This got started in this thread https://new.paddleplanner.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=7801  but I thought it deserved its own place in gear.  I've just been comparing devices - satellite communicators - now mostly 2-way text except for the spot gen 4.  I have not included PLBs (or EPRIBs if its registered to a vessle at sea as opposed to an individual anywhere) I have not included mesh network devices - devices that communivcate with each other and through each other, some to a base station perhaps.

A lot more  to consider than just the prices - which are not simple given activation fees and the "hold my place" fee if youuse a monthly plan.  All have an SOS function, most have weather, some deal with email as well as sms text messages, a few have maps, most have tracking.  They all have up to 4 price levels for monthly and annual, but hard to compare.  If you want the spreadsheet, contact me.  This is just an image of an in process snapshot.  And by all means share corrections, etc., and I'll try to update the spread sheet.

Personally I use a 10+ year old Spot Gen 2 but I am rather taken withthe Bivystick Blue for functions but also the simpe month by month pricing and its very small and light weight form factor.

I still use a SPOT Gen 1. Lately the prices have been jacked up on it, and I have had problems on the reliability and not knowing if my messages went through. So I am buying a new communicator this year.

I did some more research on the BivyStick. I almost pulled the trigger and then looked more into the pricing. I was hoping the $50 for the unlimited was an annual price, but it is monthly. I compared it to the pricing on the inReach Mini. The pricing structure for the inReach models is a lot more complicated, but I found out it would be less expensive for what I use it for.

Hey Bill. I'm likely in the market myself. I'm bringing my family up this year. I never minded rolling the dice when I was out there with friends and my wife understood that there would be no communication. However, now that I will have young kids with, and my wife readily admits that wayfinding and map-reading our not her strength, I need to know that she will have a way to call for help if something should happen to me. All that to say, I'd love to see your spreadsheet as an assist in reasearching the best solution for my family. I'll email you privately. Thanks!

Originally Posted by: BillConner

Emailed.  You bring up another factor - intuitivness or ease of use - though the SOS seems pretty easy on all of them. 

Thanks! I'm just starting my research, so this was timely. I'm not too concerned about ease of use. My wife should be able to handle any texting capabilities. If we were both incapacitated, I'll make sure my kids know how to hit the SOS. They know how to work the Apple TV remote, they can manage the SOS if needed!

I've used the Garmin Inreach Mini for two years and would recommend it.  The texting feature is easy to use, especially when paired with a phone.  I used it to reschedule a pickup with an outfitter when high winds made us modify our group's plans.  It also provides a fun way for people back home to track our trips.