The DeLorme inReach 2-way satellite communicator has been honored with a 2012 Backpacker magazine Editors’ Choice Award. This is the most prestigious award in the outdoor industry, given annually in recognition of outstanding innovation in design, materials, and performance.
inReach is one of only 13 products to be so honored for 2012. The Backpacker Editors’ Choice Awards, bestowed each year since 1993, recognize the products that Backpacker editors have chosen as the best of the year based on months of trail testing by teams of highly experienced hikers and climbers. With no set categories for the awards and no set number of recipients, the products and the testing process drive the award categories.
“No other magazine or Web site conducts in-depth field-testing as vigorously or impartially as the crew led by Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter,” said Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn. “The results are reviews that lead consumers to smart, durable products that consistently prove their worth with years of best-in-class performance.”
With 90 percent of the Earth’s surface lacking cell phone service, inReach is a full-featured communication alternative for remote or high-risk environments. It is the first consumer-affordable satellite communicator with two-way SOS and personal text messaging, delivery confirmation, “follow me” online GPS tracking, and worldwide coverage via Iridium, the world’s furthest-reaching satellite network. It can serve as a standalone device or be paired with an Android smartphone or DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS for send-and-receive messaging.
In its product review, Backpacker called inReach a “game changer.” “The two-way text messaging enabled me to maintain a running dialogue with friends and family,” said Dorn, who had first-hand experience with inReach during recent trips to the Andes and Tetons.
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter described how inReach helped her stay connected while doing field testing. “My kids’ classes followed my progress in Chile and fired me questions.” Keeping friends and families updated is one of inReach’s key attributes.
inReach communication and tracking capabilities, coupled with the ability to describe an SOS situation and exchange updates with first responders, make inReach a must-have for anyone who spends time in the outdoors beyond cell phone range.
“inReach’s two-way communication can eliminate one of the most vexing issues search-and-rescue authorities face — false alarms,” said Patrick Shay, DeLorme Vice President and General Manager for Connected Solutions.
“We are delighted to be honored for innovation by such an esteemed publication,” said Jim Skillings, DeLorme Vice President for Commercial Products. “This award is a further validation of how important this product is to outdoor enthusiasts.”
Since last Fall, inReach has received numerous other prestigious awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Popular Science, National Geographic Adventure, Men‘s Journal, the Consumer Electronics Association, Outside magazine, and Gear Junkie.
inReach is available at a suggested retail price of $249.95. For more information, go to www.delorme.com.
