I use the service through garmin. I haven't used it outside the states though.

It really is and there's so many levels you can do. From flat land to up the mountainside. From day hikes to backpacking trips!

I forgot to mention my lifestraw or sawyer filter. I take one or the other with me at all times. My first aid kit has an emergency blanket in it.

I pay $10/mo. I think you can turn the service off and on but I go on enough hikes where I leave it on all the time.

I forgot to mention my lifestraw or my 1 gallon sawyer water filtration system! I usually have on or the other depending on the type of hike.

I have the garmin inreach mini2!

People give me shit but this is why I come prepared even for day hikes.

I carry my satellite phone, knife, fire starter, one dehydrated meal packet (4 servings per packet), and first aid kit on every hike at minimum. You don't pack your bag for if things go as expected, you pack as if things are going to go wrong.

Edit: Since this post has gotten some traction I'd like to add a couple things I forgot to mention. I also take ways to get purified water. For me that's either a lifestraw or a sawyer 1 gallon water filter. The choice usually depends on the length of the hike and how available water sources are.

I also have an emergency blanket in my first aid kit!