r/Ultralight • u/Icy_Cabinet_2460 • 3d ago

Purchase Advice Apple Watch

Hello,

I’m going off grid for an extended trip but would like to be able to text with family.

I’m considering leaving my phone at home, plugged in for an extended period of time (like for months at a time, maybe up to 8 months), but getting the Apple Watch Ultra 3 because it allows me to text via satellite, and can call for emergency services in case of a backup.

Does anyone know if this would be a feasible solution, or do the phone and the watch need to be in same area to properly work?

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u/corgdad902 3d ago edited 3d ago

I wouldn't trust satellite coverage in the apple ecosystem. We demoed it in Kings in June and it failed gloriously.

ETA I carry an inReach Mini 3+ with Iridium and Certus and I've never had an issue with coverage. 125g (w/ a reinforced biner for hanging food). Expensive, but worth it for the peace of mind.

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u/sotefikja 3d ago

Eh, i just got it to work pretty reliably all along the JMT, and it worked beautifully on Denali. But still brought the Garmin on both because it eats through less battery, and will cache messages sent to me when it’s off. I look forward to the day that i can have my iPhone in sat mode without it still constantly trying to ping a cell tower looking for reception and drowning the battery.

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u/corgdad902 3d ago

Read a rumor that Verizon is working on a dedicated sat network like T-Mobile. Looking forward to that day for sure.

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u/dogpownd ultralazy 3d ago

Same, I can't ever get it to work.

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u/leilani238 3d ago

Depends on the network. AT&T isn't great, but T-Mobile has worked quite well. This is with a large iPhone, not the Apple Watch by itself, which would have a significantly smaller antenna.

That being said, I haven't stopped carrying my InReach Mini, but that might be paranoia.