For a pricing comparison between the ACR Bivy Stick, the Zoleo and the Garmin InReach, check out my Satellite Communicator Comparison video: ua-cam.com/video/vbMhoPFDkvg/v-deo.html
Great video Del, I was nearly about to hit the button on the Zoleo but after seeing this I'll most likely do the Bivy stick. I've already got the ACR ResQLink 400 PLB and have a lot of faith in the ACR gear. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching! Just make sure to check the subscription figures before you pull the trigger as the charges may have changed since I made the video.
Hello from the Mojave Desert of southern California U.S.A. I have been using the ACR Bivy Stick for well over a year now. I have found it to be far superior to the Garmin devices when paired with your cell phone. The app in particular is far easier to use than any of the Garmin devices. The Bivy app does have some minor issues. But I am told they will be corrected with the next app update. The main issue for me is the inability to delete old location points. It is a very minor issue. The Garmins functions well. But they are far too costly and do far too much for the average explorer. Even though all of the SOS communicators can do tracking, I find that it is far easier to use the GAIA GPS app for navigation and tracking. The battery life of the cell phone can be greatly extended by putting the phone in Airplane Mode, or just turning it off when not needed. The ACR Bivy Stick is a great device! In the U.S.A the cost of the unit is only $250.00 USD
Agree! The Bivy is simple to use for the average explorer (me) that just wants a safety device without all the extra bells and whistles. I also prefer to use GAIA GPS for trip planning and navigation alongside a local Australian app called NewTracs which shows track difficulty and updated conditions. Thanks for the comment and the follow! Subbed back.
@@KOTW.Adventures I wish I was able to visit your country. My father did in World War II. I would love to retrace his steps. His diary entry states, February 2, 1942, Monday. Arrived in Melbourne, Australia. From what I understand, he had one heck of a time. For all I know I may have an Aussie brother over there somewhere. LOL.
If you buy a bivy from Amazon, how do you set up the monthly plan? Can you communicate to another bivy stick say for instance if there is an internet black out. Many thanks for the video.
Once you set up an account on your new Bivy device and link it to the app on your phone, you can purchase the plan via the Bivy App on your phone. I guess you could technically communicate with another Bivy if you have the mobile number that is attached to that Bivy device as messages just work like text messages. You select the number via your phone contacts.
For a pricing comparison between the ACR Bivy Stick, the Zoleo and the Garmin InReach, check out my Satellite Communicator Comparison video: ua-cam.com/video/vbMhoPFDkvg/v-deo.html
Thanks Del. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative review! It’s nice that we have more options when it comes to emergency communication.
Especially in Australia where cell phones cover 99% of the population but only 27% of the land area!
Hi, can you us it without any plans ? And if yes what functions are still usable ?
Many thanks
No, you must have a subscription for it to work.
Great video Del, I was nearly about to hit the button on the Zoleo but after seeing this I'll most likely do the Bivy stick. I've already got the ACR ResQLink 400 PLB and have a lot of faith in the ACR gear. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching! Just make sure to check the subscription figures before you pull the trigger as the charges may have changed since I made the video.
@@KOTW.Adventures Charges have changed a little but it's still the cheaper of the 3!
Hello from the Mojave Desert of southern California U.S.A. I have been using the ACR Bivy Stick for well over a year now. I have found it to be far superior to the Garmin devices when paired with your cell phone. The app in particular is far easier to use than any of the Garmin devices. The Bivy app does have some minor issues. But I am told they will be corrected with the next app update. The main issue for me is the inability to delete old location points. It is a very minor issue. The Garmins functions well. But they are far too costly and do far too much for the average explorer. Even though all of the SOS communicators can do tracking, I find that it is far easier to use the GAIA GPS app for navigation and tracking. The battery life of the cell phone can be greatly extended by putting the phone in Airplane Mode, or just turning it off when not needed. The ACR Bivy Stick is a great device! In the U.S.A the cost of the unit is only $250.00 USD
Agree! The Bivy is simple to use for the average explorer (me) that just wants a safety device without all the extra bells and whistles. I also prefer to use GAIA GPS for trip planning and navigation alongside a local Australian app called NewTracs which shows track difficulty and updated conditions.
Thanks for the comment and the follow! Subbed back.
@@KOTW.Adventures I wish I was able to visit your country. My father did in World War II. I would love to retrace his steps. His diary entry states, February 2, 1942, Monday. Arrived in Melbourne, Australia. From what I understand, he had one heck of a time. For all I know I may have an Aussie brother over there somewhere. LOL.
If you buy a bivy from Amazon, how do you set up the monthly plan? Can you communicate to another bivy stick say for instance if there is an internet black out. Many thanks for the video.
Once you set up an account on your new Bivy device and link it to the app on your phone, you can purchase the plan via the Bivy App on your phone. I guess you could technically communicate with another Bivy if you have the mobile number that is attached to that Bivy device as messages just work like text messages. You select the number via your phone contacts.
bivystick.com/en-au/plans/
Thank you so much for your reply!@@KOTW.Adventures
When sending text messages to someone , do they have to have the Bivy Stick app or are you sending directly to their cellphone via their phone number?
Hi David. It goes direct to their cellphone - no app required. 👌🏻
Thanks for watching.
Hi, is it just for messaging or can you make calls as well when its connected to your phone? Cheers
It’s for messaging and tracking only. No calls. Only text or emergency messages for help.