In an always-connected world, it can sometimes seem inconceivable that there are still places that lack cell phone service. But they exist, and not only in the most remote locations imaginable, like the Atacama Desert or Himalaya, either. Drive just two hours away from New York City, and you’ll find yourself in the Catskill Mountains, which is where we tested seven off-grid satellite communication devices and found that Garmin’s InReach Mini, which is currently $50 off at Amazon, is the best you can buy.
The InReach Mini is, as its name implies, small (it weighs 3.5 ounces). But it packs a ton of utility: you can send and receive messages directly from the device or a paired phone, you can access offline maps, and you can set it to automatically update friends and family with your location at set intervals of time. With the discount, it costs just $300, a small price to pay for the ability to stay in contact no matter where you go — and the peace of mind that in the worst situations, help is a button push away.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Spot X ($250)
Somewear Global Hotspot ($350)
Garmin InReach Explorer+ ($400)
More Deals, Served Up Fresh Every Day
Gear PatrolDeals, discounts and drops on products you actually care about and want. Curated by the Gear Patrol Editors. Start Saving
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.