Emergency Communication Devices in the Grand Canyon

I found a tough spot to test some satellite communicators deep in the Grand Canyon. I didn't have high hopes; you can see what happened. I'm testing the Garmin inReach Mini 2, GPSMAP 67i, Messenger, ZOLEO, SPOT X, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Ulefone Armor 23 Ultra.

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In the rugged and breathtaking environment of the Grand Canyon, particularly around Puma Point off the Hermit Trail, a thorough examination of various emergency communication devices was conducted to assess their effectiveness in remote locations. These tests are crucial for enhancing emergency survival strategies, where reliable communication can be a matter of life and death.

The devices tested included several models from Garmin, all using the Iridium satellite network, renowned for its global coverage. Notable among them were the Garmin inReach Mini 2, GPS MAP 67i, and the Garmin Messenger, all of which delivered messages to a distant phone within an impressive one-minute timeframe, demonstrating their efficiency in emergency communications. These devices not only sent text but also provided accurate location information, making them invaluable tools for emergency survival situations.

Other devices tested included the Zoleo, which operates on the same Iridium network, and the Spot X, utilizing the Globalstar network. While Zoleo maintained a good performance, the Spot X took slightly longer—up to four minutes—to transmit messages, which could be a significant delay in a true emergency. Additionally, modern smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Ulefone Armor 23 Ultra were tested for their satellite communication capabilities, showcasing that even everyday devices are increasingly equipped to handle emergency communications through advancements in technology.

This examination not only highlighted the capabilities of modern emergency beacons and communicators but also underscored the importance of having reliable technology when venturing into remote areas like the Grand Canyon. As technology evolves, so does the performance and reliability of these devices, significantly improving the safety and survivability of adventurers and travelers in emergencies.

[chrisstra]

I've also got an inReach mini 2 now! I checked out a lot of your videos before. You need to get used to it, but after all a very good device! Thanks! Greetings from Germany!

[rkatrails]

I used to hike the Mt. Wilson trail a lot, starting in Sierra Madre. Back then I had my first gps device, a Garmin eTrex 20 that I used to track my hikes. There's one part of the trail, about 3 miles in near Orchard Camp, where you're in a deep canyon with steep walls on both sides, similar to where you were in the GC. That's where my tracking device would go haywire, apparently losing contact with the satellites.

[МаксимЕремин-ят]

Iverson Trail to Tiptoe falls in Portola state park is the trail I can recommend to test the satellite function. My garmin mini 2 takes half an hour to send a location there.

[wirelesspizza]

Love this, I find myself in canyons a lot and we have a Globalstar GSP-1700 sat phone and I've been thinking about the Zoleo to be able to do breadcrumbs / messaging out of cellular. Glad they all did well.

[ervinslens]

Another masterfully crafted review man, after your Apple Watch Ultra review, this is your second best video if you ask me! 👏👏

[billbeyatte]

Thank you Mr. Consumer Reports for hikers.

[ShooterandMaker]

I’m learning about handheld GPS versus old school topographical maps and a compass. I am an active competitor in the sport of Cowboy mounted shooting and would like to incorporate camping & trails in the saddle in between competitions. I enjoy your channel and have found the information to be useful in learning and making decisions in purchasing equipment.

[ATTACKoftheSTRINGS]

I was impressed with the iphone. For a non dedicated device, that is awesome.

[scenicdriveways]

Great video, thanks for sharing this. I am saving up for a Garmin 67i.

JT
Barren County, KY

[DoubanGuy]

Thanks for your review :) Can you test Bivy Stick next time?

[bretosborne]

The garmin inReach has the most powerful transmitter

[jakobfisher]

Hiking guy, I love your detailed videos. I am curious how much redundancy you recommend for navigation. I am thinking iPhone 14 or later for primary navigation via Gaia plus a handheld Garmin device. A compass in the emergency kit. What do you think?

[helvettefaensatan]

You say that the messages 'fail' what is the user experience like when that happens? Will the units just continue to send ad nauseum, or will they report back when they give up? If transmitting takes time, will they update the location data, or can you risk that by the time your message is forwarded, that you are someplace else — 45 minutes later?

Personally I have just invested in a used 66i but I suppose these are relevant questions for other viewers with other units also.

[joecalarco]

do you ever think garmin will make a watch like the apple with the sos feature?

[lilianm]

Any new Garmin devices in the works or are we all just waiting for satellite service through our cell phone providers??

[juper]

have you explored the Bivy Stick? i am part of a SAR team, and we have heard some bad things from an event recently.

[peterpokstefl]

Despite the lack of dual frequency GPS, I recommend the phone after a short test, it seems that the satellite services are significantly faster and better than those from Garmin.