Quick, how many subscription services do you have active right now? No matter what you guessed, I'd hazard you likely have more than you thought. We've all been there, and no amount of apps tracking your services will ever be perfect or net everything.
Likewise, when you suspend a service, you'll likely end up forgetting you do the next time you go to use the product. That's fine if it's Netflix, you're only missing out on this season's Is It Cake?. It's less fine if it's your Garmin inReach account, and you've just narrowly survived an avalanche on your snowmobile.
Garmin, however, knows that humans are often forgetful. And the company understands that most people aren't using their inReach devices year-round, and will often suspend services until the next time they need backcountry reception. That's why in a new statement, Garmin states that it will offer 12 months of free SOS access even with a suspended account, and that could ensure a lot more people make it home.
"Garmin is introducing an update to its inReach suspend option, offering free SOS access for up to 12 months even when a subscription is suspended," states the company's press release, adding, "Because when it matters most, every second counts."
For those unfamiliar with Garmin's inReach tech—it now spans a host of products, including watches, small and large cellphone-like, and others—they're basically portable satellite communicators that work everywhere. As Garmin puts it, "When you're beyond cellular range, Garmin inReach helps keep you connected to emergency help when you need it the most. The device enables two-way satellite messaging with family and friends from anywhere in the world, and can send an interactive SOS alert to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 international emergency coordination center. "
I've used Garmin's inReach devices a lot in recent years, but, thankfully, I've never had to push the SOS button. They're amazing tools to keep in touch when you're in the woods riding dirt bikes, off-roading an ATV, out for a fast rip on a snowmobile, or deep in some hellhole hunting. The latter is how I excitedly relayed to my wife and friends I'd finally harvested an elk. And I've long been an advocate for their use by all, as my inReach Mini 2 literally saved my life when a prototype snowmobile blew up 13 miles into the backcountry while I was riding alone.
These little things are essential tech, and I'll consistently talk them up, no Garmin sponsorship required.
