==Satellite Communication Device==
I highly recommend one of these satellite pagers:
*[https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/592606 Garmin InReach Mini ] *[https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561286 Garmin InReach SE+ ] *[https://www.garmin.com.my/products/outdoor/inreach-explorer-plus/ Garmin InReach Explorer+ ]
Less suitable are:
*[https://www.globalstar.com/en-us/products/spot/spot-gen3 Globalstar SPOT Gen3 ] *[https://www.globalstar.com/en-us/products/spot/SPOTX Globalstar SPOT X ] The Garmin InReach relies on the Iridium satellite network, which has a consistently good coverage that gets better towards the poles. Therefore all Greater Patagonia is very well covered. This good coverage is archived by orbiting the roughly 70 to 80 active satellites over the poles and permanent inter-satellite-data-links. Read [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium_satellite_constellation the Wikipedia article ] for more information. The Globalstar satellite network used by the SPOT devises has a quite different constellation. The number of active satellites is smaller compared to the Iridium network; the satellites does not circle over the poles and have no inter-satellite-data-link but require a data-link to a ground station to send and receive data. This results in a reduced coverage and black-out periods in Patagonia that become worse towards the south. Read [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalstar the Wikipedia article ] to the Globalstar system to better understand these differences. Also, some Globalstar devices (i.e. the SPOT Gen3) can only send but not receive information limiting their usefulness further. In one season we carried a Globalstar SPOT and a Garmin InReach and clearly noticed the difference. While the InReach successfully send our position signal every 10 minutes the Spot had black-outs lasting several hours even with clear view to the sky. Therefore I do not trust the [https://eu.globalstar.com/en/images/cid_106/Globalstar-Coverage-IoT.png Globalstar coverage chart ] that claims that the entire Southern Cone is fully covered.
Based on this experience I consider a Garmin InReach substantially more reliable than a Globalstar SPOT but a SPOT is still substantially better than just a mobile phone.
A Garmin InReach devise comes with a price tag of 350 to 450 USD. In addition, you need a satellite data plan. Garmin offers affordable monthly plans that can be purchased for just the time required. We opted for the “RECREATION” plan that includes SOS service, 40 text message per month, position tracking in 10 minutes intervals and weather forecasts for 35 USD per month (plus a 25 USD annual fee). This plan allows that our families and friend can constantly see where we are (position tracking) and we can occasional send and receive text message and request weather forecasts which are quite reliable. A cheaper option is the “SAFETY” plan for 15 USD per month (plus 25 USD annual fee) that includes SOS service only and all data service is payed as used. See the Garmin InReach page for more details.
Note that teh InReach Explorer is not really suitable to navigate on the GPT. The firmware makes it impossible to upload the GPT route network because the device has a build-in limit of only 25 tracks and 500 waypoints. See the previous chapter Backup GPS Navigation Device 516 for more information.
==Batteries and Electrical Power Supply==
The optimal power supply on a long-distance hike is a subject with opposing opinions and a wide range of products that promise the solution. I try to analyse this subject with Engineering methods based on actual measurements and calculations to challenge my own habits and no fall victim to false advertisements and myths.
