HMD OffGrid Review

Video Description

Real-world review of the HMD OffGrid satellite communicator. *Lowest Price I Found:* https://amzn.to/4kSgtTR *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear Overwatch & Rescue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Nh5pcF-wA Notes on HMD OffGrid / Overwatch & Rescue plan: * The HMD OffGrid version of OxR does NOT include home hospital repatriation. So if someone is traveling overseas, is hospitalized, but is stable for flight, OxR will not transport the customer(s) back to a hospital close to their home for continued care. That benefit is only available (currently) when purchasing OxR directly from us. * For OffGrid customers, OxR benefits must be triggered through the HMD OffGrid and no other device. If purchased directly through us, the customer can register up to 3 different devices and access benefits from any of those devices (e.g., iPhone 16, Garmin InReach or a SPOTX). HMD OffGrid Voice Note Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSchRNcAo5A In this video, I review the HMD OffGrid satellite communicator after using it extensively on the trail for the past few months. It’s a compact, lightweight device that handles all the basics: messaging, check-ins, location tracking, and SOS functionality. What sets it apart is its use of geostationary satellites via Skylo, giving it some unique advantages (and a few quirks) over other options like the Garmin inReach or even satellite-enabled smartphones. Setting it up is straightforward: pair it with your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth, download the app, and you’re ready to go. Messaging works whether you have a cell signal or not, and it intelligently switches between cellular/Wi-Fi and satellite. One of the biggest perks is the ability to send messages in airplane mode, something satellite-enabled phones can't do. The SOS function also includes built-in search and rescue insurance, handled by Overwatch and Rescue, so you're covered if you need help and don’t want to deal with add-on insurance. The OffGrid is not without its downsides. The geostationary satellites mean the device is a bit more sensitive to orientation compared to something like the Garmin inReach, which has an omnidirectional antenna. Still, the low-latency messaging is impressive. Battery life is solid for day hikes or weekend trips, and the pricing plans are clear and competitive, with an optional add-on for live tracking. If you’ve seen the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, this may look familiar. The same team behind that device is now running the HMD OffGrid, essentially reviving the service after Bullet went under. This continuity is good to see, especially since Skylo and Overwatch and Rescue kept the original services running even when Bullet folded. I’m glad there’s another solid option out there in the satellite communicator market, even if it's not perfect. *Chapters* 00:00 What is the HMD OffGrid 01:15 Messaging 03:52 Check-in Messages 04:16 Location Sharing 05:17 Battery Life 05:46 SOS 07:43 Pricing Plans 10:47 OffGrid vs Defy *Links:* * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy * @hmddevices @overwatchxrescue @SkyloTechnologies --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.