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Bivy Stick without a Plan(?)

Original Post
Mitch L · · Seattle, WA · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

I currently carry a PLB (sattelite one-way oh shit button) but am considering getting an ACR Bivy stick solely for the 2 way rescue coms. A close friend recently had a rescue experience where 2 way came in handy which is making me reconsider my setup.

I see the bivy stick uses a credit system,and their FAQ claims that the sos works without an active plan, but they are vague about the functionality when the plan is not active. Does 2 way rescue messaging require a plan?



Im also open to other recs.I know the latest iphones have sat messaging but I’m likely not upgrading for a while.


My use case: I just want the peace of mind for a backcountry climbing injury or expedition rescue scenario. I have little to no interest in general messaging, check ins, gps mapping, etc, which is why I’m resistant to paying an open ended subscription.

Granite Grant · · Manitou Springs, CO · Joined Jan 2021 · Points: 0

seems like a new iphone financed through your carrier

or used iphone with sos from craigslist or fb marketplace 

is a wiser purchase and super useful everyday

Ben Ha · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 0

I read that FAQ as messages to SOS provider does not go against your total allotment of regular messages. 

Mitch L · · Seattle, WA · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0
Ben Ha wrote:

I read that FAQ as messages to SOS provider does not go against your total allotment of regular messages. 

Re-reading the plan info and FAQ page - it looks like you're right. Plan is probably still needed to use the two-way sos messaging capabilities.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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