OutdoorGearLab

The ACR Bivy Stick has seen the most exciting and recent "shake-ups," with its second-generation "form factor" greatly improving on the original. Most recently, the product and branding of the original "start-up" were acquired by a much bigger player in the wilderness communication market: ACR. We haven't yet used the latest ACR version, though we've confirmed that it is functionally the same as the Bivy Stick Blue that we have tested for a while. Regardless of its branding &#40;and device color scheme&#41;, this product is a solid device employing proven technology and services. The flexible activation and ever-more-competitive pricing scheme put it in the mix with our other high-value options. 
Prices and activation/subscription protocols are apt to change. In fact, we are sure they will. Subscription service innovation is ongoing in all corners of the consumer market. Currently, if you activate it once a year, the ACR Bivy Stick has the lowest 5-year "cost of ownership" for global coverage and two-way messaging. Since many will use their wilderness communication device exactly that way, it earns an award among the other value options. 

The ACR Bivy Stick has seen the most exciting and recent "shake-ups," with its second-generation "form factor" greatly improving on the original. Most recently, the product and branding of the original "start-up" were acquired by a much bigger player in the wilderness communication market: ACR. We haven't yet used the latest ACR version, though we've confirmed that it is functionally the same as the Bivy Stick Blue that we have tested for a while. Regardless of its branding &#40;and device color scheme&#41;, this product is a solid device employing proven technology and services. The flexible activation and ever-more-competitive pricing scheme put it in the mix with our other high-value options. 
Prices and activation/subscription protocols are apt to change. In fact, we are sure they will. Subscription service innovation is ongoing in all corners of the consumer market. Currently, if you activate it once a year, the ACR Bivy Stick has the lowest 5-year "cost of ownership" for global coverage and two-way messaging. Since many will use their wilderness communication device exactly that way, it earns an award among the other value options. 
Read more: ACR Bivy Stick review

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The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the top messaging device on the market. It pairs with an app on your phone and can send and receive many types of messages. It offers customized individual text streams, bulk pre-programmed messages &#40;so you don't have to type out the same "I'm doing fine" message to each person&#41;, and GPS and web-linked live tracking. Within normal satellite communication expectations, we rarely had to wait more than five minutes to acquire a satellite signal, and the device confirms whether your messages were sent or not. While we didn't trigger the SOS button in the field, we like its design. The Mini 2 lives up to its name &mdash; a device with almost no meaningful functional compromises, small enough for everyone to take literally anywhere. If you can't justify carrying less than 4 ounces of such effective communication technology on your adventure, we want to hear about it. We bet you could cut 4 ounces somewhere else with a much lower overall "cost" to your comfort and safety. 
The Mini 2 is expensive at the outset but worth it if you want to send and receive a lot of messages in the field. Garmin's text messaging plans are more cost-effective than a SAT phone, and the messaging functionality is better. You can still send messages from the device if your smartphone runs out of batteries, gets lost, or stops working for some other reason. The Mini 2 also has fully featured GPS capabilities and basic weather forecasting. If you want longer battery life or more advanced navigational features, check out the Garmin inReach Explorer+. We prefer to separate our satellite communication and navigation devices and usually use smartphones to navigate. Our only further wish of the Mini 2 is that its app text messaging was seamless from satellite to WiFi/cell signal. That attribute, appearing on many of the newer messengers &#40;like the ZOLEO&#41;, is of great value when your travels take you in and out of cell contact. Pretty much everything we have to say about the inReach Mini 2 can be extrapolated to the slightly older original inReach Mini. The differences between them are subtle. The second version is indeed better, but not enough for us to recommend that owners of the original upgrade immediately. 

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Most backcountry enthusiasts are looking for a streamlined, long-lasting satellite messenger that enables them to communicate from the comfort of their smartphone, and the Garmin inReach Mini 2 puts it all together better than most. At just 3.5 ounces, the Mini ties for the lightest device here (along with the Bivy Stick below), but it’s also one of the most capable. You get connection to the Iridium satellite network (widely accepted as the most reliable coverage), an impressive battery life, and a small display and relatively easy-to-learn interface that keep the Mini fully functional even if your smartphone bites the dust. Tack on features like weather forecasting, location tracking and sharing, and maps and navigation via the Garmin Earthmate app, and the Mini 2 is the full package for most backcountry-goers.

Garmin recently updated the Mini (to the “2”), with an improved battery life, expanded storage, higher resolution display, connection with a greater variety of satellite systems, and a more powerful USB-C connection (keep in mind that the first iteration is still available for a $50 savings, which will get the job done for most). And regardless of what model you land on, there are a few downsides to have on your radar. First off, Garmin’s subscription plans are pricey, especially for those who use their messenger just a few times a year: A month on the most basic Freedom plan will run you almost $50 (a $34.95 annual program fee plus a $14.95 monthly fee), whereas 20 credits on the Bivy Stick cost just $18. Further, the device is fairly dependent on a smartphone to work efficiently—if you want a standalone messenger, the expanded interfaces of the SPOT X and inReach Explorer+ will make life easier (the latter offers nice glove-friendly buttons too). But the inReach Mini 2 is nevertheless the complete package for most, and it’s for good reason that we see it being used in the field more than any other device here.See the Garmin inReach Mini 2

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3. Garmin eTrex 22x ($180)

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the top messaging device on the market. It pairs with an app on your phone and can send and receive many types of messages. It offers customized individual text streams, bulk pre-programmed messages &#40;so you don't have to type out the same "I'm doing fine" message to each person&#41;, and GPS and web-linked live tracking. Within normal satellite communication expectations, we rarely had to wait more than five minutes to acquire a satellite signal, and the device confirms whether your messages were sent or not. While we didn't trigger the SOS button in the field, we like its design. The Mini 2 lives up to its name &mdash; a device with almost no meaningful functional compromises, small enough for everyone to take literally anywhere. If you can't justify carrying less than 4 ounces of such effective communication technology on your adventure, we want to hear about it. We bet you could cut 4 ounces somewhere else with a much lower overall "cost" to your comfort and safety. 
The Mini 2 is expensive at the outset but worth it if you want to send and receive a lot of messages in the field. Garmin's text messaging plans are more cost-effective than a SAT phone, and the messaging functionality is better. You can still send messages from the device if your smartphone runs out of batteries, gets lost, or stops working for some other reason. The Mini 2 also has fully featured GPS capabilities and basic weather forecasting. If you want longer battery life or more advanced navigational features, check out the Garmin inReach Explorer+. We prefer to separate our satellite communication and navigation devices and usually use smartphones to navigate. Our only further wish of the Mini 2 is that its app text messaging was seamless from satellite to WiFi/cell signal. That attribute, appearing on many of the newer messengers &#40;like the ZOLEO&#41;, is of great value when your travels take you in and out of cell contact. Pretty much everything we have to say about the inReach Mini 2 can be extrapolated to the slightly older original inReach Mini. The differences between them are subtle. The second version is indeed better, but not enough for us to recommend that owners of the original upgrade immediately. 
Read more: Garmin inReach Mini 2 review

Satellite Communicator Comparison