Join me as I talk with Cris, the HikingGuy.com as we discuss why Satellite Communicators are important.
HikingGuy.com
Cris, who owns HikingGuy.com and the YouTube channel by the same name, joined me by video from Southern California. I was able to interview Cris for about two hours, but fortunately for you, I was able to edit the video down to around one hour.
We talked about several topics from how Cris got started reviewing satellite communicators, all the way to personal experiences where he had to call SOS for 4 hiking groups over the past twenty years.
Here are the questions I asked Cris and what you will see in the YouTube video below.
- Why Cris Started the HikingGuy.com
- What was His First Satellite Communicator
- The Focus Point Command Center Visit and Video
- Has Cris Ever Had to Use the SOS Button?
- What is the Best Satellite Communicator for Hiking
- What are Rick’s Top Satellite Communicators, and More
We could have talked for several more hours, but we decided to keep other topics saved for future collaboration videos.
Visit the HikingGuy’s Sites
HikingGuy Website
HikingGuy YouTube Channel
HikingGuy on Instagram
Motorola Defy Satellite Link Giveway!
Now, watch our collaboration video on why satellite communicators are important, where we cover everything from firsthand accounts of call for SOS to what our favorite devices are.
- 🌐 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.
- Features sunlight-readable 3.5” capacitive touchscreen display and a button-operated, dog-focused design for quick, minor adjustments
- Easily set up and monitor up to 20 dogs from up to 9 miles away with a 2.5-second update rate by using multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS and Galileo)
- Dog list and group management lets you keep inactive dogs in the system for easier setup
- Interactive SOS alerts and two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; jurisdiction restrictions may apply)
- Preloaded TopoActive maps, direct-to-device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads and built-in three-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- User-replaceable battery lasts up to 20 hours; up to 15 hours with inReach technology enabled
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Large 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Enable two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, and trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center (active subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices)
- Access preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, view satellite imagery, and navigate with multi-band GNSS support and sensors
- When paired with your compatible smartphone, you can access active weather forecasts and Geocaching Live
- Use with the Garmin Explore website or app on your compatible smartphone to help you plan trips and more
- Get access to a wide variety of premium mapping content delivered directly to your device via Wi-Fi technology with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorerplus device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Features rugged military-grade construction and a 5” touchscreen display that’s 50% larger than the previous model; offers easy viewability and includes versatile mounting solutions.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Routable Topo Maps; Multiple GNSS Networks, ABC Sensors; inReach Satellite Communication; BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center — two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices).
- Multi-GNSS (GPS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps and City Navigator street map navigation; navigation sensors include 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Pro-connected with ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and BLUETOOTH wireless networking, giving you direct-to-device access to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads, location sharing, Connect IQ app support and more
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- MEANT FOR ADVENTURE: SPOT Gen4 provides a critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond cell service. Let family know you're ok or use the SOS button to send your GPS to Search and Rescue in case of emergency.
- TRACKING: Customized tracking takes your adventure to the next level. Choose motion-activated tracking and set up vibration alerts to tell your SPOT to send track updates when you are moving and to stop when you stop.
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or Serach and Rescue their exact GPS coordinates.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SPOT Gen4 device, Strap and Carabiner, USB Cable, Batteries and quick start guide; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Get your SPOT Gen4; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- SYNC WITH BLUETOOTH: Connect your SPOT X to your cellphone so you can communicate with family or even Search and Rescue. SPOT X can also be used as a standalone communication device with it's own dedicated US mobile number to receive messages.
- PEACE OF MIND: Send an SOS to the 24/7 Search & Rescue services, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way.
- 5G Interference: Although this interference can affect your ability to receive messages on your SPOT X, it will not prevent your SPOT X from sending messages nor will it interfere with outgoing SOS messages.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SPOT X device, Strap and Carabiner, Micro USB data/power cable, Quick Start Guide, SOS mirrored sticker, warranty card and kickstand; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Get your SPOT X 2-way Satellite Messenger; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Global satellite messaging: Stay connected beyond cell coverage, use ZOLEO with your smartphone to transmit text messages and e-mails over the Iridium satellite network, cellular or Wi-Fi using the lowest-cost network available (service plan required)
- Emergency SOS: Send an SOS alert with your GPS location to 24/7 emergency monitoring center if something goes wrong, or access Medical Assist for non-emergency help
- Dedicated SMS number: An assigned ZOLEO SMS number and email enables contacts to reach out directly when you're off the grid
- Check-in: Send unlimited check-ins via the ZOLEO device or app, included in your plan
- Location sharing: Include GPS coordinates in a message or check-in, or share waypoints at regular intervals (optional add-on)
- Rugged with long battery life: IP68-rated for superior durability; over 200 hours of battery life
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Service plans required - as low as $4.99 per month for SOS satellite assist
- Provides advanced 2-way satellite-enabled messaging. Compatible with iOS 14 and Android 10 and later smartphones
- Stay in contact wherever you go—reliable satellite coverage keeps you firmly on the grid even if you're off the edge of the map, ensuring you're in touch with those who matter
- Simply press the check-in button and send your coordinates or a message to your loved ones, giving them peace of mind whilst you do your thing
- SOS assist allows you to check in and trigger SOS without a connection; unlimited SOS included with every service plan
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Return to Home Page