InReach Explorer+

Highly recommend carrying the inReach Satellite Locator if you do any offshore paddling. Relatively easy to setup and operate, can be used to let folks onshore know where you are and how you are doing, as well as send an SOS should you need to, Can sync with your cell phone to make typing messages and editing contacts easier. Garmin also provides regular webcasts on inReach functions. Fully waterproof and hardly ever needs charging....I use mine 2x’s per week for up to 6 hours at a time for many weeks before charging. An essential piece of safety equipment if you do extended offshore trips.

I have been very happy with this purchase, it is one of the more expensive items in the category but the features and subscription options make it very competitive. Even without an active subscription (I activated the device and chose a Freedom plan and have it suspended) the GPS works well and records my trips, so I can see how far I've paddled and can see on the map where I am. The lowest cost plan allows you to send unlimited preset messages that can have your location embedded to a list of recipients, and a limited number of free form text messages (10) a month. Most of where I paddle has good cell phone coverage, some places do not, on one trip after the second day of no coverage I had to hike 5 miles before finding an area with coverage so I could let my wife know we were safe and on schedule. Of course without cell tower coverage the GPS function on my phone wasn't working either. Yes, this is one of the more expensive devices out there, but without needing a separate GPS and the ability to tailor the satellite communication plans to what I need when I need it, this unit should prove to be a cheaper alternative over time. The included access to the Garmin Explore website, Mapshare, and the Earthmate app are additional features which will prove useful the more I use them.