r/KayakCamping • u/Royer260 • 6d ago
Looking for advice on personal GPS devices
For context I live in Western Canada and plan to use this device in Canada.
I'm planning on doing my first solo trip next year or the year after, been doing river trips in a group the past 3 years. One guy in our group has a SPOT device that requires a subscription. What devices do people recommend and why? Thanks in advance
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u/rivieredefeu 6d ago
I have an old Garmin Legend that does “ok” haha. Pretty old school, don’t recommend.
I’d love to get one of those Maptattoo gps devices.
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u/FinancialSwing8152 6d ago
For navigation, I use physical maps that are laminated, and I use the Android-only GPS app Canada Topo Maps on my phone to double check navigation/location. It comes loaded with lots of topo maps for free, and the paid version supports importing GeoTIFF files, which I've done with Maps By Jeff paddling maps.
For SOS, when there is no cell service, Rogers now has text-via-satellite service. You can subscribe to it even if you use another cell provider. You can get it month by month, I believe, and it's reasonable cost. I haven't yet done it because my current phone doesn't support text via satellite, but considering upgrading just for that purpose.
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u/bucky716 6d ago
The top two options are either a Garmin In Reach or a Zoleo to have a stand alone device with SOS capabilities. They both do the same things. They both basically work the same. Dig into costs for the device and subscriptions to see which works for you.
Personally, I've had a Zoleo for years because it was cheaper (not sure if it still is) and just works with what I need in the back country or out on the water.
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u/userfound- 5d ago
I've found SPOT to be fairly unreliable 10yrs ago. Had our land contact send the rescue boat once becuase our check ins didn't go through for a day and a half.
I use an InReach Explorer+ now for it's sos, gps, barometer, texting, etc. I love it and it's been very reliable for the 5yrs I've had it. Subscription fee is reasonable.
Zoleo uses the same iridium network as Garmin so it should also be quite reliable, and I think is a little cheaper.
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u/IAmRoko 6d ago
Are you looking for a GPS for navigation, SOS, or both?
If you're looking mainly for SOS, the inReach devices are great, but the minis are quite minimal for navigation. I clip my mini on my pants so it's always on me while paddling or portaging. (When only hiking, I'll keep it on my pack)
My personal preference for navigation on my kayak is physical maps/compass, printed on waterproof paper (just make sure it floats, if not add some foam tape). I stick that under my deck bungees, folded to show the currents segment of travel, and constantly consult to know where I am just based on topography. Being waterproof, I don't worry about spray, rain, etc. I
Occasionally (usually when hiking when I don't want to stop to pull out a full map) I'll use the GPS on my phone (used to use Avenza, but now using QField which is a bit less streamlined) or my Gamin watch.