Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Why I use Overwatch & Rescue instead of Garmin SAR Insurance, and there's lots of reasons.
*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
Backcountry rescues can cost thousands, helicopters, air ambulances, ground transport, and even experienced hikers get hit with surprise bills. Overwatch x Rescue works differently than Garmin's traditional SAR insurance. Instead of per-incident coverage with limits and exclusions, it's a flat-rate annual subscription: one fee, and if you're ever charged for a rescue, they cover it. You contact them by sending a message through your inReach (the SOS button still goes to Garmin Response for now). After using both systems, I switched to Overwatch for the simplicity and peace of mind.
00:00 Real Cost of Rescue
00:32 Not Rescue Insurance
02:47 Devices
03:49 Signup & Demo
05:27 Overwatch x Rescue Network
18:14 More Benefits
---
*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.
Why I use Overwatch & Rescue instead of Garmin SAR Insurance, and there's lots of reasons.
*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
Backcountry rescues can cost thousands, helicopters, air ambulances, ground transport, and even experienced hikers get hit with surprise bills. Overwatch x Rescue works differently than Garmin's traditional SAR insurance. Instead of per-incident coverage with limits and exclusions, it's a flat-rate annual subscription: one fee, and if you're ever charged for a rescue, they cover it. You contact them by sending a message through your inReach (the SOS button still goes to Garmin Response for now). After using both systems, I switched to Overwatch for the simplicity and peace of mind.
00:00 Real Cost of Rescue
00:32 Not Rescue Insurance
02:47 Devices
03:49 Signup & Demo
05:27 Overwatch x Rescue Network
18:14 More Benefits
---
*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.
