I’ve been using Garmin Inreach for several years.
Some of the key features of Inreach that are important to me including:
- Medical Evacuation Insurance for about $40 a year.
- Drop a pin where I’m at every 4 hours for family to check on my Garmin map
- Being able to Customize a message to family on my status, which automatically includes my current GPS location.
- Peace of mind knowing I can get a Operations Center 24x7x365 in any geo in the world to get assistance with anything urgent.
I recently tested the IOS 18 (currently beta) with my iphone 14 SOS. I did not initiate an Emergency SOS, but I was able to use the Messages app without cellular data.
Basically, when you have zero cell connection, it prompts you to find a satellite and teaches you how to point your phone to the satellite (see screenshots below).
Once connected, I was able to send a msg to my riding buddy who was with me via satellite and he was able to reply. We have Bluetooth intercom with a range of about 100-200 yards and then short wave radio that has a 5-10 mile range depending on line-of-sight (If we are in different canyons we can’t communicate on the radio).Using a shoulder mic is the magic pill for moto adventures IMO!
But adding the IOS SOS we can get on the satellite and share GPS coordinates or a proposed meetup location.
Step One: See SOS instead of cellular data on your phones status bar and open Messages and OR find my
Step Two: Point your phone to the Satellite.
Step Three: Ensure you are connected to the Satellite
Pros of IOS SOS
- currently free
- works with Messages
- works with “find my” (find my friends/family, find my devices, find my items (airtags).
- has an emergency SOS in the menu to contact emergency services
Cons of IOS SOS
- Seems like you have to fiddle with your phone to point to a satellite, even walk closer or better view (what if I’m unable to walk and I need to hit the SOS?)
- does NOT include Medical Evacuation Insurance (like Garmin Inreach has the option to buy insurance for $40 a year).
- May not get you to a Operations Center that is contractually required to respond to your emergency SOS request.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy Medical Evacuation Insurance w/o Garmin Inreach?
A: I google it and found several providers; so yes.
Q: are you going to stop using Inreach and go with IOS SOS instead?
A: No, I’m going to keep my Inreach for peace of mind and proven/robust service…at least for a year or two. Having two SOS methods means I have two devices and two means of reaching out in an emergency.
Q: Can you use HAM Radio and get on repeaters to get help?
A: Yes, but if I’m in an area that I don’t know the common repeaters then this is not the best option if I don’t have the frequency, offsets and tones on the local repeaters.
Even if you don’t have a license, if you are able to get on a repeater IN AN EMERGENCY, you can transmit to get help.
Q: Have you tested/tinkered with meshtastic and ATAK?
A: No, not yet, I plan to test those out for “buddy tracking” on moto adventures, so I know exactly where my buddy is on the map. In fact, I’m waiting for the DMD2 buddy tracker feature and then I’ll buy a DMD2. https://adv-tim.com/products/dmd-t665-nav-phone
Q: Can I buy SAR insurance w/o a Garmin Inreach?
A: For SAR insurance, you MUST have a garmin Inreach with you. It could be your friend’s Inreach device (NOT Iphone sos). Call SAR customer service team at 1-888-460-4554 or plan-support@garmin.com. to verify
