Inreach mini2 or GPSMAP 66i?

Another thing I like about CalTopo is that you can make edits to the map you're working on in the phone, and it'll sync things if it gets a signal, include any new tracks you create. Kind of a poor man's inReach if you will. 

There IS a way to have Caltopo show inReach tracking data. I haven't done it, but Google around. You'll need a different professional account, and I don't know if that costs more (as I said, I haven't done it) 

Long Rangerwrote:

…..There IS a way to have Caltopo show inReach tracking data. I haven't done it, but Google around. You'll need a different professional account, and I don't know if that costs more (as I said, I haven't done it) 

Thanks for mentioning this!  I use both Caltopo and a Garmin Mini, will be checking out this feature, and probably using it at times.

Details at:

https://training.caltopo.com/all_users/share/live-tracking

I have the inreach mini 1 and it's so small and light that it always comes with me if there's a chance I'm out of cell service. With the bigger inreach of the past, I was way more selective about bringing it, especially on shorter / "less risky" trips, but you can get hurt even on regular hikes. 

Some smart people have discussed the benefits of keeping your emergency communicator and navigation devices separate, so if you lose/break/deplete one it doesn't take the other down with it. 

One recent heads up about the inreach tho: as of sept 2022 they are trying to transition customers to a system where you CANNOT edit the free "preset" messages, but are forced to use the 3 they wrote. For new accounts, this is the new default and it sucks, but some people have been able to contact support and get switched to the old system. If you already have an inreach account, don't click any prompts asking you to switch to the new "check in" message system. 

K Gowrote:

One recent heads up about the inreach tho: as of sept 2022 they are trying to transition customers to a system where you CANNOT edit the free "preset" messages, but are forced to use the 3 they wrote. 

Just keep in mind that in addition to 3 "preset" editable messages you also have 20 "preset" non editable messages. 

Terry Ewrote:

Thanks for mentioning this!  I use both Caltopo and a Garmin Mini, will be checking out this feature, and probably using it at times.

Details at:

https://training.caltopo.com/all_users/share/live-tracking

Let me know if it makes your monthly plan costs go up on the Garmin side.

Yurywrote:

Just keep in mind that in addition to 3 "preset" editable messages you also have 20 "preset" non editable messages. 

That seems backwards. The 20 "quick text" messages you CAN edit but they cost against your message quota based on your plan. You have to edit these 20 on the website then sync your device. Of course you can always write a new custom message on the device, itself.

The 3 "preset" messages of old are the free unlimited ones that most people edit to their needs based on activity and largely only use those unless in an emergency. Garmin is trying to make those free messages (now called "check in" messages) fixed at "starting my trip", "ending my trip" and "checking in, everything is ok" with no ability to edit them. 

Can confirm that my new mini2 has three messages that don’t count towards the quota. I cannot Edit these. This will probably be good enough for most purposes. Especially since they don’t count for the quota. The majority of my messages would have been “ checking in, I’m ok” anyway. 

Long Rangerwrote:

I don't use AllTrails (ie: AllFails), but if AllTrails allows you to download tracks in a GPX format, that can then be used for anything related to mapping more or less, including using on your inReach. I assume they use their own app with a map and tracking, so who knows if they allow you to just d/l the GPX - anyone can confirm? 

Thanks, will try that.

Samuel Ridgleywrote:

I have an iPhone 13 Pro, so maybe the problem isn’t the phone but actually the app I have been using.
I have been using AllTrails, is there a better alternative? I have heard others use Gaia? 

They say the best app is the one youre most confortable with. I use Gaia exclusively for both summer mountain/bike adventures and for ski touring. Its so user friendly, the overlays are great, and I always download the map areas for places Ill be going so I can access in airplane mode. I think CalTopo is great but for me, it really shines when creating routes. I also know several ski guides that use Gaia. NB you need a paid sub to download maps. Well worth it imho.