, and weather updates. Plus, the hardware itself is rock solid. The cost for an inReach isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in the subscription plan, but in critical situations, you might find it’s worth the peace of mind. I’m personally going to downgrade my inReach plan and rely more on my iPhone for general satellite communication, but I’ll keep the Garmin for backup in emergencies.
For most people, if you’re not going on extreme hikes or into remote locations, the iPhone’s satellite capabilities will probably be enough, especially paired with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for redundancy. But if you’re like me and do longer, more intense outings, the inReach is still the gold standard for satellite communication in the backcountry. What do you think? Let me know if you’re considering ditching your inReach or sticking with it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on outdoor tech.
