Bringing this thread back from the dead...
I typically use my Garmin inReach to communicate with my wife and family while on the trail (both GPS tracking as well as text messaging via satellite). Normally, it works pretty well, but I had some serious issues with it during the Black Bear/Imogene run last weekend (text messaging and location updates completely stopped at one point). I've had one other situation where this happened, so I'm concerned about the overall satellite reliability. This brought into question the "SOS" functionality of the inReach as well, which I find more concerning than anything.
I should also point out that both inReach failures occurred in a pretty open space with a clear view of the sky, so theoretically, I shouldn't have had any issues...
Thus, I'm entertaining the option of purchasing a
WeBoost Drive 4G-X OTR to boost cell signals while on the trail. I'm sure it's not 100% foolproof, and there will always be spots where cell service is completely nonexistent, but this seems better than nothing, and would be a nice redundant system when paired with the inReachM. It's pricey, but if it functions well, it seems like a decent option. Anyone have experience with this model or any other vehicle-mounted cell signal boosters (I know
@Inukshuk has a WeBoost as well, but I'm not sure if it's the same model)?