We are going to start building the F250 into an Overland vehicle. What is overlanding? Why not use the Rubicon? That would be a great post for some other day – for now – google it or head over to overlandbound.com (we are member #5770) or get Overland Journal. Awsome magazine… anyway I digress.
I enjoy researching over-landing “stuff” in general but also technology related to over-landing. Given we are hopefully going to do more overland trips in the future (whoop!) with the F250 build but also possibly a fifth wheel, we may need some safety gear for those times when the good old cell phone is out of range. If your relaxing correctly, your out of range IMO. Lets look into that then shant we?
So, as usual, it depends on the requirements. Requirements are good. They keep you focused. They make you think before you purchase. They are great talking points when defending the more expensive purchases to your wife. Nuff said.
My requirements would be, in priority order:
- Ability to summon help when feces has really hits the fart fan.
- Update people with your location so they don’t worry.
- Two way communication when needed and out of cell tower range.
- Not require HAM radio ( I have one and license, but don’t want it to be the only safety comms I have).
- Have some additional features that make the device useful when it isn’t saving your life, like GPS and mapping and updating your web site with location.
Here are some options:
goTenna – a mesh network for your iPhone. Interesting but wont help if you are all alone someplace. Might be helpful for localized emergencies or large crowds.
Spot – now that’s much better – works anywhere, and have used the older models. Does not “do” much else tho.
inReach Explorer+ – Now were talking… and it’s a GPS as well AND would sync with the iPhone and iPad pro (which will look nice mounted on the dash someday – yet another post). Going to add this to my Amazon gift list. Yeah I have one, leave me alone.
Know of others? Comment and let me know!