🏕 👉 Help Support AND Shape Dose of Dirt through Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoseofDirt You can vote in polls to help decide what gear to buy, test, review, and then give away to Patreon members! All gear purchased with Patreon funds will be given away to Patreon members! (Lots of other benefits too!) ⚙Gear Links⚙ -Garmin inReach Mini: amzn.to/3mvahpV -Garmin inReach Explorer Plus: amzn.to/3koSePp -Zoleo: amzn.to/3sKfw6h -Spot X: amzn.to/3zowQQQ Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since I would get a percentage of the sale. Thank you so much for supporting Dose of Dirt!

I have the Zoleo and so far, it’s been working great. They’ve made some updates in the past year with Location share + that make it competitive with the inreach: check ins including your location are now unlimited and you can share a breadcrumb trail that updates at a specified interval with your check in contacts similar to the inreach mini. Also, I heard that new users can no longer customize the unlimited presets on the Garmin inreach which used to be a major advantage. I still think it’s beneficial that the Garmin has full functionality as a standalone device, but for me, the mentioned changes have tipped the scales in Zoleo’s favor.

Tracking - I don’t use it so much for me, but so my family can keep track of me. It gives my wife HUGE peace of mind to be able to watch my hiking progress on a map, and to see, almost real-time, that I am actually still moving. I don’t think she would be near as supportive of my hiking habits if I didn’t have my inReach!

One important cost saving feature of Garmin's products is the ability to suspend service when not in use. I tend to go on 3-4 major trips per year but far fewer smaller hikes. This means I just suspend service in between hikes which saves me 6-7 monthly payments per year. I've used the Garmin & this 'suspend' option over the past 4-5 years which has saved me the cost of a new Garmin Mini (as I'm about to change from the Explorer+) !

I’ve field tested the Zoleo and it worked great. I don’t like to spend a lot of time communicating while out on my back country hikes. I’ve been out in slot canyons and deep in forests and had no troubles whatsoever. What I liked about the Zoleo was it was there then I needed it. I never had a problem with someone getting a text. Using the Zoleo app I was able to write a novel. I recommend the Zoleo based on my personal experience.

Your videos are well produced, in depth and super informative! Hope your channel grows and more people see it!

Love the review. Very functional info. I appreciate the info you gave on the ones you didn’t choose too. Makes it easier to make an informed decision

I really appreciate how thorough you are so I can see where these fit with my own priorities. Thanks.

Thanks for the great review. I just started researching these devices and came across your video. Your priorities were right in line with mine so you really helped me narrow it down to the one I was already leaning towards.......the Inreach mini. Thanks again for sharing your research and saving me some time!

Most comprehensive yet succinct review of all devices currently on the market. Great job.Thank You! (Wish I watched this before wasting my time with 20 other half assed reviews.) New Subscriber.

Great info. Thank for the video. I appreciate all your research, your presentation of features and your comparison! Excellent! Keep it up!!!!

Really helpful analysis! You hit all of my important priorities in a clear, concise and humorous fashion. Much appreciated. I had already purchased the Garmin Mini and was doing the in-depth research… well…after the fact. I know… backwards. But I had a pretty good idea what I wanted. Our priorities lined up well, so your review was spot-on. Hmmmm. Bad pun, maybe. At any rate, you are good! The video is not only full of quality info, but has a professional, classy feel. Top notch! Thanks for your work. The bloopers show you really are human, like the rest of us. :) Happy trails!

This was very helpful. Thank you so much for doing all this work.

This is so informative!!! Fantastic reporting; I enjoy this kind of content!🌻🌼🐝

Great video! I love the priorities! Excellent. I'm between the Gamin In-Reach Mini and/or the Spot X. I now have a Spot GEN3 and MAY just conintue with that.

Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT review. Exactly the type of research I would have done, but you saved me the trouble. Bravo

i didnt know about the zoleo plan from all the videos i’ve seen thank you for that

Great comparison. Definitely helped me choose the Garmin Inreach Mini 2. Thanks buddy.

Thank you, very in depth.. I'll be buying both Garmins.. explorer mounted to my truck for homebase and mini on my go-bag. Cheers

I thought that your review of the 4 products was very fair & well balanced. Al thought I figured that you were going for the Mini since you were waving it around, you chose it because of the requirements that you needed. Thanks for the great review!

Thank you so much for the review! This really helped my choose which ones i want. I’m going back and forth from the mini and explorer+.

Thanks for the clear listing of your thought process. I'm a scuba diver and researching the Garmin Mini because it also has a optional dive case.

Great review & great video. Defiantly gave me more to consider b4 buyin the wrong unit for me…. Thanks so much Garmin Mini it is

Best review, thanks!

Thanks for the great review. 🙏🏽

Very objective and methodical. Well done! Thanks so much!

Great review, man, thanks! very entertaining...

Thanks for the review! In fact, Zoleo has one pre-set unlimited location sharing and "I am okay" text for an additional $6.00 USD / month for the cheapest and the mid plan. For the most expensive plan, everything is unlimited by default. But it would still take the last place in your first priority anyway due to one customizable pre-set text only.

Great review! Thank u!

Good break down. I just bought the inreach mini.

Great review man! I'm in the market for one of these devices. I have decided to get the Garmin Inreach Explorer plus. I feel a stand alone device that I can download topo maps would work better for me:)

Thanks. Very helpful.

Fantastic video thanks

Good vid! Helped me understand these things. Not sure I need one, which is why I'm learning about them. :-)

I, too, settled on the Mini. I first got the Explorer+, thinking I would use the map functionality and altimeter more, but I never used them, and for the cost and weight savings, the Mini was the way to go! But I agree about the Zoleo using cell service- I wish Garmin would do the same when it's available (but then, I would just use my phone, so there's that).

I really like your style of presentation...

Great - thanks!! Good info...

I’m so grateful I found this video, it is informative and weight for it… it’s funny!! I’m subscribing for those 2 reasons.

I like the way you list your priorities. I am a sailor. My main priority is man overboard. Anywhere on The Great Lakes you can always be in contact with the coast guard via VHF radio. I need to list the priorities that are important to me.

The Garmin is very cool. I want one. I love my Fenix 6X

Thank you for the video. Really helped to narrow down my purchase.

💯 I just sold my Garmin Explorer plus on ebay because I got tired of the extra weight and got an inReach Mini to replace it.

For me it would be the garmin explorer+, for the much better battery life, and for the ability to use it as a fully functioning GPS (and not need a phone or watch which are another point of failure). Though I still bring a backup in the form of a map in a map bag, a protractor, and a good compass.

Awesome video!

Nice job

Thank you for such a great review! New to this. May I ask you honestly, why do you prefer Iridium network over Globestar network?

Thank you. Great video.

Great video! Just pulled the trigger on the Garmin inReach mini. Now my Wife can find my remains if she chooses to.

Good stuff 👍👍

👍 Thanks. Good info. I’m a solo hiker planning a extended backcountry trip and basically only need a SOS button. The Mini it is. I’m a old fart I still use paper maps and a compass.

Really informative video! What watch do you have?

I have the Garmin inReach mini, and am quite happy with it. I previously used a spot, until they stopped supporting that model of theirs, and it was okish, but slightly fragile, bits of plastic would come off if dropped even on pine needles (but it did keep working). I assume that newer models are better, but I do wonder if that large screen is a vulnerability if dropped. I too use a different device for recording the GPS track and heart rate of my activities, but I also use the every ten minute track feature of my mini, so that those at home have reassurance (they can see the track online, as I hike or bike), and know my last known point.

Sooo ... I subbed! Good stuff, Jeff. Skal, ^v^

Something to consider with the Explorer plus. It is also a fully functioning GPS unit as well as a satellite communicator. Hence the cost.

I got the inreach explorer during REIs annual sale since it was $100 off and I wanted one anyways lol already clocked a few hundred miles on it. Loving it so far, the functionality, gps functions, texting. It's got it all. For me alltrails was really unreliable so I wanted an alternative in case my phone dies/breaks. I like that I can upload the GPX files for each trail/hike I do. Makes navigation easy and i also use the garmin instinct as a 3rd contingency to navigate. (Clearly I buy garmin products because they work and are reliable) I dont mind the subscription fee because I know when I hit that SOS button, someone is going to answer me if the need arises. And it's a peace of my mind for my wife knowing she can see my location real time, and text me to make sure I'm doing ok. I'm a very experienced hiker but as we all know things can go wrong and it's an ease of mind for us both. Also the ability to "pause" the subscription fee makes it worth it when it's the 110°+ months and when there's way to much snow to even get up the mountains!

I love your bloopers HAHA

The inReach mini was surpassed this year by the mini 2, and then a week later by the Messenger. $100 cheaper, MUCH easier interface, and reverse charging of your phone, the Garmin inReach Messenger is a much better bit of gear.

Great review. New subscriber.

Hi- great video. Quick question: you refer to your watch a few times. What make/ model is your watch? Thanks

Excellent review video! Thanks. Question re satellite coverage -- does a plan cover wherever one goes on the planet regardless of one's home base, or do you need to identify location/region? E.g. if I live in Canada and I'm hiking on a different continent.... Thanks.

I chose the Bivy Stick. Although more expensive up front it has no hook fees, no annual fees, has a dedicated number apposed to a shared type of network and can track and communicate with other Bivy Sticks. The basic plan is the cheapest and has unlimited check in. It also does not need the extra membership fee for location sharing. On the off season I can deactivate it at no extra fees and save more money not paying the monthly plan. It is very compact and light weight and with the built in 1/4 thread it can be mounted to any GoPro type mounts. I have 6 months of continues use now and I am very satisfied with it. The Mini was a close second choice for me, Zoleo I felt didn't stack up and the extra operating cost is not attractive! Thank you for sharing your insight, I feel many will benefit from it. Take care be safe✌️

Very nice review, thank you! I purchased the the Garmin InReach (ver. 1) a year ago and am happy so far. The only think which is really annoying with Garmin ist that you cannot just use the position signal from their devices for other apps than their own on your phone. For instance, I use Locus Maps Pro a lot on my android cellular and it'd be so nice to couple the Garmin InReach with this app. I know, that there are several work arounds described in the internet. However, none of them worked ... including assistance apps. So, if you have a solution for this I would be happy to know.

Thanks for the info! I would like to see the watch you have!

This was very helpful . My daughter does night hikes which worries me to death and I’ve been looking for something for her to check in and have a emergency method of contact since she goes where there are no towers . I found this to be very helpful and I hope it gives me some peace at night when she’s hiking .

Thanks for this nice comparison. Just one little clarification: as far as I understand, the text of the unlimited so-called 'check in messages' cannot be personalised in Garmin devices. At least not in the cheapest plan. It can be changed for the 'preset messages', however these have a cost of 0,10 Euros each.

I reached the same conclusion and bought the Mini. Thanks for confirming my assumptions and rationale for my decision! Btw, lose the sound effects - drove my wife nuts while I was watching! :)

Hahaha great bloopers! Yeah I've seen a couple other backpackers who are now affiliates with Zoleo and I'm like, 'why?' It definitely seems like the clear loser here, even though Spot is on a different network. I ended up with the inreach mini as well and got it on sale at REI for $250. They clearly have the best month to month plans and it's the lightest unit. The second place runner up for me was the Bivy Stick but again, it didn't have the stand alone feature. They did have the next best option when it came to monthly plans however. Great video! Really enjoyed watching!

Great review and research. To note as a Spotx user it has 240 hrs of battery life at 30 minutes tracking. I use at 10 minutes tracking and 30 minutes message fetch and it gives me about 6 full days, which is great for me.

Ugh I almost got you to 100k lol we are close

Garmin InReach Mini, hands down winner! Use it for hiking and biking! Provides my wife with comfortable security that her crazy husband has not crashed on his beloved gravel bike!! Well at least that he survived the crash!! 😂

Congratulations BEST FON GARMIN top IDOL'S OILFIELDS global success 💎🌷🌍

I'm curious to know which watch you use for tracking. Great video!!!! thanks

Bivy Stick is a good alternative to inReach mini. No activation fees. Change your custom preset-massage as much as you want.

Great video. It's been hard deciding as I'm sure you know I did get the spot x but the network make me want to get the inreach mini 2. What's the difference in networks send failures? Thanks for a great video and I gave you a sub brother

Cheers 🍻🥂

One of the best comparison videos I've seen in ANY category, and especially in personal GPS satellite Communitcators. I understand there is a Mini2 now as well, which means that the original can likely be purchased at a discount, or you might pay for the upgrade if there is enough of an improvement. I think MOST of the functionality is the same between the two, but If I remember correctly, I think I saw on another review that the newer Inreach had a faster, newer chip, which probably also increased battery life. But they are really close in actual use, so if you are frugal get the older one at a discount, if not consider the speed and any other improvements of the 2nd generation. Databyter

I personally carry a PLB, not a sat messenger. I think they're superior in a real emergency. But if I were going to get a sat messenger, I'd go with InReach and avoid Spot, due to reliability issues related to their messenger and satellite network.

I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these after seeing the story about "Otter" dyeing on the CDT. ...he died because he didn't have an sos beacon. Your stated number one priority (and that of most people) is whats wrong with all of these devices. Its what 100% of the marketing is based on...fear. They have instilled in you that the normal state of being is to be in fear, that things are bad unless you communicate they're good. To let the loved ones know that everything is NOT normal - it's just fine. My wife knows where I am, she has a map, she knows where I'll be from night to night (appx) she knows when I'll come back and won't worry about it until theres actually something to worry about. The only reason to have one of these things is to save your life. You are in fact no safer at all because you grunted a few words into a radio - them knowing exactly where you are on a map makes you no safer. They're not going to come 500 miles and save you. I'd like to find a device that sends my location and communicates with emergency services. That communicates with the loved ones that I may be a day later than planned....a premade text. Beyond that everything else is people and there phones they can't do without.

Thank you for the video. I was thinking of Inreach mini from REI but I'm reading bad reviews! Is your mini with the update still working good for You????

Question I have is, assuming sat phones work during power outages to communicate with other sat phones, will the sat phone SERVICE plan still work in a power outage. For instance, how will the billing be accomplished and will phones be able to access the network and accounts if grid fails.

Wish I found your video sooner. I bought a Spot X + subscription today and I'm already disappointed with the tracking performance. I find it very bulky too, with a keyboard too small for my fingers. The InReach Mini was probably a better choice. I watched all the wrong videos...

I chose the Explorer plus. The mini is a great option though. Good video - thanks. It’s funny because it does sound like you are setting up priorities to justify your decision. I think that Bluetoothing to your phone with the mini is quite necessary. Sending custom message back and forth is the way to go unless you have mobile phone coverage. Just my thoughts

What is the name of the backapack in the background on the left? The orange Osprey

I'm a little bit puzzled about the advantage of the Zoleo using a cell signal, since you have to use your cell phone to compose or read texts anyway. Isn't it just as easy for you to look at the phone, see that you have signal, and then send a regular text?

Thanks for your video discovery some important differences in satellite communicators I would take issue with one thing you said, however, you refer to these as personal locator beacon’s these are not personal locator beacon’s, and the true sense of the word. These are satellite communicators, and there are some very important distinctions. Personal locator beacon‘s were built specifically for search and rescue. They use three different satellite constellations each constellation is comprised of numerous satellites, therefore, offering you the best coverage throughout the world. Also personal locator beacons have a much higher level of power they generally output 5 W of power, most of the satellite, communicators output between one and 1.6 W disc can become crucial if you were stranded deep in a Canyon or under a tree canopy that is snow-covered a signal that can’t get out is no good. Also personal locator beacon’s have a built-in battery certified to last 5 to 7 years, so there is no forgetting to recharge the battery again this is a huge advantage. Finally most governments of the world subscribe to the search and rescue plan that supported by personal locator vegans we put down all political differences, and all that is put aside in order to save lives. So, in my opinion, the best option is to have both devices because one of the limiting factors of a personal locator beacon is to wake communication that is not offered in most personal locator beacon‘s, but what is offered is that assurance that rescue and help is on the way if I had to choose one which I originally did, I went with a personal locator beacon. The one I use is made by the brand a CR. I’m about ready to invest in a satellite communicator now to round out my search and rescue and disaster coverage. this video was helpful to me and trying to assess which satellite communicator to get one final note I have heard that there have been deaths that have occurred because spot did not send a rescue when the SOS feature was activated they determined that it was not a “real“ emergency, and because of that people died. That cannot happen with a personal locator beacon. Once those are activated help will be sent. there’s just a big difference in the two that the satellite communicators are all run on private satellite networks where the personal locator beacons are all government controlled satellites and again purposely built for search and rescue from the ground up the whole system, the satellite constellation to the ground station, and the hardware everything was built with life-saving in mind. Thanks again.

I need to know how you feel about the Mini 2!!❤️❤️❤️

why would Zoleo's wifi connectivity be such a plus? If you r within a wifi sygnal you can just use your phone, right?

What if you carry both? 1 garmin and 1 zoleo?

Now that Garmin has disabled custom messages for new customers: how would that alter your opinion?

I'm certainly going to look into networks as your review has led me to believe that if network options were the same the spot x may have been a better contender.

In reach Mini 2 is better than the first, just bought one. :)

Can you explain why the iridium network is better than the one that Spot uses? I have had a spot for years and am thinking about upgrading, but your comment makes me hesitate. I am a motorcyclist, doing lots of long distance stuff in the US and Europe. Please advise. Thanks for the video, very well done.

What kind of watch do you use? Also have you checked out the mini 2?

Great review. Unfortunately I'll no longer be using any Garmin products. Their customer service is the worst I've ever encountered. They are all about 💰 💰 💰 and could care less about customers. Makes it easy for me to throw away my inreach mini and start the search for something else for my back country saftey.

My SPOT Gen 3 won't pick up a GPS signal. I'm switching asap as it's ruined the trip I'm on the moment.

Garmin doesn’t give you a dedicated # like Zoleo. That means your family can’t message you unless you message them first. What good is that ?

Love the videos found you today! Do you plan on doing any flashlight reviews? I'm always looking for the best lights to camp with lol

InReach Mini rocks

👍👍👍

I kinda want the Garmin GPSMAP 67i