With the recent events on Whitney, my wife is encouraging me to look into one of these devices again. I am hiking solo more frequently and exploring cross-country routes. Last year I almost purchased a SPOT, but I ran across some reviews regarding poor reception and customer service. I also spoke with a fellow hiker that had to return his device to the manufacturer. I decided to hold off on my purchase.
Recent reviews seem to be more favorable for SPOT. Delorme also released a new device call the InReach Explorer. After looking at the other options out there, I narrowed it down to these two devices.
Pricing
SPOT
With the current deals going on right now (Rebate from SPOT, member refund from REI):
$150 (basic service for 1 year) + $85 (for SPOT, after rebates) = Total cost of ~$235 minimum for 1st year (cheapest option)
This price includes trackpoints.
Delorme InReach Explorer
$145 (Safety Plan, 12 months of use) + $340(InReach Explorer, after REI member refund) = Total cost of ~ $485 minimum for 1st year + fees for trackpoint and pinging*.
*There are cheaper plans available, but since I live in Southern California, I hike year round. Based on my time on the trail, think the trackpoint and pinging fees would be <$25.
Features
Delorme’s advantages over SPOT
- reportedly more reliable satellite network (Iridium vs. Globalstar),
- transmits to satellites with stronger radio power (1.6W vs 0.4W)
- 2 way messaging
- mapping/tracking functionality (leave the GPS @ home?)
- confirmation that your messages have been sent
SPOT’s advantages over Delorme
- PRICE
- Uses AAA batteries (same as my headlamp)
My Decision
All things considered, I decided that the Delorme InReach Explorer was a better fit for my needs, although the price was prohibitive. I decided that if the InReach could also replace my dedicated GPS unit, that would be worth the cost. I am working on getting a demo unit for testing.
If you would like to do some more reading on these devices, as well as PLBs and satellite phones, there is an interesting discussion happening @ the WhitneyZone.com: PLB / SPOT / Delorme / Sat Phone
marti124
I see you wrote your problem entry on June 30. I did the update for my friend’s Explorer and got GPX entries imported around November. Why don’t you try doing another import (update to latest firmware).
TheHikingGeek
Thanks for the tip!
I didn’t actually buy the Delorme, but with the winter hikes I have planned, getting one of these devices has come up in conversation again. If the I can load GPX files, the Delorme is clearly the most useful device for my purposes.
How does your friend like the Explorer? Do you know of anyone that pairs it with their smart phone to use any of the mapping apps out there?