Delorme Inreach SE

The Delorme Inreach SE is a satellite texting communicator that also tracks your movements. I've used my for about 20 trips. On a 5 day hiking trip to Canana from Harts Pass it was the only communication available as there was no cell service. It's nice to know that if things go sideways, you can press a button and search and rescue will be enroute (in theory anyway, haven't tried the SOS button yet...hopefully never will).

A service plan is required with the Inreach. I opted for the middle of the road plan which cost around $25. a month. I get 40 texts a month (send and receive), unlimited pre-defined texts (these are short texts that are added to your delorme account at the time you set up the account), and unlimited tracking points.

You have to initiate a conversation with someone before they can either text or email you. People that I have sent a "I'm starting my hike here-follow me" text (which initiates communication), have said that they only get my location on a map, but can't track me. The way to fix this is to have them go to a URL similar to: SHARE.DELORME.COM/ROBINROBERTS...this will show them a tracking map.  If you go here you'll need a password to access the map.

The inreach can also be paired with an Iphone. This is very nice to help you find your location. Using the Iphone to send messages is much easier than trying to type on the clumsy Inreach key pad.

There is a new Inreach model that has gps mapping capabilities. I bought mine about 9 months before the new one came on the market. I'd probably get the newer Inreach if I were to buy one now.

The rechargeable battery last a really long time. I didn't have to recharge mine for almost 5 days while using it 7-8 hours each day.

The GPS signal is sometimes difficult to find, but seldom did 30 minutes go by without making a connection.

Its also waterproof and can take abuse.

 

REI Flash 65 backpack-size L

This is a short review of an old REI backpack- the Flash 65 (size large)

Statistics-
Weight 3lbs 3oz
Capacity 4150 cubic inches
Internal frame
Not adjustable (for torso length)
Fits torso 18-20 inches (my torso is 22.5)

I've used the pack on about 10 hiking trips. Most of the hikes were overnighters, but one was 4 nights long and 75 miles.

                                 The pack is of adequate size for a long multiday hike.

                                 This is a picture of the rear of the pack, and the flap where you
                                  can stuff all sorts of stuff. There is a pocket in the flap (my thumb
                                  is on the zipper), but when you stuff something between the pack
                                  and the flap, the flap pocket is almost useless.

                                 The shoulder straps were plenty comfortable for 30 lbs (my goal
                                 weight), but were kind of short (I'm 6-3, 230 lbs). The straps are
                                 sewn to the pack...what you see is what you get.

 There are two hip belt pockets. Although it would be tough to

make them any larger (they pretty much cover the whole side of

the hip belt) I thought they were a bit small.

 





I bought the pack on sale (closeout) for around 70 dollars (US), and cant really complain. The fit was off, and I bought it without trying one on for size.

My suggestions for making this pack better are:
      1. Make the shoulder straps longer. It seems like shoulder straps (on all packs) are a bit short. This is probably just my little issue.
      2. Make the back of the pack (the flap attachment) just out of webbing with no pocket. I would be real nice to be able to stuff a wet tent in the flap area instead of the main pack. The webbing would allow the wet tent to drip or hopefully dry outside the pack. Get rid of the pocket in the flap.  
      3. Make the bottom of the pack waterproof. My sleeping bag(which was in the bottom of the main compartment) got damp after setting the pack on the wet ground. I know this is a weight issue--totally waterproof fabric weighs more, but I think it would be worth the extra few ounces.

Would I buy another Flash backpack? If it fit properly, YES.