Background information
Last year the Garmin InReach helped many hikers in emergency situations
by Siri Schubert
Outdoor gadget HMD OffGrid: Satellite subscription with certain advantages
14.9.2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Michael Restin
With the HMD OffGrid, you can exchange messages via satellite, share your location and call for help using the SOS button. The rescue service is included in the plan - however, the device does not work everywhere in the world.
Outdoor people love freedom. But for all their adventurous spirit, it's good to be safe and stay in touch. That's what devices like the HMD OffGrid are for, which also work where most smartphones reach their limits. If you are connected to it via satellite, you can write and receive messages, share your location - and call for help at the touch of a button in an emergency - even in mobile phone black spots.
The rescue operation and everything that follows is coordinated by Overwatch X Rescue, a globally networked specialised company. I didn't bother with the SOS button. But I did try out the other functions of the little companion during the summer weeks.
An (almost) self-explanatory device
The HMD OffGrid is light and robust. It weighs just 60 grammes and fits in the palm of your hand. It is also IP68-certified and complies with the military standard MIL-STD-810H. In other words: It can withstand dust, heat, cold, water, shocks and other inconveniences better than you and your smartphone. According to the manufacturer, its battery lasts up to three days.
It can be attached to a rucksack with a carabiner or strap (not included) and protects its USB-C port with a cover cap that snaps neatly into place. It has no screen and must be configured using an app. On the outside, there are only three buttons with a fixed pressure point and the following functions:
- Power: Press and hold for a while, then it switches on with a buzzing sound. When the battery is low, the LED next to it flashes red. If you switch it off, this is acknowledged with a beep.
- Check-in: The second button shares your location with a contact selected in the app. If this does not work, the LED next to it lights up red. Then there is no satellite connection. This is signalled by the third LED, which flashes red instead of green in this case.
- SOS: The third button triggers a rescue operation if you hold it down for three seconds and there is a connection. To cancel an emergency call, you must hold it down again for five seconds. -
After configuration, requesting help and sharing your location also works without a smartphone. I have respect for the exposed SOS button; I wouldn't put the device in my luggage. I usually attach it to my rucksack or belt loop. Somewhere where it has a clear connection to the sky and there is no risk of accidentally crushing it and making an emergency call.
In order for the device to be ready for use, I have to register it and activate one of the subscription plans. I need the app for this. It's necessary anyway to communicate with contacts and make the desired settings.
Setting up and subscription plans
I can find the right app using the enclosed QR code, on the website or directly in the App Store for iOS and Android. During installation, I enter the activation code of my OffGrid and register with a mobile phone number, to which I receive a confirmation code. This is sent from «HMDOffGrid».
When I have to request a code a second time weeks later, the sender is «BullittSat». This is the supplier behind the app, from whom HMD acquired the rights to the Motorola Defy Satellite Link and launched an optimised version under the name OffGrid.
After registering, I have two plans to choose from, both of which include the Premium SOS service. They differ in terms of the data packs included and the activation fee:
- HMD Freedom: Up to 350 text messages (140 characters) or check-in messages with location per year. «Up to», because an average of 50 bytes are expected to be sent, which corresponds to approximately 35 characters per message. At least 50 bytes are booked per message. Activation: 23.99 euros. Annual fee: 95.99 euros. Unlimited live tracking can be booked for an additional 5.99 euros per month.
- HMD Unlimited: Unlimited messages and check-ins. Activation: 11.99 euros. Annual fee: 167.99 euros. Alternative monthly fee: 17.99 euros. Unlimited live tracking can be booked for an additional 5.99 euros per month.
The «fair use policy» applies, so I am not allowed to send excessive data via satellite even with the Unlimited plan. By default, the app only uses the satellite connection when no mobile data connection or Wi-Fi is available. Messages received via satellite are also charged to the credit balance. I don't have to worry about that, because HMD is giving me the Unlimited package including tracking for the test period.
This means I can set the app to always send via satellite without having to search for dead spots. This allows me to test how well the device works on hikes and tours. I'm travelling with it in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany in July, August and September. And every now and then on a mental detour into space.
Satellite service with gaps
The OffGrid can use signals from the GPS, Glonass, Galileo and Beidou positioning services to determine its exact location. In this respect, it is no different from a current smartphone. As far as sending data via satellite is concerned, the partner is Skylo. A company that in turn uses geostationary satellites from Echostar and Viasat for the networks used by the HMD OffGrid.
These orbit the earth in such a way that they maintain their position in relation to the earth's surface. I can either establish a connection from my location or not. No satellite will move over me and still give me reception.
In addition, the HMD OffGrid does not offer a global service. It currently works in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Brazil and Mexico are to follow soon, the regions and countries covered are listed here.
Source: HMD.com
Other suppliers such as Garmin with the inReach devices or Spot X offer almost global coverage via the near-earth orbiting satellite systems Iridium and Globalstar. These low-earth orbit (LEO) systems, such as those operated by Elon Musk with Starlink, repeatedly bring different satellites from a large network into range. With OffGrid, on the other hand, I connect to the same satellite over and over again.
When travelling with the OffGrid
In the app, I can see at any time whether I am connected to a satellite and how good the signal strength is. To use the chat function, I have to share or enter contacts. It's worth informing them in advance by other means that you want to chat with them via a new channel. This is because they first receive a message with a link and a note that they should install the OffGrid app. This is quickly mistaken for spam, ignored or deleted.
If the app is installed on both devices, I can exchange messages with my contact as before: maximum 140 characters long. My shared locations can be opened via Apple Maps or Google Maps. I can see whether my messages have been sent and read and a special symbol indicates that they have been sent via satellite. That's all there is to it. And it's enough. If I were connected via mobile phone or WLAN, I would use my usual messenger services. Via satellite, you keep it short and send the most important things.
In the Netherlands, unsurprisingly, I have no problems establishing and maintaining a connection outdoors. Skylo quotes a latency of five to ten seconds and that's true: Ideally, my message travels to the satellite at an altitude of around 36,000 kilometres and on to the recipient within a few seconds. However, if I'm sitting in a tent with the OffGrid or hiking through wooded areas, I'm shielded and can wait a long time. Ensuring a clear line of sight and carrying the device on the outside of your clothing or on your rucksack is really key.
In more difficult terrain, it can take a while and a few changes of position to get a connection. On a hike by Lake Walen in the shadow of the Churfirsten mountains, it is sometimes there, sometimes gone, and it sometimes takes a few minutes for a written message to appear as sent. If I wasn't travelling for testing purposes, but somewhere in a dead zone, I would use the OffGrid differently. First look for a suitable place with good reception, then only send the bare minimum: I'm here, I'm fine. That's what the check-in function is for.
Check-in and live tracking
I can only send a check-in to a specific contact as a location, as a location with a personal message or a brief pre-formulated message (checking in/I'm here/please pick me up/ ...). Tracking, which is also activated in my trial subscription, allows me to select several contacts who can then follow my route for a selected period of 30 minutes to 72 hours. I should then be able to download or rename the GPX files of the sessions, neither of which works on my iPhone in the app.
While travelling, individual waypoints are shown correctly on the map even if there is no connection in the meantime. Overall, the app is clear and well designed, but it is occasionally irritating. Once I want to start it, but I have to log in again and also pair the device with it again via Bluetooth. Normally it connects straight away. At least my data and contacts are still there. The menu language is English. However, the emergency service promises translations in all languages so that the rescue operation is not complicated by misunderstandings.
The rescue service
The biggest plus compared to similar suppliers is hidden in the terms and conditions of the Overwatch x Rescue partner service. They make it immediately clear that this is not insurance. But they also promise that «will cover certain expenses» in emergency situations. For example, the cost of a rescue flight or ambulance to the nearest medical facility.
Then the subscription fee would more than pay for itself. For around 100 francs a year, the security of knowing that a special «unit» will take care of everything at the touch of a button in an emergency and even cover some of the costs is probably the strongest argument for many people to opt for a plan. The emergency call can be triggered via the SOS button or the corresponding button in the app.
Unfortunately, the service does not protect you from possibly not having satellite reception at the location of the emergency. If you are travelling alone with the OffGrid, you have to hope that you will still be mobile at such a time. Competitor Garmin also offers a rescue centre and has evaluated 10,000 emergencies: almost one in three was due to an acute injury.
Battery life and alternatives
«The battery of the OffGrid is supposed to last up to» three days, which is relatively short compared to the «up to» 30 days of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, which weighs only 40 grammes more and has a display. Under difficult conditions, I still had 66 per cent left after 8 hours. Forest, rock faces, constant position and connection searches, occasional messages, active live tracking and the constant Bluetooth connection to the smartphone - all of this really drained the battery.
The truth is probably somewhere between one and three days with normal use. If you switch it on depending on the situation, you'll get through a week. However, your smartphone shouldn't run out either, because without the Bluetooth connection between the devices, you can only use the OffGrid to make «blind» emergency calls or check-ins.
The more expensive inReach Mini 2, for example, also offers more options. Among other things, you can use the TracBack function to return to your starting point, call up weather forecasts or send pre-formulated messages directly from the device. If «is only» about emergency calls, it is interesting to know that newer iPhones have also been able to make these via satellite since 2023 and the service is free for at least two years.
Google has followed suit with the Pixel 9, while others such as Samsung are also on board. There are many ways to adapt to outdoor contingencies. The HMD OffGrid is one of them. The bottom line is that it is a device for special needs with competitive subscription costs and an interesting SOS service.
In a nutshell
Satellite communication and SOS service on three continents
The HMD OffGrid is a lightweight and robust companion that promises more security and accessibility in dead spots. For satellite communication, you can currently use it in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In contrast, competitors offer worldwide coverage via other satellite systems.
The HMD OffGrid has no display and the full range of functions can only be used in conjunction with the smartphone and the app. Apart from minor bugs, the app is well designed and easy to use. The most important functions are available at the touch of a button: check-ins with the current position data and an emergency call can be triggered directly on the device.
The exposed SOS button is a little unnerving. However, the Overwatch x Rescue service is reassuring. This covers certain transport costs and makes the subscription fees competitive. If you are travelling in remote regions for a longer period of time, you may wish for better battery life and more functions on the device itself.
Pro
- SOS service from Overwatch x Rescue
- Clearly organised app
- Satellite connection always in view
- Competitive subscription prices
- Robust and lightweight
Contra
- No worldwide coverage
- Full range of functions only via smartphone
- Battery life
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
Sport
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Outdoor
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
These articles might also interest you
6 comments
later