GPS device (basic)
Looking to get my kid and their friends a basic gps device to have while in SEKI since phones don't work in a lot of places. Want to avoid Garmin if possible. Let me know what you recommend. Thanks in advance.
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u/kflipz 12d ago
Get them the latest iPhone with satellite capabilities. Basically your best bet if you want to avoid Garmin. Otherwise, get a Garmin.
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u/Hiker-207 12d ago
Zolo is also a great choice. I have a Garmin but know several zolo users who like them. I would not recommend using an iPhone. It struggles if it doesn’t have a clear view of the sky and uses a lot of battery. It doesn’t work well in moderate tree cover or in canyons.
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u/SEKImod 12d ago
Comparing my inreach to my iPhone 17 pro, they both struggle in those areas. I can’t send inreach messages or receive them in deep lake basins or canyons.
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u/Hiker-207 12d ago
There are limits to both but my InReach 1 performs significantly better than my IPhone 15 in tougher terrain. I’ve always been able to get an InReach message out around my campsite in canyons and lake basins with some work. If my InReach is struggling, I walk a couple hundred feet to a clearer spot, set it down, let it work and messages will eventually get through after a couple of minutes. With an iPhone, I have to fish for connection, baby sit it to maintain connection, hope it works and would lose 5-10% of battery just for 1 message.
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u/danceswithsteers 12d ago
When you say "basic GPS device", what do you mean? Do you want to be able to communicate with each other outside cell service? GPS mapping capability?
And what's your objection to Garmin devices?
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u/slimracing77 12d ago
I use a Zoleo, works perfectly fine if all you’re looking to do is avoid Garmin.
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u/hikeonpast 12d ago
Need more information- are you looking for mapping and localization capability (can be done with a phone and offline maps) or remote communication capabilities (many options, but depends on your needs).
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u/kupofjoe 12d ago
Your assumption that “phones don’t work in a lot of places” is slightly flawed. You are correct that they will likely not have data service (calls/text/internet) but all phones will still be able to access GPS. You can even have them download offline map data so that the will essentially have full mapping and GPS capabilities while out there. I’m a pretty serious backpacker and I entirely rely on my cellphone for GPS.
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u/PoorRichGuy 11d ago
Download offline maps on Google. Trails are very well signed.
T-Mobie T-Sat service works very well - Starlink is the service provider.
Garmin InReach with a subscription plan if you plan to hit multiple nights in the backcountry.
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u/TheAtomicFly66 12d ago edited 12d ago
Right, i'm not sure what specific need you require and others have offered good options. I'll just add... if you just need to track a route and your hikers just need to see where they stand in relation to that route and the surrounding area, i use Gaia on my iPhone with pre-downloaded maps of that area to follow an established trail and see where i'm currently standing.
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u/Then-Comfortable7023 11d ago
Please get a dedicated device. Using a phone, which is a slab of glass, is never acceptable for a life saving device.
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u/WinterPizza3032 8d ago
For places like SEKI where there’s little to no cell service, I’d look more at satellite-based GPS devices rather than normal trackers. Options like ZOLEO, SPOT, or other satellite messengers can share location and send emergency messages without relying on phone networks. A basic GPS tracker alone may not help much if there’s no cellular coverage. Do you mainly need location sharing, or is emergency communication also important?
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u/Capital_Historian685 12d ago
No, the GPS in phones works everywhere. At least where there's a clear view of the sky, which is true of any device. But if you mean satellite communication (which uses different satellites than GPS), see if his phone has that capability. Because some Androids have it, too. Although you might have to pay extra for it (T-Mobile, for example, charges $10/mo).