Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
iPhone satellite offers free text messages and SOS for two years. Does it mean you don't need a Garmin inReach?
*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
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
iPhone satellite messaging is free for two years and works well for casual hikers with quick message delivery and simple SOS, but it's only available in select countries and requires manual satellite connection. The Garmin inReach costs monthly but offers 100% global coverage on the Iridium network, purpose-built rugged hardware that handles extreme conditions, multi-day battery life, and features like breadcrumb tracking and weather updates. For weekend trips in supported areas, the iPhone works. For serious backcountry use, international travel, or emergencies where battery and durability matter, the inReach is still the tool.
00:00 How it Works
01:12 Coverage
01:46 Pricing
02:01 Hardware
05:27 Satellite Features
08:01 Recommendations
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*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.
iPhone satellite offers free text messages and SOS for two years. Does it mean you don't need a Garmin inReach?
*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
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
iPhone satellite messaging is free for two years and works well for casual hikers with quick message delivery and simple SOS, but it's only available in select countries and requires manual satellite connection. The Garmin inReach costs monthly but offers 100% global coverage on the Iridium network, purpose-built rugged hardware that handles extreme conditions, multi-day battery life, and features like breadcrumb tracking and weather updates. For weekend trips in supported areas, the iPhone works. For serious backcountry use, international travel, or emergencies where battery and durability matter, the inReach is still the tool.
00:00 How it Works
01:12 Coverage
01:46 Pricing
02:01 Hardware
05:27 Satellite Features
08:01 Recommendations
---
*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.
