Garmin Hikers – account for over a third of inReach SOS callouts
Garmin data from 2023 reveals that inReach devices are a vital tool for adventurers. Last year, the largest proportion of SOS incidents originated from hikers and backpackers, with a significant increase occurring in driving-related situations.
inReach Background
inReach uses the Iridium satellite network which has 100% coverage, enabling an SOS to be triggered anywhere.
Garmin Response is a service that offers 24/7 emergency monitoring and response coordination, serving over 200 countries and territories in more than 210 languages. Responses range from local emergency services on major highways to technical rescues on Mount Everest, covering incidents as diverse as plane crashes and wildlife encounters.
In 2023, the the largest number of SOS alerts came from hikers and backpackers, followed by driving and motorcycling incidents. The year also saw significant increases in driving-related SOS incidents, climbing, and fishing emergencies.
The primary reasons for triggering an SOS in 2023 were injuries and medical issues, followed by vehicle accidents and other emergencies like getting lost or stranded, boating accidents, and reporting wildfires.
While many SOS incidents were for the inReach users themselves, over half were for their party members or third-party individuals. Dispatch responses frequently involved helicopters, ambulances, and search and rescue teams, with self-rescue achieved in nearly 10% of incidents.
Take Out
Satellite coverage and 24×7 emergency response are vital if you embark on sports or activities off the beaten track.
These devices are, however, not small with the inReach Mini 2 coming in at 5.17 x 9.9 x 2.61 cm and inReach messenger at 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm. They are not cheap either, starting at around $/£300The chances of the technology being further miniaturised and finding its way to a Garmin Fenix adventure watch soon are slim. That said the iPhone 14 has an emergency satellite facility (see dcrainmaker.com) although that will leverage the iPhone’s already sizeable antennae (compared to a watch)
For the complete guide to hiking technology, navigation, and off-grid safety, see the .
Last Updated on 2 June 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The Blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
