In this ACR Bivy Stick review, I will show you an updated, smaller, simple and affordable emergency satellite messenger that can truly make your smartphone a global device.
Note: the ACR Bivy Stick has minimal functions unless it is synced with your smartphone.
Breakdown of what the ACR Bivy Stick Offers
- S.O.S.
- 2-Way Satellite Communication
- Maps
- Global, Pole-to-Pole Satellite Coverage
- Share Location
- Group Tracking & Group Messaging
- No Contract or Annual Fees
- Dedicated Phone Number
- One of the Smallest Satellite Messengers
- Warranty
- Weather Forecasts
- Smartphone Charger
- Bivy App
- Credits for things such as messages and forecasts
Let’s take a closer look at this cutting edge device that can literally help save your life, and make you next outdoor adventure a lot more fun.
2-Way Satellite Communication
Take your phone anywhere and always have satellite coverage so you can message family or friends. It becomes a useful back country tool.
Send texts from anywhere in the world. It’s really easy to create a message using the Bivy App. You just select “Messages”, tap the “Create a Message” and select who you want to send it to. The app syncs all your contacts from your phone.
When typing your message, you can also choose to share your location with that text and your GPS coordinates will become part of the text with a URL that will let the recipient see your exact location on a Bivy map. You will be able to see the status of the message and if it was delivered.
The ACR Bivy Stick comes with a unique dedicated cell phone number and you can also send and receive the locations of other Bivystick users.
Share Location
You can share your location with text messages or social media and your family and friends can see where you are at on detailed topo maps. You can track your path and leave waypoints so you can find your own way back home. You can download worldwide TOPO maps for offline use.
To track your location, you can select the “Track” button at the bottom of the map page. You will get one hour of tracking for 1 credit (See Credits below for more information). You will get an update every 10 minutes and anyone you gave your information to will be able to see your location and progress.
The waypoints, favorites, locations and routes are only limited by your smartphone.
No Contract or Annual Fees
There are no annual contracts or large activation fees. Activate it for the specific trips you take and only for as long as you will need it. See the Credits and Payment Plans below.
SOS
Bivy uses the Iridium Global Satellite Network which give you access to over 60 satellites. Iridium gives you voice and data connection over the entire globe, pole to pole. Each satellite is linked to 4 other satellites, creating a dynamic network that routes traffic among satellites. This ensures global coverage and communication.
Peace of mind for you and your family and friends. You can send an SOS message to get in contact with local emergency services. You can message the SAR teams and receive messages from them so you can know their status and you can also inform them of landmarks in your area or the exact nature of your injuries.
Whether you are on an adventure on foot or your vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere, you can be confident that someone will get your messages and can respond to your situation.
- GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR & SATELLITE PHONE ALTERNATIVE - 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way SMS text messaging + Email, GPS tracking, maps & navigation, emergency SOS, weather reports, and location sharing. Compatible with iOS & Android apps. Subscription required. Monthly: (Basic $19.99 | Plus $34.99 | Unlimited SALE $39.99). Annual: (Basic $14.99 | Plus $29.99 | Unlimited SALE $38.99). One time 3-month commitment per device, then month-to-month. Plans available globally.
- SOS EMERGENCY RESCUE - Feel safe with Global Rescue's round-the-clock SOS monitoring. Activate SOS with the dedicated button or through the app, communicate with emergency services, and share your GPS location when you need it most. Get rescued anywhere in the world.
- UNLIMITED CHECK-IN MESSAGES & GPS LOCATION SHARING - Effortlessly send unlimited & customizable check-in messages that include your GPS location with this advanced outdoor communication device. Use the dedicated check-in button on the device or through the app to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. A shareable webpage displays a map with your GPS coordinates and a check-in breadcrumb trail, allowing others to follow your journey.
- GROUP MESSAGING & TRACKING - Keep your crew connected with GroupTrack, featuring group messaging and location sharing for up to 12 people. Monitor your team off-grid using the Bivy Stick and app or in-network via a web browser. Ideal for search & rescue, guiding services, remote workers, outfitters, adventure racing, overlanding groups, and more.
- OFFLINE MAPS & NAVIGATION - Download detailed maps from around the world to ensure you're never lost, even without cellular service. Easily navigate and track your location off the grid using device-based GPS with this satellite messenger. The Bivy app offers over 50,000 adventures to explore, with 20 different adventure types available. Monitor your pace, mileage, altitude, and more on your journey.
- TRI-NETWORK COVERAGE & APP-TO-APP MESSAGING - Benefit from least-cost routing with priority given to Wi-Fi, followed by cellular, and then satellite. Effortlessly connect with others using app-to-app messaging, your dedicated phone number, or email. Choose ACR Bivy Stick, the leading alternative to satellite phones for unrestricted two-way communication, and the freedom to initiate and receive messages confidently.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Warranty
1 year warranty, 90 day returns. No questions asked.
Weather Forecasts
The ACR Bivy Stick gives you access to local weather forecasts so you can be more prepared. Go to the Bivy App and choose “Weather” on the menu. You can select either a 3-day or 7-day forecast. You can close the app and Bivy will notify you when the weather report is ready to be viewed.
Smartphone Charger
The ACR Bivy Stick can also charge your phone up to 2 times with a 1,400 mAh backup battery to give you more time in the outdoors.
The Bivy Stick is one of the smallest satellite messengers on the market and weighs 3.35 ounces, is 4.31″ tall, 1.75″ wide, and 0.82″ thick and includes a battery backup, satellite indicator, outcharge port, power indicator, incharge port and a power on/off switch. The power incharge port gives you the ability to carry a portable charger on longer trips so you can recharge the ACR Bivy Stick and your smartphone. See the Accessories page for a great portable charger that will work with the Bivy Stick.
The power will last up to 400 hours on the 10-minute tracking mode or 1 to 2 charges, and up to 3 months when the power is turned off.
Bivy App
The app is integrated with more than 40,000 trails, climbing routes and waterways. The ACR Bivy Stick makes finding adventures easy. You can search 16 different activities.
It’s really easy to use. After you setup your account, click on the Bivy App and then select “Bivystick” on the home screen, then “Connect via Bluetooth.” You can see things like your battery power and the connection to satellites. Anytime you activate your ACR Bivy Stick, it will remain active for 30 days. Each action uses a credit.
You can track your mileage, pace and elevation when on your outdoor adventure.
Credits and Payment Plan?
Bivy offers affordable monthly plans with no annual contracts. You can activate your ACR Bivy Stick when you need it, rather than paying a monthly fee for the entire year.
How the credits work. Each of the following activities or actions takes 1 credit:
- Send or receive text
- Share your location
- Weather report
- 1 hr of tracking your path
You can buy credits:
- 20 credits = $8.99
- 50 credits = $19.99
- 100 credits = $34.99
See the image below for more detailed information.
My Final Thoughts
The ACR Bivy Stick is innovative and pushing the Emergency Satellite Messenger market into new areas. It is a powerful device that makes your cell phone into a true smartphone with global satellite coverage. It has a simple yet durable construction that is easy to fit into your pack or anywhere on you. And now the ACR Bivy Stick has been reduced in size, but not power, to make this satellite messenger even more competitive in the market.
My only concern that you need to be aware of and ensure that it works for your lifestyle and outdoor activities, is that it must be synced with your smartphone. This device is not a standalone device as the Garmin inReach Explorer is or the SPOT X.
This may be the right Emergency Satellite Messenger but only you can decide that.
Please Email Me with your questions or thoughts on the ACR Bivy Stick Review or Leave a Comment Below.
You can also explore more Emergency Satellite Messengers models HERE or Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) HERE.
- GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR & SATELLITE PHONE ALTERNATIVE - 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way SMS text messaging + Email, GPS tracking, maps & navigation, emergency SOS, weather reports, and location sharing. Compatible with iOS & Android apps. Subscription required. Monthly: (Basic $19.99 | Plus $34.99 | Unlimited SALE $39.99). Annual: (Basic $14.99 | Plus $29.99 | Unlimited SALE $38.99). One time 3-month commitment per device, then month-to-month. Plans available globally.
- SOS EMERGENCY RESCUE - Feel safe with Global Rescue's round-the-clock SOS monitoring. Activate SOS with the dedicated button or through the app, communicate with emergency services, and share your GPS location when you need it most. Get rescued anywhere in the world.
- UNLIMITED CHECK-IN MESSAGES & GPS LOCATION SHARING - Effortlessly send unlimited & customizable check-in messages that include your GPS location with this advanced outdoor communication device. Use the dedicated check-in button on the device or through the app to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. A shareable webpage displays a map with your GPS coordinates and a check-in breadcrumb trail, allowing others to follow your journey.
- GROUP MESSAGING & TRACKING - Keep your crew connected with GroupTrack, featuring group messaging and location sharing for up to 12 people. Monitor your team off-grid using the Bivy Stick and app or in-network via a web browser. Ideal for search & rescue, guiding services, remote workers, outfitters, adventure racing, overlanding groups, and more.
- OFFLINE MAPS & NAVIGATION - Download detailed maps from around the world to ensure you're never lost, even without cellular service. Easily navigate and track your location off the grid using device-based GPS with this satellite messenger. The Bivy app offers over 50,000 adventures to explore, with 20 different adventure types available. Monitor your pace, mileage, altitude, and more on your journey.
- TRI-NETWORK COVERAGE & APP-TO-APP MESSAGING - Benefit from least-cost routing with priority given to Wi-Fi, followed by cellular, and then satellite. Effortlessly connect with others using app-to-app messaging, your dedicated phone number, or email. Choose ACR Bivy Stick, the leading alternative to satellite phones for unrestricted two-way communication, and the freedom to initiate and receive messages confidently.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
If you would like to see ALL the Satellite Messengers in another review, see my Emergency Radio Reviews.
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ACR Bivy Stick
Pros
- Global Satellite Network
- 2-Way Messaging
- SOS Distress Call
- Maps
- Weather Forecasts
Cons
- Must be Synced with Smartphone
- Initial Purchase Price
Bivy Stick Blue is new to me, but the charge by credit is quite attractive for hikers like me who are not frequently traveling in a huge jungle. Normally our team leader will use satellite phones to contact the emergency team if we are lost, are on the way or someone is sick or has had an accident.
Occasionally when someone is dropping behind, the whole team will be affected, and the leader will search for the missing one. If every one of us had a Bivy Stick Blue, it would keep our journey safe and smooth since there is no contract, no annual fee, no monthly charge, prepaid for 50 credits is a little money to make our hiking much pleasant. Why not? I will introduce it to my team.
Currently, it is not available on Amazon. Do you any other providers selling this item?
It would be extremely valuable for an entire team to have the Bivy Stick Blue.
You can pre-order the Bivy Stick Blue or wait until the end of January and order it.
Rick
The battery size on the bivy blue is 1400 mah, not 5400 mah. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for catching that. I will get that changed.
It looks to me from the plan pricing that:
1) You can’t sign up for the Basic plan at first, only after fullfilling the minimum 4 month commitment for the Plus or Unlimited plans. This is as of February 2022.
2) This means you’re immediately on the hook for 4 months of the Plus plan (4 x $29.99 ~ $10) or 4 months of the Unlimited plan (4 x $49.99 ~ $200).
That’s worth considering versus the higher initial price of something like a Garmin explorer mini. My Explorer full size just died on me after using it 3 times a year for 5 years (a $450 investment in the device).
Correction on 4 months of the Plus plan: 4 x $29.99 ~ $100
$120 😀 man I’ll get the math right eventually here.
That’s where you have to read the fine print. Several of them, and Zoleo is the latest, offer a monthly flex plan, however, you can’t cancel it until after 3 or 4 months, and in Zoleo’s case, theirs is 3 months.
Rick