So... about a week or so into ownership and I'm really digging the Defender. The one thing that I noticed is yowza is the key fob BIG! I'm starting to get back into backpacking, and weight (and weather exposure) are concerns. I know there's the activity key, but are there any other creative (and cheaper) ideas on how to be able to get into the vehicle with a smaller/simpler solution? For example, I wonder if I could leave my keys in the Defender, and use the Land Rover Remote app on my phone to lock the vehicle and unlock after several days on the trail?

 

As sketchy as the software is, I wouldn't trust it. Even if you happen to leave it in a spot with great reception.

I have the activity key and while it isn't the best solution to your problem, it's probably about the best you'll get.
And yeah, damn is that fob big!

 

1. Inside a side storage box
2. https://www.monstermagnetics.com/blo...under-your-car

3. Ziplock bag under a rock

 

I know you're looking for cheaper options, but the activity band is great. I never carry my key. I didn't think I'd use it and now can't live without it. I'd be willing to pay more though for a fully functional smart watch, but this will do.

 

Tow hitch combination locked & "hidden" storage:


And store the key in here so that the keyless entry doesn't work:

 

GrouseK9 - that looks perfect! Thanks!

 

I use a hitch lock for just the metal door key and leave the actual fob inside the truck. Didn't know those pouches existed!

 

Why not carry the key and leave your phone in the truck? You’d save even more weight and size, and you’re supposed to be backpacking, fer God’s sake!

 

I finally researched the programming of the Activity key in depth. So when I went back to the dealer armed with knowledge. I had originally ordered the Defender 90 X with the activity key, but alas, sometime during the build they informed me it would delay the car if I insisted. I found one from somebody that got one, but decided they didn't want it. Score...I thought. But 6 months and three different dealers and nobody could program it into the car, worng part number, no module, only accepts 2 keys. The list of excuses was endless. If you have the keyless system or KVM module installed (it is in the compartment under the driver's seat, right there on top). Paid to that excuse. Went to the parts department, yes it is the right part number. And yes the system can support 3 keys. You need to bring them all to be re-paired to the car. Also bring $245 to entice them to pair it. They also used the excuse that it is a customer supplied part they do not install by policy. Well I went on explaining and actually having the order print out in hand that I did order it they cancelled it and if they could have gotten one they should have.

Now it works. Thing of joy. Get an aftermarket watch band for it; 22mm for Samsung smart watches. Lots of flexible stretchy velcro bands in bright colors, cost around $9 on the average. I do lots of hiking in the field, geologist thing. Always been paranoid about loosing the key in the field. I used to tie wrap a spare key to the brake light bundle. Now with the key actually being a small smartphone, not going to happen. Especially with the silly thing costing more than I paid for my first Land Rover Series IIa. I do bring my phone into the field, along with several gizmos that seem to crave electricity. So I have a small folding soft cloth based solar panel. Charges two AA batteries and has a USB port. It will charge the Activity Band, but it does last a long time. It will even charge my phone, reaaaaaaly sloooowly. I do clip it to my pack so it is always working storing up electricity.

I also dislike the fob when biking, again it is way to big. I had an incident a few year back while mountain biking. I was riding a few hours after a rain in the forest. Some energetic critter had bored a tunnel under the trail I was on. When my front wheel went over it, it sunk in. I was launched on a parabolic trajectory coming to rest on my back quite hard and ringing my bell. I has hearing this terrible screeching in my ears. Thinking I had maybe concussed myself I moved slowly (pain helped in the slow movement). Well it seems that if you dropped a 190lb guy. or gal, on one of the earlier iPods from around 6', it crushes it. The screeching was the death throes of the iPod. It left perfect iPod shaped bruise on my back (bike jerseys have pockets on your back). I suspect the fob would leave a similar shaped bruise and die in a similar manner.

So yeah, it is a pain to get and get programmed, get the activity key, it is what you need, provided money is no object. Then again it only costs something like 30 Starbuck coffees and way more useful that some of the other useless and even pricier accessories for the Defender.

 

Mark,
Can you show a screen grab of what configurable Dynamic Mode looks like? I have Dynamic Mode on my V8, but am confused as to what configurable dynamic mode it... thanks!