For those that don't carry a spot,inreach or sat phone why not?

davelaw1982 · Dec 30, 2018

Recieved my InReach for a christmas present a few years back. Last year was the first year that we used it for more than a basic hello, or to send test messages. Now we didn't use it for resuce, but for troublshooting. Once we knew the sled was sleeping on the hill, the same person we had been texting booked the hotel room, lined up parts for us. It was great to be able to tell the wives that we were going to be quite late coming out of the hills, and we were all fine. Won't ride without it after that. Not everyone in the group has one, and I think that will change sooner than later, but for the time being, If I'm not out riding, my unit is always up for borrowing to the people that I know.

teeroy · Dec 30, 2018

bought a spot in '09 and used it within the first three months that I had it, called a chopper into Clemina when buddy broke his back in a creek he didn't see. it was a pretty new thing for SAR to deal with back then, but there was a chopper at our location in less than 2hrs. it would have been an hour but there was some confusion between the call center in Texas, and 911 in Canada/BC to know which area to call the local RCMP/SAR. the original spot I had worked flawlessly everywhere I tried it, from as far south as Revy to up in the NWT for sending check in messages.

sold my spot for a first gen Inreach when they came out, no issues. I liked that you could put the Inreach to "sleep" for a nominal fee, where the spot requires a year round subscription.

I think it is just as important to have as a probe, shovel, and avalanche beacon in the backcountry.

Director · Dec 30, 2018

I always have a form of Sat communication with me in the backcountry when i'm out of cell coverage, be it a Sat phone or InReach.. I find the InReach has been easier to get a message sent then it is to make a phone call so i've resorted to my InReach in most cases.

In saying that - i only carry it in case of emergency for communication, i never rely on it as a replacement to first aid or survival skills.
We follow thorough Journey Mgmt in the mornings so someone knows where we are and when to expect us back, we are prepared to spend the night, even a couple if we had to.. If i couldn't get help that night at least we could be at ease with some communication knowing someone is coming and loved ones aware.

niner · Dec 30, 2018

Anyone using the inreach mini? Reviews are mixed. Feeling like it’s time to finally get something.

skegpro · Dec 30, 2018

teeroy said:
bought a spot in '09 and used it within the first three months that I had it, called a chopper into Clemina when buddy broke his back in a creek he didn't see. it was a pretty new thing for SAR to deal with back then, but there was a chopper at our location in less than 2hrs. it would have been an hour but there was some confusion between the call center in Texas, and 911 in Canada/BC to know which area to call the local RCMP/SAR. the original spot I had worked flawlessly everywhere I tried it, from as far south as Revy to up in the NWT for sending check in messages.

sold my spot for a first gen Inreach when they came out, no issues. I liked that you could put the Inreach to "sleep" for a nominal fee, where the spot requires a year round subscription.

I think it is just as important to have as a probe, shovel, and avalanche beacon in the backcountry.

You can out the spot x to sleep.

S.W.A.T. · Dec 30, 2018

niner said:
Anyone using the inreach mini? Reviews are mixed. Feeling like it’s time to finally get something.

My buddy uses it for work logging. 100% app based so you always need your phone.

takethebounce · Dec 30, 2018

niner said:
Anyone using the inreach mini? Reviews are mixed. Feeling like it’s time to finally get something.

Battery life is about half of the regular Garmin and older Delorme unit. That being said I can ride 3 days easily without charging my Delorme but I try and charge it nightly.

1200 · Dec 30, 2018

Well i guess its time to get a spot . I just dont think i will use it but be a good tool . Been ridin long time just started to bring my cell phone ridin lol . Can u get a plan with limited texts? I wont be texting the wife daily like some guys haha . I get home when im done sledin wife is sleeping evey time.

RXN · Dec 30, 2018

1200 said:
Well i guess its time to get a spot . I just dont think i will use it but be a good tool . Been ridin long time just started to bring my cell phone ridin lol . Can u get a plan with limited texts? I wont be texting the wife daily like some guys haha . I get home when im done sledin wife is sleeping evey time.

With the I reach, she can text you back.
These are the plans for the inreach.

acesup800 · Dec 30, 2018

Almost everyone has a radio, why don't the clubs have a standard frequency so you at least can monitor when people are looking for you? That isnt difficult and doesnt cost a thing.

RXN · Dec 30, 2018

dgiles said:
Almost everyone has a radio, why don't the clubs have a standard frequency so you at least can monitor when people are looking for you? That isnt difficult and doesnt cost a thing.

My guess is range. But that is a good idea.

skegpro · Dec 30, 2018

dgiles said:
Almost everyone has a radio, why don't the clubs have a standard frequency so you at least can monitor when people are looking for you? That isnt difficult and doesnt cost a thing.

The club does have there own frequency but I am not sure if they want it given out.

With a 8 watt boafeng. I can talk to the house in revy. So I am sure they could hear in the clubhouse. Could also put a radio in the cabin as they already have solar.....

1200 · Dec 30, 2018

O thats cool and cheap plan . Be good to have well . The wife will be so excited that im spending more money on sledin lol .

skegpro · Dec 30, 2018

1200 said:
O thats cool and cheap plan . Be good to have well . The wife will be so excited that im spending more money on sledin lol .

You can text back with the spot-x too.
Has a keyboard if your not into T9 word or pairing with blue tooth.

NoBrakes! · Dec 31, 2018

so my question is spot vs inreach?

Is the old inreach still good? I have the old black box with no screen or keyboard

I also have 2 older spots. I want to activate one and gift the others.

ferniesnow · Dec 31, 2018

NoBrakes! said:
so my question is spot vs inreach?

Is the old inreach still good? I have the old black box with no screen or keyboard

I also have 2 older spots. I want to activate one and gift the others.

The older SPOTs will work. Just need to phone them and provide serial numbers to get them activated.

LUCKY 7 · Dec 31, 2018

I have older spot and still use it every time I go out but have decided to upgrade to a inreach. i have a buddy that is planning on buying my spot when i buy the inreach.

Lund · Dec 31, 2018

Dr. Crankenstein said:
RGM Thanks for starting this conversation. I have been on REVSAR for a number of years and I will keep this really simple. We take this volunteer position very seriously. The reasons are obvious - people will perish if we don't find them. It is extremely frustrating to get the call re: a missing or injured party and we have no idea, without coordinates where to begin looking. You would reply, well look in the most obvious places. Experience tells us that there are no obvious places, simply because the people that are lost are also disoriented. North becomes south etc. Oler 1234, I do agree that in the past, Spot service was hit and miss. All this to say, please get a Spot or Inreach or have the ability to communicate your coordinate position. If we have it, we will head straight to you probably wth hot chocolate.
Two more things: 1) Please Buddy up. Be responsible for that one person and know where they are or where they went. (Garmin rhinos). 2) Resist dropping a drainage. STOP! It is unbelievable how many new riders we find who have dropped, and dropped, like our last rescue. Thanks for listening and talk to your friends.

Vernon SARs member, highlighted above #1 call out with sledder's.
My advice is before leaving your vehicle in the morning in the parking area, make sure you install your "brain" before putting on your helmet. Stupidity is well over 90% of our call's. I also hate to say it, but drinking continues to be an issue and this amplifies the problem.
All the electronic's on the planet won't replace common sense, knowledge of your environment and basic survival/wilderness training. That is where everyone needs to start before venturing and thinking they are being responsible with electronic purchases.
STOP and think and its not just new rider's, seasoned rider's who in their mind believe they know carry an ego in this sport.

This fall's in the same category as one who purchases an AVY pack and has never taking an avy course.

AreWeThereYet · Dec 31, 2018

I'm not gonna get into any politics or say anything other than I have an inReach that I use from Nov-May. I unsubscribe the remaining months and it only costs me $3 per month. I bought it after seeing a buddies at sled camp and after learning more, thought it was something that I required while out sledding. It also gave my family peace of mind while I was gone and they could enjoy what they were doing instead of worrying how I was doing.

If you don't have one or something similar,.. I recommend getting one, that way at least you could be the sensible one in your group if something happens.

takethebounce · Dec 31, 2018

Lund said:
Vernon SARs member, highlighted above #1 call out with sledder's.
My advice is before leaving your vehicle in the morning in the parking area, make sure you install your "brain" before putting on your helmet. Stupidity is well over 90% of our call's. I also hate to say it, but drinking continues to be an issue and this amplifies the problem.
All the electronic's on the planet won't replace common sense, knowledge of your environment and basic survival/wilderness training. That is where everyone needs to start before venturing and thinking they are being responsible with electronic purchases.
STOP and think and its not just new rider's, seasoned rider's who in their mind believe they know carry an ego in this sport.

This fall's in the same category as one who purchases an AVY pack and has never taking an avy course.

I would gather that the main reason guys get into trouble in drainages is because it eventually is easier to go down than up when they don’t have the ability to go up. I have experienced it before, guys try and find a spot that is easier to go up again and work their way along a ridge or drop a little or get into a drainage with no way out and again drop down because they can’t go up. Eventually they are too far down, no energy, it’s dark and well it’s too late.

It takes a little skill to navigate some of that terrain and knowing your limits and riding to your weakest group members abilities before you get into that situation is key.

For those that don't carry a spot,inreach or sat phone why not?

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