ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone 2025 Satellite Communicators
Last Updated: March 19, 2025
By Jaeger Shaw
By Alan Dixon
The Best Satellite Communicators of 2025
This buyer’s guide to the best satellite communicators sets out to compare the only tier-1 options in the category; ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone. For most adventurers, you should choose between just these and ignore all of the rest. Here’s the shortcut:
- inReach Messenger Plus is the best satellite communicator
- ZOLEO is the most user-friendly and economical
- iPhone 14/15/16 is sufficient for most day hiking
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Beyond the 10 essentials, a satellite communicator will provide a larger boost to your overall outdoor safety than any other gear available. These units offer peace of mind to your loved ones, and two-way communication with search and rescue teams, rangers, and medical professionals. Simply put, you should buy one, learn to use it, and bring it with you on every single foray into the wilderness.
Our guide is based on spec/feature comparison, meta study, and years of backcountry experience, both guiding and on personal trips around the world. We’ve used these satellite communicators to check-in, resolve emergencies, meet up in the mountains, and once even arrange a trailhead tow.
Editor’s Note: As of Q1, 2025 T-Mobile has partnered with Starlink to offer sattellite connectivity to their customers. We’ll see how this compares to iPhone Globalstar Network satellite messaging and report back in a future update.
Jump ahead for our performance criteria and pro tips. While you’re here, why not shop more backcountry electronics, such as the best backpacking battery packs or best headlamps.
How To Choose Between ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone
For backcountry satellite communication in 2025, most adventurers should choose between ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone, ignoring the rest of the marketplace, including ACR BivyStick, Somewear, and SPOT. All of the tier one options are great, and choosing one is a matter of nuance between features, specs, performance, user-friendliness, intended use-case, and budget.
- Garmin inReach Messenger Plus: best device, only unit with photo/voice messaging. Shop now.
- Garmin inReach Messenger: second best device, same as above, but without photo/voice messaging. Shop now.
- ZOLEO: dedicated phone number makes it most user-friendly, best for caregivers, also least expensive. Shop now.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2: best standalone operability, biggest screen, lightest weight. Shop now.
- iPhone 14/15/16: free and weightless if already carried, but inferior antenna and less features. Shop now.
If you already own any of the above four dedicated satcom devices, you’re basically set! The only upgrade worth considering is from Zoleo, Mini 2 or original Messenger to Messenger Plus in order to gain photo and voice messaging. But any of those four models trounce the remaining competition, and if you’re using SPOT, SomeWear or ACR Bivystick, upgrading is advisable.
Direct Comparison Winners
Jump ahead with the down arrows to read more about a specific comparison.
- iPhone vs Dedicated SatCom Devices: It Depends (↓)
- inReach Messenger vs Messenger Plus: Messenger Plus (↓)
- ZOLEO vs inReach Messenger Series: Messenger Series (↓)
- ZOLEO vs inReach Mini 2: It Depends (↓)
- inReach Mini 2 vs Messenger Series: Messenger Series (↓)
- Devices, Features, Plans (↓)
How tech savvy is your family, and what if they have an emergency?
If someone needs to contact you while you’re in the backcountry, they can do so much easier via ZOLEO than with Garmin. To reach a ZOLEO user, simply text their permanent ZOLEO phone number and the message will be received. Conversely, contacting an inReach device requires its user to have first initiated a pre-trip conversation on a temporary SMS line, or both parties downloading and understanding how to use the Garmin Messenger App.
These extra steps increase the likelihood of human error, and decrease the likelihood of successful communication. Simplicity is extra important in the event of an emergency, and especially for technologically illiterate family members. If you are a relied-upon caregiver, we strongly recommend choosing ZOLEO over inReach.
Batteries for Recharging Your Satellite Communicator or Phone
A charger adds significant redundancy to your satellite communicator device, keeping it powered up for location tracking and prolonged heavy use during an emergency scenario. Compare to more chargers in our guide to the best battery pack. You will also use these devices to recharge your phone and headlamp throughout any backpacking trip, and carryin gone is highly recommended.
- Best 2 Days: Goal Zero Flip 24
- Best For 3-6 days: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3
- Best For 7+ days: Anker Portable Charger 20k
Garmin inReach Messenger
Best Value Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Messenger is the most well-rounded option in the satellite communicator genre when it comes to a blend of performance, specs, and price. Shop now.
- Price: $300
- Weight: 4.0 oz
- Average Battery Life: 672 hours (28 days)
- Pros: Best battery, reverse charging. Best antenna with best signal and messaging reliability. Good price. Lightweight. Basic on-device screen functionality. TracBack feature. Group messaging. Tri-network connectivity. Waterproof.
- Cons: No dedicated phone number makes it harder for others to contact you. Not the lightest weight, nor the least expensive. Tiny screen with limited standalone functionality. No carabiner clip.
Features
Starting with the battery, Garmin inReach Messenger gives you a longer lifespan than any other satellite communicator, averaging 28 days on 10 minute tracking intervals. That’s double Mini 2, and more than triple ZOLEO. What’s more, it can even reverse charge, powering your phone back up in an emergency.
Next, we nod to the best-in-class signal receptivity for connection to the Iridium satellite network. Based on our backcountry testing, Garmin inReach Mini 2 previously held the top slot with the most reliable performance. That’s thanks to its 31.8 dBm helical antenna, now bested by Messenger’s 35.9 dBm flat panel antenna, which is also less bulky.
Due to the newly released Garmin Messenger App, the Messenger device all inReach devices get tri-network connectivity. That is, the ability to flex between satellite, cellular, and wi-fi. If you are on either of the latter two, custom messages won’t count towards your plan’s limit. It also has a messaging leg up over ZOLEO with better weather forecasting and the ability to group chat, albeit no dedicated phone number.
While any screen is better than no screen (looking at you, ZOLEO), Messenger’s isn’t all that impressive and a step back in size and functinoality compared to Mini 2. However, it does give operational cues as well as displaying inbound messages, battery %, weather forecast, time/date. You can even pick from a number of preset messages to send. It’s clunky, but does meet the baseline bar for standalone operations.
Messenger’s screen also allows for use of the TracBack feature. Like Mini 2, it passively records your location, allowing you to retrace your steps should you become lost. You can also export your track online so friends and family can follow your progress. But unlike Mini 2, it does not allow you to plug in a route to follow. We repeat, this is not a navigation device.
The biggest downside to inReach is that the devices do not have a dedicated phone number, unlike ZOLEO. This makes it harder for your contacts to reach you in the event that they have an emergency while you’re in the backcountry. Contacting an inReach device requires its user to have first initiated a pre-trip conversation on a temporary SMS line, or both parties downloading and understanding how to use the Garmin Messenger App.
Verdict
Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator is the second best satellite communicator device, bested on performance only by its more expensive sibling, the Messenger Plus, and by ZOLEO in terms of value.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Best Performance Satellite Communicator
The inReach Messenger Plus is a strictly better version of original inReach Messenger, but adds the ability to send photos and voice messages. Shop now.
- Price: $500
- Weight: 4.0 oz
- Average Battery Life on low: 600 hours (25 days)
- Pros: Photo & voice messaging. Otherwise same as base version.
- Cons: Most expensive. Otherwise same as base version.
Features
This features section discusses only photo and voice messaging capabilities. For all other features, see the above write up about the original inReach Messenger. Aside from original Messenger’s marginally longer battery life, these two models are otherwise identical.
It’s exciting when new gear offers entirely new capabilities, and the photo/voice messaging on inReach Messenger Plus is the first major innovation we’ve seen in the satellite communicator genre for the past few years. But how much does it matter, who needs it, and how well does it work? To be honest, the jury is currently out. Since its release in fall 2024, nobody has a full hiking season of experience using it yet. But here’s our first impressions:
More ways of communicating increases safety: Communicating complex ideas over limited character count text messages can be slow, clunky, or inaccurate. Adding voice and photo into the mix improves communication, and may help you resolve an issue, treat an injury, or solve a problem faster and more clearly, thereby improving the margin of safety a device offers.
Increased ability to connect with loved ones: There’s no denying that photo and voice message improve our ability to connect with those back at hom. But how much this matters to you is largely subjective. We believe this capability is best suited to extended, expedition-grade adventures, such as a two week off-trail trek in Alaska, or mountaineers scaling peaks in the Himalaya. Thru-hikers come to mind as potential users, but their frequent access to cell service via ridges and mountain towns makes this service largely unnecessary. And for those on shorter trips, we’re certain you can get by on text-only for up to a week.
Verdict
We’re still wrapping our heads around the value of photo/voice capabilities, but there’s no denying that it’s strict upside compared with not having it, and thus inReach Messenger Plus is the best option in the genre.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Least Expensive Satellite Communicator
For just $200, ZOLEO is the most economical satellite communicator device, and the most user-friendly thanks to its dedicated phone number. We’ve used ZOLEO to great success across North America, South America, and Europe, both on personal trips and while guiding professionally. This is the device that the inReach Messenger series is based on. Shop now.
- Price: $200
- Weight: 5.3 oz
- Average Battery Life: 200 hours (8.3 days)
- Pros: Dedicated phone number. Least expensive unit. Tri-network connectivity. User-friendly messaging app. Good signal reliability. Multi-user device connectivity. Reasonably priced plan with economical plan-pausing. Waterproof. LEDs give operational cues.
- Cons: Heaviest, and largest unit. No text display at all, most operations require bluetoothed phone. No group messaging. Tracking functionality is basic. No navigation. Aging tech. Inferior battery life.
Features
Perhaps ZOLEO’s biggest standout feature is that you get a dedicated phone number for simple SMS text messaging. This makes it the only unit that friends can add to their contact list and send texts to without the need to download an app or deal with temporary mystery phone numbers. In the event that your contacts have an emergency and need to reach you while you’re in the backcountry, they will have a much easier time of doing so via ZOLEO than with Garmin. That’s why we recommend ZOLEO as the best option for caregivers.
ZOLEO’s tri-network connectivity means it seamlessly sends/receives messages via cellular, WiFi, and satellite (no message charge for cell and WiFi). Like Garmin, it also offers a location share + tracking feature, but lacks group chat.
In our testing, ZOLEO was nearly as reliable at connecting to satellite for messaging as inReach Mini 2, despite being the least expensive unit, at just $200. Though both are inferior to the improved antenna on inReach Messenger and Messenger Plus. ZOLEO has both blinking lights and audible alerts from the unit that give you some idea of its operational status without having to look at your phone. There is a dedicated button to send check-in/location messages. So while it provides far less info and user operation capability directly from the unit itself, it’s still way ahead of similar screenless alternatives from for operation without a phone.
Verdict
While by relatively small margins ZOLEO has the oldest tech, heaviest weight, and smallest battery life among tier 1 options, the fact remains that it is still a tier 1 device, performs excellently, and easily bests any non-inReach alternative. And compared to the Garmins, it is more user-friendly (thanks to the dedicated phone number) and 50-200% less expensive, depending on which model you’re comparing to. Read more in our full length, ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Review.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Best Standalone Capability
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is still the smallest and lightest (though by a small margin) tier-1 satellite communicator device, and remains one of the best options on the market. However, while not strictly worse, it is generally inferior to the Garmin inReach Messenger series in most ways, and is now only worth considering if you place a high value on standalone device operability, screen size, and rudimentary navigation features to use in a last-resort scenario. Shop now.
- Price: $400
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Average Battery Life: 336 hours (14 days)
- Pros: Lightest weight. Good signal finding and message send reliability. Standalone device offers full functionality without phone. Tri-network connectivity. Phone app makes messaging easy. Advanced tracking with waypoints, routes, TracBack, and track sharing. Navigation capabilities. Good battery life. Group messaging. Detailed weather reports. Waterproof.
- Cons: No dedicated phone number makes it harder for others to contact you. Second most expensive. Aging technology. Small screen and nested menus make on-device-screen operation clunky and user-unfriendly compared to Bluetooth.
Features
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers good signal receptivity with 14 days of average battery life in a sleek package that is both the lightest and smallest among tier 1 options. That being said its battery is half as long lasting as the Messenger series, and a larger battery would be worth half an ounce of extra weight. So in that sense, the weight savings aren’t very impressive.
It’s small-but-functional screen allows you to activate and use all of the device’s features without requiring a Bluetooth phone, and the availability of preset messages drastically reduces typing. However, you will still want to use your phone for composing custom messages, and to avoid navigating the complex nested menus, which feel clunky and outdated.
Thanks to a firmware update, inReach Mini 2 can now take advantage of the Garmin Messenger app, which allows for tri-network connectivity, meaning messages sent over cell service or wi-fi don’t count towards your plan’s custom message limit. It also allows for group messages, and the ability to communicate with email addresses, SMS, and over the Garmin Messenger app.
Did we mention the tracking and navigation weather features? This is where the inReach Mini 2 stands out. Firstly, it automatically records a user’s activity and passively stores their route so that it can be retraced. This is a feature called TracBack (and Messenger has it too). But unlike Messenger, you can download GPS tracks via the Explore app and upload them to the Mini 2. While massively inferior to using a phone app like Gaia GPS or paper topo maps, it does grant your system redundancy should all else fail.
The biggest downside to inReach is that the devices do not have a dedicated phone number, unlike ZOLEO. This makes it harder for your contacts to reach you in the event that they have an emergency while you’re in the backcountry. Contacting an inReach device requires its user to have first initiated a pre-trip conversation on a temporary SMS line, or both parties downloading and understanding how to use the Garmin Messenger App.
Verdict
Despite being surpassed in most ways (price, battery, antenna, photo/voice) by the new Garmin inReach Messenger/Messenger Plus, Garmin inReach Mini 2 is still an excellent option and a tier 1 satellite communicator relevant to those who care about standalone device functionality, and having a rudimentary backup navigation system.
iPhone 14/15/16
Free & Weightless If Already Carried
iPhone 14/15/16 users have access to a built-in satellite messaging features that actually works. For some hikers this may altogether eliminate the need to buy a dedicated device, subscribe to its plan, and carry it into the backcountry.
- Price: $0 (if already owned)
- Weight: 0 oz (if already carried)
- Average Battery Life: Widely variable depending on usage
- Pros: Free and weightless, assuming you already own and carry one. Intuitive. Uses your regular phone number.
- Cons: Smaller antenna compared to dedicated units means slower and less reliable sending and receiving.
Features
To send a satellite message on iPhone models 14, 15, or 16 via the Globalstar Network, simply hop into the Messaging app while off grid, and tap “use messages via satellite”. This service is free for all users within the first two years after enabling the device on a standard carrier plan (TBD thereafter), and also enables Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Find My iPhone. If your connection to the satellite weakens, an on-screen interface will instruct you with direction on how to improve connectivity.
The entire system is very user friendly and intuitive. What more, all of the messages you send are from your own phone number! Your recipients don’t need to download an app or receive messages from a mystery number. It’s even more convenient than the dedicated number that comes with a ZOLEO device. However, it does not allow group messaging, nor does it offer photo/voice messages like the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus.
This all sounds great, but it’s worth noting that the antenna is not as large as those which are used in dedicated devices like Garmin inReach or ZOLEO. As such, it is hypothetical slower to connect while in tree cover, canyons, and otherwise difficult terrain. That being said, we’ve already successfully sent iPhone satellite messages while in a canyon.
Verdict
iPhone satellite messaging is sufficient for basic SoS level comms for most hikers in most areas, and also great as a backup option to have in addition to an inReach or ZOLEO. However, its smaller antenna is objectively worse at signal finding and receptivity, and power users who intend to communicate frequently will still want to carry a dedicated device with a larger antenna for faster and more reliable connection to the satellite network.
iPhone vs Dedicated Satellite Communicators
For now, the dedicated satellite communicator devices in this guide still offers enough more functionality over iPhone that they’re worth carrying for multiday backpacking trips and all serious adventures. However, for the casual hiker and for shorter adventures on more populated trails, you’re probably fine with just an iPhone.
Favors iPhone
- Free (if already owned)
- No additional monthly plan (if already subscribed)
- Weightless (if already carried)
- Uses your normal phone number
- Simplest interface, no bluetooth
Favors Dedicated Satellite Communicator
- Faster & more reliable satellite connectivity due to larger antenna
- Longer battery life
- More durable
- Less eggs in one basket
- Weather forecasting
- Preset check-in & tracking messages
- Group messaging capability (all inReach),
- Photo/voice messages (only Messenger Plus)
Garmin inReach Messenger vs Messenger Plus
These are the two best satellite communicator devices on the market. They are basically identical, except Messenger Plus adds the ability to communicate with photo and voice messages. Additional means of communication increases safety by a small but non-zero amount, and helps to stay even more connected to loved ones. Whether or not that’s worth $200 extra is up to you, but there’s no denying that the option to have photo and voice messaging is desirable.
Favors Garmin inReach Messenger
- $200 Less Expensive
- 10% Longer Battery Life
Favors Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
- Sends Photos
- Sends Voice Messages
ZOLEO vs inReach Messenger & Messenger Plus
How to decide between Garmin inReach Messenger vs ZOLEO is likely what most folks will be wondering, as these are two of the most popular satellite communicators. The good news is that both are excellent, and you will likely be happy either way. That being said, while neither is strictly better than the other, the comparison below clearly point to Messenger having more advantages than ZOLEO. But how you weight those advantages according to your personal needs and preferences matters more than quantity of advantages, and ZOLEO is still a great option.
Favors ZOLEO vs inReach Messenger
- Dedicated phone number makes it easier for your contacts to reach you
- $100 less expensive than base model
- $300 less expensive than plus model
- More economical plan pausing
- Higher waterproof rating
Favors inReach Messenger vs ZOLEO
Messenger
- Triple the battery life
- Capable of reverse charging
- 1.3 ounces lighter weight
- Allows group messaging
- Slightly better signal receptivity
- Basic screen gives standalone operability
- Slightly better weather forecasting
- TracBack feature, better track sharing
- Most basic plan is less expensive
- Released more recently
Messenger Plus
- All of the above and…
- Sends photos and voice messages
ZOLEO vs inReach Mini 2
The immediate question is why aren’t you choosing between Messenger or Messenger Plus vs ZOLEO? But the crux of Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs ZOLEO is whether you would rather save $200 and a get dedicated ZOLEO phone number, or save two ounces of weight, and get device that is fully operational without a phone, with rudimentary navigation capabilities and and access to group messaging.
Until recently, we were definitely on team ZOLEO. But this comparison got a lot closer thanks to the new Garmin Messenger App along with a 2023 firmware update that granted inReach Mini 2 access to tri-network communication (switching between satellite, cellular, and wi-fi) – a huge boost in user-friendliness that was formerly a big separation point.
Favors ZOLEO vs inReach Mini 2
- Dedicated phone number makes it easier for your contacts to reach you
- $200 less expensive
- More economical plan pausing
- Higher waterproof rating
Favors inReach Mini 2 vs ZOLEO
- Double the battery life
- Two ounces lighter weight
- Allows group messaging
- Slightly better signal receptivity
- Screen give full standalone operability
- Basic navigation capabilities
- Better weather forecasting
- TracBack feature, better track sharing
- Most basic plan is less expensive
Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs Messenger & Messenger Plus
If you’re deciding between Garmin inReach Messenger vs Mini 2, or Messenger Plus vs Mini 2, we believe that either Messenger is the better option for nearly everyone. Choose original Messenger because it’s less expensive and has a better battery and antenna. Choose Messenger Plus because it has a better battery, antenna, and offers photo and voice messaging. That being said, they all share many of the same systems and are overall extremely similar. The biggest pull towards the Mini 2 is its slightly lighter weight, slightly bigger (but still tiny) screen for standalone operation, and gps-track based navigation capabilities. But let’s be honest – you probably do most of your navigating on your phone and with paper maps anyway. We bet that only a very small percentage of owners have ever used their inReach Mini 2 to navigate.
Favors Garmin inReach Messenger vs Mini 2
Original Messenger
- $100 less expensive
- Double the battery life
- Capable of reverse charging
- Slightly better antenna/signal receptivity
- Released more recently
Messenger Plus Only
- All of the above (except price) and
- Sends photo and voice messages
Favors Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs Messenger
- 0.5 ounces lighter
- Larger screen
- Superior standalone operability
- Rudimentary track-based navigation capabilities
- Better button placements.
- $100 less expensive than Messenger Plus
ZOLEO vs inReach Device Comparison
*Mobile users rotate device for full-width table
| Price ($) | Weight (oz) | Avg Battery Life (days) | Reverse Charging | Waterproof | Screen With Basic Functionality | Best Signal Receptivity | |
| ZOLEO | 200 | 5.3 | 8.3 | no | IPX8 | No | 3rd |
| InReach Messenger | 300 | 4.0 | 14 | yes | IPX7 | Yes | 1st |
| InReach Mini 2 | 400 | 3.5 | 28 | no | IPX7 | Yes | 2nd |
| inReach Messenger Plus | 500 | 4.0 | 25 | yes | IPX7 | Yes | 1st |
ZOLEO vs inReach Feature Comparison
*Mobile users rotate device for full-width table
All models offer SOS, 2-way messaging, Bluetooth-to-phone app interface, location tracking, weather forecasting, and tri-network connectivity.
|
Group Messages
|
Basic
Navigation
|
Trac Back
|
Dedicated Phone Number
|
Photo & Voice Msg
|
Reverse Charging
|
Ingress Protection
|
|
| ZOLEO | no | no | no | yes | no | no | IP68 |
| inReach Messenger | yes | no | yes | no | no | yes | IPX7 |
| inReach Mini 2 | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | IPX7 |
| inReach Messenger Plus | yes | no | yes | no | yes | yes | IPX7 |
ZOLEO vs inReach Subscription Plan Comparison, 2025
Mobile users rotate device for full-width table
All plans offer unlimited SOS and check-in messages
| Monthly Rate ($) | Activation Fee ($) | Suspended Monthly Rate + Reactivate Fee ($) | Custom Messages & Weather Requests | Cost per additional message ($) | Location Sharing | Photo Voice Msg | |
| ZOLEO Basic (Monthly) | 20 | 20 | 4 + 0 | 25 | 0.5 |
$6/Month unlimited
|
n/a
|
| Zoleo In Touch (Monthly) | 35 | 20 | 4 + 0 | 250 | 0.5 |
$6/Month unlimited
|
n/a
|
| Zoleo Unlimted (Monthly) | 50 | 20 | 4 + 0 | unlimited | N/A |
$6/Month unlimited
|
n/a
|
| inReach Consumer Essential | 15 | 40 | 0 + 40 | 10 | 0.5 | $.10 per share | 10 |
| inReach Consumer Standard | 30 | 40 | 0 + 40 | 150 | 0.5 | Unlimited | 25 |
| inReach Consumer Premium | 50 | 40 | 0 + 40 | Unlimited | n/a | Unlimited | 50 |
Performance Criteria for the Best Satellite Communicators
Pro Tips and Performance Criteria By Alan Dixon
To date, no satellite communicator device has every single desirable feature, although inReach Messenger, inReach Mini, and ZOLEO come closest.
- NEW: photo and voice message sharing [Desirable Capability]
- SOS capabilities [essential capability]
- 2-way messaging [essential capability]
- Pre-set location sends to contacts [essential capability, custom location sends a plus].
- Tri-network (satellite, cellular, wi-fi) communication for messaging, location sends, and tracking [highly desirable]
- Multi-day tracking, web viewable, with individually saved tracks & ability to export tracks to a .gpx file [highly desirable, nearing essential capability]
- Group messaging [highly desirable]
- Good battery life [essential capability]
- Buttons and signals on unit capable of basic control and understanding of the unit’s status and what it’s doing [essential capability]
- Display screen [highly desirable]
- Navigation capabilities [marginally desirably]
- Good antenna with connection Iridium Network [essential capability]
- Lightweight, 3-6 oz [very highly desirable]
- Dedicated phone number [highly desirable]
How To Best Use A Satellite Communicator
Bring a Backup Battery For Your Satellite Communicator!
It’s a critical safety precaution to make sure your satellite communicator is always available for use (especially if you are using it in tracking mode during a trip). So Bring an external USB battery in the range of 6,000 to 10,000 mAh. Anything in the 6,000 range should cover day trips up to long weekends. Anything 10,000 or higher is good for a week of adventuring. And those estimates are conservative, assuming you aren’t going overboard on ues of electronics.
Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank
4.6 oz | $30
The Goal Zero Flip 24 is a great option for short trips based on its stats. We like that the small size models are trending above 5k mAh to accommodate more power hungry devices, and this one has a higher mAh-to-weight ratio than others we surveyed in its capacity class.
The downside, like most of the small power banks, is that it only has a USB-A out port (no USB-C), and is not IPX-rated for water and/or dust. The namesake “flip” refers to the flip out USB head that is used for recharging this battery, but also seems prone to breaking. That said, the price is fair and this Goal Zero gets the job done nicely.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3
5.3 oz | $65
With an impressive mAh-to-weight ratio of 1887, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 has better stats than any other backpacking battery pack. It offers two or more complete phone recharges for only 5.3 ounces with battery indicator lights. It’s the most ultralight unit in the 10k mAh-class, and certainly the best overall performer.
What’s more, it can charge two devices at once or conduct pass through charging. This model has two USB-C port and a complimentary adaptor USB-A adaptor. This is the power bank of the future, but it can be a bit annoying for now if you’re still using USB-A devices. It offers a low current mode for charging smaller devices, and auto shut off to prolong battery life. Did we mention that its carbon fiber casing (with impact resistant corner bumpers) is also water (IPX5), puncture, and abrasion resistant? Carbon fiber also helps prolong the battery life in cold temperatures.
Anker Portable Charger 20000
12.3 | $50
This high power, high mah-to-weight ratio backpacking battery pack offers four full phone recharges or three plus all of your other devices in a 12.3 ounce package. We like that Anker Portable Charger 20k has all three ports, USB-A, USB-C, and Micro-USB; there’s basically nothing it can’t charge. While most people won’t need this much power on most trips, it’s a great option to have for week-long adventures. It’s also powerful enough to do tablets, and versatile enough for general purpose travel when low weight is less critical.
Pre-Trip Testing Your Satellite Communicator
Test your unit with your emergency contact(s) before leaving for your trip:
- Do a quick pre-trip, test hike and make sure your emergency contacts can see both your “location messages” and “tracking waypoints” on the tracking webpage.
- Send out your basic message types, like OK, Custom and Help (SPOT and inReach) and make sure that each of your emergency contacts receives them
- Make sure your emergency contacts can reply to your text messages and independently send texts to you. Again this is best done with test texts before you leave on your trip
- Battery drain test. Put your Satellite Communicator in tracking mode if it has one and take it for a 4-8 hour hike on the weekend. Send a few locations and messages along the way. After the hike, check the remaining battery percentage– do the calculations on % battery drain per hour. Use this to estimate whether you’ll need a recharging battery on your trip. See Batteries and Re-charging below.
Account Management for your Satellite Communicator
- If you have a limited text plan, know that all incoming messages count towards your plan total—none are free. So let your contacts know to only reply to text messages when needed. If 2-3 people reply to each message it can quickly add up.
- Consider giving a trusted person (knowledgeable about the account) access to your account. See Trip Plan for an example.
Agree on Meaning of Messages and What to Do
- Make sure that you and your emergency contacts know/agree on the meaning of the basic message types, like OK, Custom and Help (SPOT and inReach). And that they know what to do for Custom and Help messages. See Trip Plan for examples.
- Have an agreement on what-to-do when tracking points stop and do not resume in an agreed upon time (i.e. within a 12-hour time period).
- Have an agreement on what to do when the Satellite Communicator “goes completely dead,” i.e. no tracking points and no messages. See Trip Plan for examples.
All of the above is best done in a Trip Plan. Here is a link to Template Trip Plan Document that you can fill out and use: Full Trip Plan for Backpacking.
Tracking Mode for Satellite Communicators
Our suggestion is to use the tracking mode (10 minute interval seems about best). If nothing else, at the end of your trip you’ll have a nice map of your route and your friends may enjoy following your progress and adventures real-time.
Most important, Tracking Mode can alert your emergency contact of a problem even if you can’t.
- In a bad accident (especially when off-trail and solo), you may be severely injured (i.e. a serious fall, getting struck by a tree limb, etc.) such that you can’t activate the SOS function of your device. Your tracking (bread crumb trail) will let your emergency contact monitoring the trip (and SAR personnel) know your last known location within 10 minutes.
- Your lack of momentum will tip off your emergency contact that something is not right and
- It will greatly accelerate locating and getting help to you.
Avoid turning the Satellite Communicator off at breaks
- (my experience is that I inevitably forget to turn it back on).
- When in tracking mode, carry your inReach or SPOT in the correct position for best transmission (see owner’s manual).
- For the inReach Mini and Bivy Stick (and other devices with a visible antenna sticking out this is with the antenna pointing towards the sky and free of your body or other obstructions.
- For a flat Satellite Communicator without a visible antenna (inReach Messenger, ZOLEO, Somewear, SPOT, etc.), the device should be oriented so the face is pointing to the sky (unit horizontal). This is difficult to do while hiking.
- If you use the clip provided with the unit, it usually ends up hanging vertically (face of the unit pointing away from your pack/body). While not optimal, it seems to work for many people.
Improving Satellite Communicator Performance in Difficult Reception Areas
Improving performance in difficult reception areas boils down to increasing your view of the sky. That is, increasing your line-of-sight/unobstructed-sky to the satellites you are trying to reach, along with proper antenna orientation. In other words, your transmission reliability may be impaired if you can’t see a good portion of the sky (e.g. heavy trees, deep canyons, etc.).
- This is especially important for SPOT 1-way units like the Gen 3 because in bad reception areas, you will get no indication of whether you have successfully transmitted messages.
- Make sure your antenna is properly oriented (see end of Tracking Mode above). This is especially important in difficult receptions areas!
- Physically move to where you can get a larger, unobstructed portion of the sky. Try walking to a large clearing in the trees. Or moving to a wider point in a canyon with more view of the sky. You may even need to hike up the canyon wall some to increase the percentage of sky you can see. I had to do this once in the Grand Canyon to initiate a helicopter rescue.
Best Satellite Communicator Limitations
Sometimes a timely rescue is not possible. A Trip Plan and/or a Satellite Communicator is not the solution to everything. I have been in some extremely bad situations where rescue was not feasible even if I had sent out an SOS. As they say, the best rescue is self-rescue. And to state the obvious, Goal One is not needing rescue in the first place. So be sensible and safe out there.
Finally, a Satellite Communicator should never be considered a license to take unnecessary risks.
Watch Adventure Alan Compare The Best Satellite Communicator Devices of 2020
Conclusion: ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone
Thank you for reading our guide to the three best satellite communicator devices: Zoleo vs inReach vs iPhone. We’re quite confident that these models are best-in-class at this time, and that your experience will reflect this. Happy hiking and stay safe out there!
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