Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Garmin's suspended inReach plan now includes SOS. Does that kill the PLB? I ran the 7-year numbers.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
- inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
- Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
- Watch: hkgy.co/watch
- Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
- Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
- Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*Supported Devices*
- Alpha® 300i
- D2™ Mach 2 Pro
- fenix® 8 Pro
- inReach® Messenger
- inReach® Messenger Plus
- inReach® Mini 2
- inReach® Mini 3 and 3 Plus
- quatix® 8 Pro
- GPSMAP® 67i
- GPSMAP® H1i Plus (Future compatibility planned)
- Montana® 700i/710i/750i/760i (Future compatibility planned)
*Links:*
- support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=eJz14OUvnG1MivsmEzhSi8
- Website: hikingguy.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
- Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
- Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Garmin inReach suspended plans now include free SOS, which changes the cost comparison between an inReach and a PLB. A PLB costs around $400 with no subscription, but after Garmin's update, an inReach Mini 2 comes out cheaper over 7 years at around $346. On top of that, the inReach is a two-way communicator, so you can actually talk to rescue coordinators instead of just hitting a button and waiting. I still think PLBs have a place, but for most hikers who want a backup to their phone's satellite SOS, the inReach now makes more sense. Compatible devices list and cost calculator linked below.
00:00 Garmin Suspend SOS
00:18 Why a PLB?
00:52 SOS Suspend Details
01:20 Costs
02:18 Benefits
04:17 PLB or inReach?
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Garmin's suspended inReach plan now includes SOS. Does that kill the PLB? I ran the 7-year numbers.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
- inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
- Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
- Watch: hkgy.co/watch
- Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
- Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
- Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*Supported Devices*
- Alpha® 300i
- D2™ Mach 2 Pro
- fenix® 8 Pro
- inReach® Messenger
- inReach® Messenger Plus
- inReach® Mini 2
- inReach® Mini 3 and 3 Plus
- quatix® 8 Pro
- GPSMAP® 67i
- GPSMAP® H1i Plus (Future compatibility planned)
- Montana® 700i/710i/750i/760i (Future compatibility planned)
*Links:*
- support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=eJz14OUvnG1MivsmEzhSi8
- Website: hikingguy.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
- Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
- Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Garmin inReach suspended plans now include free SOS, which changes the cost comparison between an inReach and a PLB. A PLB costs around $400 with no subscription, but after Garmin's update, an inReach Mini 2 comes out cheaper over 7 years at around $346. On top of that, the inReach is a two-way communicator, so you can actually talk to rescue coordinators instead of just hitting a button and waiting. I still think PLBs have a place, but for most hikers who want a backup to their phone's satellite SOS, the inReach now makes more sense. Compatible devices list and cost calculator linked below.
00:00 Garmin Suspend SOS
00:18 Why a PLB?
00:52 SOS Suspend Details
01:20 Costs
02:18 Benefits
04:17 PLB or inReach?
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
