Tracking Device for Off Road

[ben_d21]

Alright, so up behind my house I got a mountain full of trails to explore, but my dad won't let me go at it unless I have some sort of device that tracks my location and has the capability to send an emergency message in case I get hurt. 

 

I was wondering if there were any good GPS tracking devices that would have those functions? 

 

Thanks!

[dyrtmon]

Your iPhone..

[eastreich]

Spot Gen3 Tracker.

https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

 

[Old Blue]

I had used a Spot for several years, but found that in the mountain valleys coverage was very weak.  If you were hurt in such a location, it wouldn't be able to send out a help notice.  Another thing wrong with them is that there is no way off knowing if your signal has been received and if help is on the way or not.  Cell phones are ok if you have cell coverage in the area you are riding.  A two way sat phone is best option, but expensive.

 

[braindead0]

Besides spot, check out garmin inreach.  I think those are the only two options for live tracking. 

[ben_d21]

20 minutes ago, dyrtmon said:

Your iPhone..

Believe me, that's the first thing I tried.

[braindead0]

how about really loud pipe...

Maybe a sarsat personal locator beacon would satisfy him?  He wouldn't be able to follow you realtime, it would require that you be able to deploy it...  not the same feature set as a tracking device..a big step up from cell phone IMO...

[ben_d21]

3 minutes ago, braindead0 said:

how about really loud pipe...

Maybe a sarsat personal locator beacon would satisfy him?  He wouldn't be able to follow you realtime, it would require that you be able to deploy it...  not the same feature set as a tracking device..a big step up from cell phone IMO...

How about a ProCircuit T-6 on a 450f? That should do! 

But alright thanks!

[EmpireofDerp]

Garmin Inreach mini if all you need is plb function. They're expensive though.
https://express.google.com/u/0/product/11693106906714112276_14073696752603097263_6114026?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt&gtim=CMSOwaCwmLGYjwEQhpebq-eNv4EkGPDY8aYBIgNVU0QooLik4gUw6pX1Ag&utm_campaign=6114026&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7IDiBRCLARIsABIPohjVnAT3H8cKl2yEM3nwvvfAIYRQGAekQmjGBZvTXj6gUzMIL2znBocaAtjYEALw_wcB

[rratsbor]

As a father, my son is in the same boat as you. I settled on the Garmin Inreach mini. We all share it and use it whether we go out alone or as a group. You can also send/receive text messages for status updates.

[braindead0]

If all you need is PLB, get an ACR for less and no monthly fees https://www.amazon.com/acr-2880-ResQlink-Non-Buoyant-PLB/dp/B005E1OU1A

If you need 2 way messaging and the like then an Inreach or spot make sense.

Edited January 17, 2019 by braindead0

[SnowMule]

PLB is emergency-use-only - no tracking, facebooking, texting, whatever.  Only for life-and-limb emergencies.  Based on OPs requirements, this will not meet the need.

SPOT/InReach will.  Those have live tracking and messaging capabilities, in addition to emergency mode.  Of the two, I'd recommend InReach... customer service, and satellite network. 

[BUNK657]

1 hour ago, HevyRotashunz said:

Garmin Inreach mini if all you need is plb function. They're expensive though.
https://express.google.com/u/0/product/11693106906714112276_14073696752603097263_6114026?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt&gtim=CMSOwaCwmLGYjwEQhpebq-eNv4EkGPDY8aYBIgNVU0QooLik4gUw6pX1Ag&utm_campaign=6114026&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7IDiBRCLARIsABIPohjVnAT3H8cKl2yEM3nwvvfAIYRQGAekQmjGBZvTXj6gUzMIL2znBocaAtjYEALw_wcB

Thanks for the link!

I had heard the Spot, but not the Garmin Inreach. After reading the reviews, it appears as though the Inreach is a quality product. I carry a Garmin Rhino 610 on my kit. It's been through Hell and back and has never let me down.  

[braindead0]

In addition I think Garmin has a better deal as far as subscription changes, at least they offer a no-contract option so if you're riding season is only half year.. you can save some money.

[pat22043]

If there is cell coverage, apps like glympse allow free, instant mapping on other smartphones or your grammy's desktop browser. iPhone and Android, but you have to have cell coverage. Most of the places I ride are in the mountains and have no cell coverage at all

 

[SS109]

If you have cell coverage, I like Cradar. It's free and it works. Otherwise you gotta step up to one of the fancy units and crawl your way out of a valley to get signal.

[EmpireofDerp]

If you have cell coverage, I like Cradar. It's free and it works. Otherwise you gotta step up to one of the fancy units and crawl your way out of a valley to get signal.

The iridium network works for me under the trees down in the deepest holes.

[SS109]

1 minute ago, HevyRotashunz said:

25 minutes ago, SS109 said:

If you have cell coverage, I like Cradar. It's free and it works. Otherwise you gotta step up to one of the fancy units and crawl your way out of a valley to get signal.

The iridium network works for me under the trees down in the deepest holes.

How much does a setup for that go for?

[EmpireofDerp]

How much does a setup for that go for?

Treefiddy

[SS109]

Yikes!