ACR Electronics Bivy Stick
Meet the ACR Electronics Bivy Stick, a compact and efficient way to communicate from the backcountry. Not only does it offer 2-way messaging, but also it features SOS, location sharing and more.
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- Monthly subscription required; please refer to manufacturer's website for details
- Each Bivy Stick receives a dedicated phone number that will not expire as long as the account is active
- Delivers 2-way text messaging via the Global Iridium® satellite network when cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable
- Send unlimited preset messages for free
- 100% global satellite coverage on the Iridium network means this works anywhere you can see the sky
- 24/7 emergency response monitoring from Global Rescueâ„¢ can be accessed through the app or the device's SOS button
- Communication with emergency services is possible via the smartphone app; SOS alerts can also be cancelled via the device or the app
- GroupTrackâ„¢ allows for group messaging and tracking of up to 12 Bivy Sticks
- GroupTrack provides friends and family with the ability to monitor locations and participate in group text chats via the group webpage
- Features location tracking and sharing via satellite; map display and navigation; offline maps; one-touch check-in (available directly from device and via the Bivy app)
- Location Share webpage offers a full breadcrumb trail of your GPS check-ins, message history with a reply option, and log of shared tracks
- Receive weather forecasts via satellite
- IPX7 rating means this is considered waterproof; it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 m deep for up to 30 min.
- Shockproof MIL-STD-810 certified
- Compatible with all GoPro mounts (not included)
- Includes a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Made in USA.
View all ACR Electronics Satellite Communicators| Best Use | Emergency Preparedness Multisport |
|---|---|
| GPS/Satellite Detectable | Yes |
| Average Battery Life | 120 hours |
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer |
| Batteries | 1,400 mAh |
| Messaging Capability | 2-Way Messaging |
| SOS Function | Yes |
| Device Integration | Smartphone Integration |
| Location Accuracy | 10 meters |
| Number of Waypoints | Unlimited |
| Weather Forecast | Yes |
| Compass | Yes |
| Altimeter | Satellite-based |
| Visual Map Display | Yes |
| Basemap | Yes |
| Preloaded Map | Road / Topo / Marine |
| Color Screen | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 6.75 x 3.14 x 1.75 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 ounces |
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Wilsons Prom - Australia - It works.
I purchased this device over a year ago and have had it on motorcycle rides as well as many, many hikes…. In Australia. Last weekend, I was hiking the north section of Wilsons prom in Victoria, Australia, doing a 59Km hike. The weather was horrible one morning and I decided to do tracking, so I went into the App and turned it on…. Left the app on the screen and put the phone away. I proceeded to head on the trail and through some very thick brush, for hours. Únknown to me, the combination of the weather, brush rubbing the phone…. The device activated the SOS emergency beacon… deactivated and reactivated it; several times. Global Emergency response tried to contact me over the messaging system, but of course my phone was on my belt. A bit later, I noticed Victoria air ambulance looking like they were looking for someone. I watched them for a while and continued hiking in thick brush. Then Another helicopter… The Victoia police. Both were (I found out later) looking for me at my last transmitted location. Not sure WHY they couldn’t find my exact position, but from when the SOS was activated. I could not send any additional messages. This happened last week and I’m still to contact the company to find out whats happening with the device after it’s SOS is activated. The victoria police repelled down to me, confirmed I was 100% ok and I continued on my hike. The next day I ran into two park rangers about 6KM from the trail head (5 mile beach car park)… they too were looking for me. Moral of the story. The device works, help responded very very quickly (within 30 min to 1 hr for me). They sent the Calvary because they checked that I had been in the area many many times and felt it was a real emergency (snake bite, broken bones, etc). Grateful for the response, embarrassed it was a training mission. Glad I have air ambulance insurance. Bottom line. It just takes one incident for you to wish you had this device. it’s worth it, just don’t keep the APP open (which has an SOS button as well).
Keeps me safe hiking new areas
After a couple of times arriving at the trailhead and seeing NO SIGNAL, I got the Bivy Stick. Been really happy so far. I can download maps ahead of time. If I'm in a new area and forget to research, I can send a text and be like "Whoops! Can you search for me if there are Grizzles here?" Most importantly it keeps my family from worrying when sending check-in messages. Even though it has SOS button, I hike alone a lot and worry about something happening where I'm not able to send SOS. I always use tracking feature and send check-in so my family can see my route on a map. If something happens, I know they'll be able to give S&R my last known gps location. They make you sign up for an initial 4 months, but it's still cheaper overall compared to others. I think it works the same and I have no regrets buying. Feature I like: -Free check-in messages and easy to customize in the app. -Get weather reports via satellite. -GPS tracking from your phone or Bivy Stick. -Cancel or reactivate anytime with no fees. (after the initial 4 months)
Good, Compact. Minimal Design with Full Features
This thing is great. I hope to never use the real feature of the Bivy Stick, but I tested some of the other features on a recent mountain trip: Pros: Form Factor - Compact. Easy to handle or secure to pack, fits in pockets. Seems durable enough that I had no fear shoving it in with a bunch of other stuff. Interface - Perfect if you want simplicity. I don't want to spend much time texting and communicating if I'm hiking or camping. This has that capability (when paired with a phone), but it also has a standalone "check-in" button. When you press it, it sends a pre-written check-in message to a pre-selected phone or email address. Great for giving some peace-of-mind to the loved ones. There is also a protected SOS button. Didn't give that one a spin, but it seems easy to use in an emergency, and hard to accidentally trigger. Battery Life - It hardly drained on my trip, but I wasn't using the automatic tracking log (though it did send my location with the "check-in" texts. USB-C - Small pro, but nice that this device shares the same charging port as my phone. PLAN OPTIONS - The biggest draw of this device over its competitors if you are an intermittent adventurer. No activation fees, no yearly "service" fee, no cancellation fees. I take about 3-4 "risky" trips a year. I can pay for 30 days of service, then cancel after I complete my trip. Then reactivate prior to the next trip. While the Bivy is more expensive up front than most of the others, it is much cheaper in the long run (with my estimated usage). Lights - The LED on the device is real handy. It will start blinking yellow once you send a check-in, indicating that it is has queued to send via satellite, and will continue blinking yellow until the message is sent. Also will indicate signal strength, battery life. Cons: App (some aspects) - The app mostly works well. Easy to pair, easy to send messages (I don't anticipate using this, much prefer the simple check-in button, but I did test it out). However, it is a little unintuitive to adjust plans or settings. I would prefer to set up my account and plan on my home computer, and then just log in on the phone. ACR wants you to set everything up through the app. Not a huge bummer, but hoping they smooth out the UI in future updates. Signal Strength - This is not a con specific to the Bivy, but just know that with pretty much all satellite communicators, you need a pretty clear sightline to the sky. Don't expect this to work well in a cave or slot canyon. All in all, a smooth, capable device that becomes relatively quite affordable once you read the fine print on other Sat Communicator plan fees.
Beware of new pricing plans
I recently purchased this, and will likely be returning it. The biggest draw of this product was their pricing plans. However, they recently changed their pricing structure with the lower price point of the device ($199 vs $349). Now, you are forced to purchase their Plus plan at $25 / month for 4 months when you receive the device. Then you can change plans and/or deactivate for periods. The no activation fee is not really true. It's just hidden in a forced higher plan commitment. I felt cheated after purchasing this. Bivy support didn't care.
No signal in light woods or above tree line
I have taken this out on 3 hiking trips. The first one was through light woods. It struggled to find a signal. I figured it was due to the trees (they weren't that thick). I just got back from a trip in NH where most of my time was spent above tree line and the weather was absolutely beautiful. There was nothing; no trees, no clouds, to block the signal and I still couldn't connect. I'm not sure if I just got a lemon, but if it was unable to connect under those conditions, I am not sure it will ever be able to. I will be returning this and looking harder at the Garmin.
Works great and potentially more affordable
I've been very pleased with my Bivy Stick. It is the only communicator where unused credits roll over month to month. If your usage varies over the course of the year this could be some real savings. In months of light usage those unused credits just roll forward and accumulate. You do need to commit to at least the $35/mo plan for four months, but after that there are no fees for starting/stopping service. You can do an annual plan at $15/mo and 20 credits/mo that rollover if you want from there. SOS, Check-ins and Tracking all work even if you phone is dead. Unlimited Check-ins with map location are free (don't use a credit). It all just works for me. Small, light. I really like it. I would have given it 5 stars but the app can get a bit sluggish at times. When they fix that it will be tops.
Bivy Stick saved our Lake Powell trip!
Bivy saved our Lake Powel trip! Our camp spot was an hour or more from any cell service. When one of our boats broke down, we were able to text a family member who was at home with the Bivy from our camp spot. They were able to overnight the boat part we needed to the nearest marina, and keep us updated on the status of the package. The next day, we were able to get the part and fix the boat so we could enjoy our last few days on the lake. A broken boat almost ruined the trip but Bivy saved it! Not to mention the peace of mind of having it in case the other boat were to break down.
Defective within 11 months
I let the initial subscription lapse cause of winter. Thankfully I was within the warranty when I went to reactivate the subscription and the device would not connect to the satellite nor would it show I had any credits. ACR said it was a defective device. REI would not refund cause they will not refund on electronics after 90 days. So now ACR is sending me a new one, even though I'd much rather have my money back which ACR doesn't do refunds at all. I dont really care much about all the talk about how easy something is to use or which one gives a better weather report, but IT HAS TO WORK ALL THE TIME. This thing was $250!!!! NOT CHEAP!!! I'll be selling the one they send...unfortunately, they now sell for only $200...I wonder why?!!
Small and Light
Small light and simple to use. Also the local buttons for SOS and check in options are nice if your smart phone is out of commission.
Great for cruising!
My wife and I took the Bivy Stick on our recent 7-day cruise to the Caribbean. The Bivy Stick unlimited plan allowed us to text with our children while cruising in the middle of the ocean and at port of calls without having to pay the expensive WiFi fees on the ship.