I have been using a sat phone for 14 years but with airtime pricing getting really expensive I will be going to the Inreach if Globalstar does not give me the 70% off deal I got last year after having cancelled my contract. My friends now bring the Inreach so I was able to see it in use. As long as Inreach keeps the plan that allows you to only pay for the months you need it the costs are so low compared to the other options. Also the Iridium company that the Inreach uses is a healthy company with a good future. Their satellites are new last year is another plus. There were a few little things to learn with using the Inreach but easy to master. Hands on button pushing is the best way to learn what it can do for you. The weather forecast is a real asset along with being able to have two way communication. Even if you do not want to be in contact there should be one in a pack on trips away from the crowds. If you do not carry one the next canoe you see may have one.