New Bivy Stick Mesh From ACR

Why the new Bivy Stick Mesh is an Essential Tool for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Bivy Stick Mesh is a cutting-edge satellite communication device designed for adventurers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable connectivity when exploring remote locations.

It integrates both satellite and LoRa (Long Range) networking technologies, ensuring that users can stay connected and safe even in the most challenging environments.

With its array of advanced features, the Bivy Stick Mesh is more than just a communication device—it's a complete solution for navigation, safety, and real-time group communication.

Below is a detailed explanation of its benefits, with examples and reasons why the Bivy Stick Mesh is an indispensable tool for outdoor explorers.

ACR Bivy Comparison Chart

Key Features of the Bivy Stick Mesh

• Global Satellite Coverage with Iridium: The Bivy Stick Mesh connects to the Iridium satellite network, which provides 100% global coverage, allowing users to communicate from any location on Earth, including remote mountains, deserts, oceans, and forests.
  • Example: A solo hiker in the remote wilderness of Alaska can send messages and GPS coordinates to friends or emergency services using the Bivy Stick Mesh, even in areas far from any cellular signal.
• LoRa Mesh Networking: The LoRa Mesh Networking feature allows users to communicate with others who have the same device even when there's no satellite signal. LoRa can extend the communication range among devices over long distances in off-grid locations, without relying on satellites.
  • Example: A group of hikers spread out over a large area can use LoRa to communicate with each other without needing to access satellite services, saving battery life and satellite data for critical moments.
• Intelligent MESH Networking: This feature allows devices to create a mesh network, ensuring communication between individuals in areas with no satellite connectivity. Each Bivy Stick Mesh acts as a node that helps relay messages to other users, extending the range and reliability of communication across remote areas.
  • Example: In a large hiking group that gets split into smaller teams across different valleys, the Bivy Stick Mesh can intelligently create a network between devices, ensuring that everyone remains in contact regardless of individual locations.
• SOS Reserve Battery: In emergencies, the SOS Reserve Battery ensures that users can send a distress signal even if their device's main battery is running low. This feature guarantees that the Bivy Stick Mesh can continue to function when it matters most.
  • Example: A hiker trapped in a snowstorm who is low on battery power can activate the SOS function, which automatically uses the reserve battery to send an emergency signal and location data to rescuers.
• App-to-App, SMS, and Email Communication: The Bivy Stick Mesh allows users to send and receive messages, emails, and other forms of communication through an app interface on their smartphone, even when there's no cellular service. Messages are routed through the satellite network, ensuring connectivity from anywhere.
  • Example: A backpacker in the Grand Canyon can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to send a message to family members, letting them know they are safe, despite being in a deep canyon where cellular signals can't reach.
• GPS Tracking, Navigation, and Offline Maps: The Bivy Stick Mesh includes GPS tracking, allowing users to monitor their real-time location. Additionally, the device supports offline maps, so users can navigate even without an internet connection, ensuring that they don't get lost in unfamiliar terrain.
  • Example: A hiker exploring a remote section of the Appalachian Trail can use the Bivy Stick Mesh's offline maps to navigate trails and track progress, even when out of range of any internet or cellular networks.
• Group Track for Team Coordination: Group Track allows users to see and talk to other Bivy Stick Mesh devices off-grid. It’s especially useful for teams or groups of hikers, as it provides real-time location tracking and communication, ensuring everyone stays in touch, even when separated.
  • Example: A group of climbers spread across a large mountain face can use Group Track to monitor each other's locations and communicate, ensuring that everyone is safe and aware of potential dangers.
• Waterproof Protection (IP67 Rating): The IP67 waterproof rating ensures that the Bivy Stick Mesh can withstand harsh environmental conditions. It's resistant to dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without suffering damage.
  • Example: A kayaker navigating down a remote river can keep their Bivy Stick Mesh clipped to their gear, knowing it will remain functional even if exposed to rain, splashes, or brief submersion in water.
• Dedicated Phone Number and Email: Each Bivy Stick Mesh comes with its own dedicated phone number and email, making it easy for others to reach users directly through the satellite network, no matter where they are. This is especially useful for emergency services or family members trying to contact the user.
  • Example: A mountaineer scaling an isolated peak can give their dedicated number and email to support teams or family, ensuring they can receive vital updates or check-ins during their climb.
• Mounting Options for Versatility: The Bivy Stick Mesh offers hundreds of mounting options with its 1/4-20 thread, making it easy to attach to various gear, such as backpacks, kayaks, bikes, or climbing equipment, ensuring the device remains secure and accessible.
  • Example: A cyclist on a remote bike-packing trip can mount the Bivy Stick Mesh to their handlebars, allowing them to easily access GPS tracking and send messages without stopping their journey.
• Long Battery Life: The Bivy Stick Mesh boasts a long battery life, with up to 145 hours of operation time. This extended battery ensures that users can stay connected during multi-day or even week-long expeditions without the need to frequently recharge.
  • Example: A hiker on a 10-day trek through the remote regions of Patagonia can rely on the Bivy Stick Mesh to remain functional throughout the trip, allowing them to send daily updates to friends and check weather forecasts without worrying about running out of power.

Benefits of the Bivy Stick Mesh for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

1. Safety and Peace of Mind:
   • The SOS functionality ensures that hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can summon help in emergencies. Knowing they have the ability to send distress signals and provide their exact GPS location, even when out of range of cell service, gives users a sense of security during their adventures.
   • Example: A solo trekker exploring a remote trail can feel confident knowing they can call for help if they suffer an injury or get lost.
2. Reliable Communication in Remote Areas:
   • With both satellite and LoRa communication options, users can stay connected with their group or emergency services even in remote areas where cellular networks are unavailable. This ensures continuous communication, which is crucial for group coordination or safety.
   • Example: A team of geologists spread across a remote desert can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to communicate across long distances, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
3. Group Coordination and Tracking:
   • The Group Track feature makes it easy for groups of hikers, campers, or climbers to track each other’s movements and stay in contact even when separated by large distances. This functionality is particularly useful for teams on expeditions or multi-day hikes, where people may be spread out over a large area.
   • Example: A search-and-rescue team can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to monitor the location of individual searchers, ensuring everyone stays safe and in communication throughout the operation.
4. Extended Battery Life for Long Expeditions:
   • The Bivy Stick Mesh’s impressive 145-hour battery life ensures it can keep users connected throughout long expeditions or multi-day trips. This extended operational time is especially valuable for adventurers who spend days or weeks off-grid.
   • Example: An adventurer on a 7-day solo backpacking trip through a remote national park can rely on the Bivy Stick Mesh to maintain connectivity without needing to frequently recharge.
5. Durability for Harsh Conditions:
   • With an IP67 rating, the Bivy Stick Mesh is designed to withstand tough environmental conditions, including rain, dust, and even brief submersion in water. Its rugged construction makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who venture into unpredictable or harsh environments.
   • Example: A river rafting guide can trust that the Bivy Stick Mesh will remain functional and waterproof, even after exposure to splashing water and occasional brief dips in the river.
6. Lightweight and Portable:
   • Despite its many features, the Bivy Stick Mesh is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry during long hikes or outdoor excursions. It can be easily mounted or clipped to gear, ensuring it's always accessible when needed.
   • Example: A long-distance hiker can attach the Bivy Stick Mesh to their backpack for quick access during the day, without adding significant weight to their load.
7. Emergency Response Readiness:
   • The dedicated SOS battery ensures that even if the main battery is running low, users can still send an emergency signal. This additional layer of safety is crucial for those who find themselves in life-threatening situations.
   • Example: A snowboarder caught in an unexpected avalanche can still activate the SOS function, even if their main battery has been nearly depleted during the day.

Conclusion

The Bivy Stick Mesh is an indispensable tool for hikers, climbers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who regularly explore remote locations.

With its global satellite coverage, intelligent mesh networking, SOS functionality, rugged design, and long battery life, the Bivy Stick Mesh ensures safety, communication, and peace of mind in environments where traditional cellular networks cannot reach.

It is a must-have for anyone who ventures off-grid, providing critical features that enhance navigation, safety, and group coordination in the wild.

Whether for solo adventurers or large groups, the Bivy Stick Mesh offers unmatched reliability and functionality for those who seek to explore the great outdoors.

Benefits of the Bivy Stick Mesh Operating on the Iridium Network

The Bivy Stick Mesh is a powerful, hybrid satellite communication device that combines the features of LoRa mesh networking with the global capabilities of the Iridium satellite network. The Iridium network is renowned for offering 100% global satellite coverage, making it one of the most reliable satellite communication systems available.

This means that no matter where you are—whether in a remote mountain range, deep in a desert, or far offshore—you can stay connected using the Iridium network. The Bivy Stick Mesh utilizes Iridium’s vast reach to provide seamless satellite communication, ensuring that outdoor adventurers, hikers, campers, and remote workers can communicate when off the grid.

Here is a comprehensive list of benefits of the Bivy Stick Mesh operating on the Iridium Network, explained with examples and why this combination is essential for those venturing off-grid.

1. 100% Global Satellite Coverage

One of the most significant advantages of the Iridium satellite network is its complete global coverage. Iridium's network consists of 66 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which provide reliable communication in every part of the world. Unlike cellular networks, which depend on terrestrial towers, the Iridium network covers oceans, polar regions, mountain ranges, deserts, and other remote areas that are far from any traditional communication infrastructure.

• Example: A hiker in the remote Himalayas can rely on the Bivy Stick Mesh to send and receive messages or an SOS signal, knowing they are within Iridium's coverage area.
• Benefit: This truly global coverage is invaluable for outdoor enthusiasts who explore remote regions and need to stay connected, regardless of location. It provides a level of communication security that ensures no matter where you are, you can still reach out for help or update loved ones.

2. Reliable Communication in Remote Locations

The Iridium network offers unparalleled reliability in remote locations where traditional cellular networks fail. Because Iridium satellites orbit much closer to Earth than geostationary satellites (which are positioned far above the equator), the Bivy Stick Mesh benefits from more consistent signal strength, even in rugged terrain like valleys, canyons, or heavily forested areas.

• Example: A solo explorer deep in the Amazon rainforest can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to send real-time location updates to family or team members, even though they are far from any cellular towers.
• Benefit: For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this reliable communication in rugged terrain is crucial for safety and peace of mind. It ensures that users are never entirely out of touch, even in environments where other forms of communication would be impossible.

3. Low-Latency Communication

Because Iridium satellites are positioned in low-Earth orbit (LEO) (around 780 kilometers or 485 miles above Earth), they provide low-latency communication compared to geostationary satellites, which orbit at much higher altitudes. This means that the Bivy Stick Mesh can send and receive messages or share GPS coordinates quickly, without significant delays.

• Example: A group of hikers trekking through the Alps can send check-in messages to a base camp with minimal lag time, ensuring that updates are as close to real-time as possible.
• Benefit: For outdoor enthusiasts, the ability to communicate with low latency is vital, especially in emergency situations where seconds matter. It ensures that messages are sent and received quickly, providing timely updates on the user's location, condition, or safety.

4. Iridium Network Resilience in Harsh Weather

The Iridium satellite network is known for its resilience in extreme weather conditions. Unlike geostationary satellites, which are more susceptible to signal degradation due to weather interference (rain fade), Iridium’s LEO satellites are less affected by adverse weather conditions like storms, rain, snow, or dense clouds.

• Example: A sailor caught in a storm far from the shore can still send messages and receive weather updates using the Bivy Stick Mesh, even as heavy rain and wind batter their vessel.
• Benefit: For adventurers in unpredictable climates, the ability to maintain communication in harsh weather conditions is essential for safety. Whether you're caught in a blizzard, storm, or downpour, the Iridium network ensures that your communication remains reliable when you need it most.

5. Dual Connectivity: Satellite and LoRa® Mesh Networking

The Bivy Stick Mesh combines both satellite communication and LoRa mesh networking, providing users with the flexibility to communicate across multiple modes. When satellite connectivity isn't needed (for example, when you’re within close proximity to other users), the LoRa mesh networking allows users to create a local communication network without relying on satellites. LoRa extends the range of communication between devices over several kilometers in line-of-sight conditions.

• Example: A group of campers spread across a large campsite can use the LoRa mesh feature to communicate without needing to connect to satellites, conserving satellite data for more critical uses.
• Benefit: The dual-connectivity feature makes the Bivy Stick Mesh more versatile and cost-efficient. Users can take advantage of LoRa mesh networking for local communication, while still having the global reach of the Iridium network for long-distance or emergency communication.

6. Emergency SOS Function with Global Reach

The SOS feature on the Bivy Stick Mesh, powered by the Iridium network, ensures that users can send a distress signal from anywhere in the world, 24/7. The SOS button triggers a signal that relays the user's GPS location and situation to emergency responders, ensuring that rescue efforts are coordinated even in the most remote locations.

• Example: A climber who is injured in the remote Andes Mountains can activate the SOS feature on their Bivy Stick Mesh, instantly alerting rescue teams to their location, even if they are far from any form of local infrastructure.
• Benefit: Having the ability to send an SOS signal backed by the global Iridium network offers peace of mind to adventurers, knowing that help is always within reach. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or exploring, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to life-saving communication, no matter how isolated you are.

7. Group Communication and Tracking with Group Track

One of the standout features of the Bivy Stick Mesh is its Group Track functionality, which allows users to communicate and track other Bivy Stick Mesh devices. Group Track enables users to monitor each other's locations and exchange messages, even if they are spread out over a wide area. Powered by the Iridium network, this feature ensures that large groups or teams can remain connected, even if they venture far apart.

• Example: A large team of mountaineers climbing different routes on a mountain can track each other’s progress using Group Track, ensuring that everyone remains in contact and aware of each other’s location, even if out of visual range.
• Benefit: For groups of adventurers, explorers, or teams working in remote environments, the ability to track each other’s locations and communicate with ease is crucial for both safety and coordination. It ensures that no one gets left behind or lost, and everyone can remain connected, regardless of how spread out the group becomes.

8. Real-Time GPS Tracking and Offline Navigation

The Bivy Stick Mesh provides users with real-time GPS tracking powered by the Iridium network, ensuring accurate location data from anywhere on Earth. Additionally, the device supports offline maps, which means users can navigate without requiring an active internet connection, making it ideal for those exploring areas where traditional navigation tools fail.

• Example: A backcountry hiker in the Rockies can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to navigate using offline maps, and their real-time GPS location can be shared with family members or fellow hikers for added safety.
• Benefit: The combination of GPS tracking and offline maps provides users with a robust navigation tool for remote wilderness areas, ensuring that they can stay on course and share their location, even when no other navigation or communication systems are available.

9. Efficient Data Usage and Low Power Consumption

Operating on the Iridium network, the Bivy Stick Mesh is designed to use data efficiently, ensuring that users can send messages and updates without rapidly depleting their satellite data allowance. Additionally, the device is built for power efficiency, allowing for extended operation times on a single charge—145 hours of battery life, making it ideal for multi-day trips or expeditions.

• Example: A thru-hiker on a 10-day trek can use the Bivy Stick Mesh to send messages, track their progress, and use offline maps, all while conserving battery power and data, ensuring the device remains functional for the entire journey.
• Benefit: The ability to optimize data usage and conserve battery life is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts on extended trips. It allows users to stay connected and navigate for longer periods without the need for frequent recharges or worrying about running out of satellite data.

10. Durability for Extreme Environments

The Bivy Stick Mesh is built to handle tough environments, and by operating on the Iridium network, it’s capable of maintaining strong satellite connections in extreme conditions. The device is IP67-rated, meaning it is dustproof, waterproof, and can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. This rugged construction ensures that users can take the device into harsh environments without worrying about damage.

• Example: A kayaker navigating rough waters can rely on the Bivy Stick Mesh to remain functional, even if it gets splashed or briefly submerged, ensuring continuous communication throughout the journey.
• Benefit: The rugged design of the Bivy Stick Mesh, coupled with the resilience of the Iridium network, ensures that adventurers and professionals can rely on their device in extreme conditions, from heavy rain and snow to harsh desert climates.

11. Proven Track Record of Iridium Network Reliability

The Iridium network is trusted by military, maritime, aviation, and emergency services around the world. This proven track record of reliability underpins the Bivy Stick Mesh, ensuring users that they are backed by a world-class communication system that has been tested in the most demanding scenarios.

• Example: A scientific research team stationed in Antarctica relies on Iridium-powered devices like the Bivy Stick Mesh to maintain critical communication with base camps, family, and emergency responders, knowing that the network is robust enough to handle extreme environments.
• Benefit: Users of the Bivy Stick Mesh can be confident that their communication needs are supported by a tried and trusted satellite network, relied upon by professionals in critical industries and challenging environments.

Conclusion

The Bivy Stick Mesh, operating on the Iridium network, provides a comprehensive communication solution for hikers, campers, adventurers, and professionals working in remote locations.

With global satellite coverage, low-latency communication, and reliable connectivity in extreme conditions, the Bivy Stick Mesh offers peace of mind and enhanced safety for users exploring the most isolated parts of the planet.

Whether you're navigating treacherous mountain terrain, coordinating with team members across vast areas, or simply seeking an affordable satellite communication tool, the Bivy Stick Mesh backed by the Iridium network ensures you stay connected, no matter where your adventure takes you.