Snowshoers and other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the extended research and development that’s resulted in a new communications tool that keeps you in touch with the world, whether you’re at the South Pole or the top of Mount Everest. DeLorme, a longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS products, recently introduced the inReach, a global two-way satellite communicator with GPS that easily fits it the palm of your hand. When you pair the inReach with the Earthmate app, you can use your compatible smart phone or mobile device to send and receive messages when you are out of cell phone range, whether you just want to share your trip, check in with loved ones, or send an SOS in an emergency.
According to company officials, the DeLorme inReach will require a subscription to access the tracking, messaging, and SOS features. Current plans include three levels: Safety, Recreation, and Pro, with prices starting at $9.95 per month. Various options and coverage plans are available on the company website.
Designed for harsh conditions, the InReach is waterproof and shock-resistant. It weighs 8 ounces with two lithium batteries, and is built around Iridium’s 9602 transceiver, which is smaller than a credit card.
The inReach is relatively affordable at around $250, plus the monthly plan. Its versatility and appeal extends not only to snowshoers, but boaters, hikers, and skiers as well. It also has received a couple of awards since its introduction in 2011. The inReach received a Computer Electronic Show 2012 innovation award in the personal-electronics category recently in Las Vegas. Last month in Amsterdam at the Marine Equipment Trade Show, inReach was awarded the 2012 Design Awards METS (DAME) in the life saving and safety equipment category.
“DeLorme recognizes the significance of the DAME awards throughout the international marine industry. Knowing the stringent criteria and careful consideration that goes into determining the winner, we consider this award a major achievement,” said Jim Skillings, vice president of commercial products. “Winning an award of this caliber is a true honor for DeLorme and we feel privileged to be in the same company as the other ground-breaking products and technologies.”
One of the invaluable features of the DeLorme inReach is the ability to receive emergency SOS and message delivery confirmation while on your adventure. This removes the need to send the same message multiple times and gives immediate feedback that your communication made it through. Emergency response services will even be able to notify you that help is on the way.
When using the device as a stand-alone, you will be able to send tracking locations as well as three different messages you’ve created ahead of time. SOS messages can be sent to search and rescue and they’ll be able to respond by triggering a change in the SOS LED on the inReach device to let you know that they heard you and are taking action.
Summarizing the inReach features:
- inReach is a two-way satellite hookup with GPS that lets you send messages from anywhere in the world for as little as $249.95 and a subscription with Iridium’s global network from $9.95 monthly.
- If you’re snowshoeing in backcountry, inReach allows you to send an emergency message, no matter your location.
- Send and receive text messages outside of cell phone range with friends, family, Facebook/Twitter, or emergency services.
- Tracking lets friends and family watch you in real-time on a map back home.
- The DeLorme Map Library with topographic, aerial, nautical, and more – all can be downloaded (from within data range) for use outside of cell phone data coverage.
DeLorme is based in Yarmouth, Maine, and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit www.delorme.com.
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