GPS/SOS/Mapping consensus

[Mossy]

My wife wants me to get something in case I get into some trouble and to also be able to keep her up to date. Seems like the go to is the Inreach mini but here’s my dilemma:

I have a Rhino 650 with the Onx chip that I use for mapping and have tons of waypoints in Idaho and Washington on the rhino’s memory. I take my phone with me but it’s always turned off; mainly carry it to take pictures. I’m not exactly thrilled about having to pack the Rhino, mini and a phone.  I’ve yet to use the radio on the Rhino but I can see where it could be useful for future hunts with others so I’ll probably hold on to it.

It seems like a lot of people are using their phones for GPS/Maps and pairing it with the mini for texting. Is there a way to transfer or keep my waypoints from the Rhino if I decide to use my phone?  If so, what app is compatible?  I know the chip will be useless at that point.  Basically, will I need to start over with waypoints?

What’s your go to when hunting solo? Which mapping/gps app?

[Stein]

Yeah, you export from Garmin Basecamp and then import into OnX.

I hunt solo often and have my phone and InReach.  I use OnX today but hope to switch to GoHunt when available.

If I’m deep in a new area I sometimes take a backup gps with a pin dropped at the truck then turned off and buried in a pocket or pack.


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[Bob33]

onX can import .gpx and .kml files. It's easy to export waypoints to a .gpx file using a program like Basecamp.

[Mossy]

Great thanks. I’m sure I’ll be checking in for more questions once I get the mini in hand.

[Bushcraft]

You're going to love the inReach. Game changer for those people that like to check in with home or business. Get the Unlimited Plan and then just shut it off the rest of the year when you don't have occasion to use it.

Preselect all the maps and aerial images of where you're headed before you leave.  Also, a backup battery pack with appropriate connection wires is recommended.

[Mossy]

You're going to love the inReach. Game changer for those people that like to check in with home or business. Get the Unlimited Plan and then just shut it off the rest of the year when you don't have occasion to use it.

Preselect all the maps and aerial images of where you're headed before you leave.  Also, a backup battery pack with appropriate connection wires is recommended.

Are you referring to the maps via the onx app or earthmate?  I’ve yet to use any mapping apps on my phone. I’ve just been using the chip and the preloaded map that came with the rhino

[Bushcraft]

You're going to love the inReach. Game changer for those people that like to check in with home or business. Get the Unlimited Plan and then just shut it off the rest of the year when you don't have occasion to use it.

Preselect all the maps and aerial images of where you're headed before you leave.  Also, a backup battery pack with appropriate connection wires is recommended.

Are you referring to the maps via the onx app or earthmate?  I’ve yet to use any mapping apps on my phone. I’ve just been using the chip and the preloaded map that came with the rhino

Earthmate app on your phone while linked to your inReach.  The only time I use onX is if I'm concerned about infringing on private property...or if I forget a neighbors name and see him or walking down the road toward me while I'm out walking the dog.  Haha!

[Mossy]

Thanks fellas, I think I’m going mini as well as the Onx maps.

Any suggestions for a portable battery bank?  I’ll be back at the truck daily mostly so I can charge there if needed but it would be nice to have something to put in the pack.

[Bushcraft]

I've had great luck with my Dark Energy Poseiden's.

https://darkenergy.com/products/poseidon-pro

[WoodHacker]

I've been using the Spot Messenger since they first came out.  I cannot receive messages on it and I consider that a nice feature. 
One great feature of my Spot is the evacuation insurance...

[Mossy]

Thanks guys- I ended up downloading Onx and bought a mini. Now I just need to spend some time figuring them out.