What is the Best Christmas Gift for Hikers and Backpackers?
The Best Christmas Gift
Hands down, the best gift you can give a hiker or backpacker is the ability to save their own life or the lives of others.
Everyone needs to be able to call SOS and 2-way message when out on an adventure and their are thousands of real life stories of people who have been rescued because they were able to call for help in a life threatening emergency.
Here is a quick list of satellite communicators for you to choose from for your friend or family this Christmas. Click on each device below to learn more.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Garmin Messenger
- Garmin Montana 700i
- Garmin Tread Series
- ACR Bivy Stick
- Motorola Defy Satellite Link
- SPOT X
- SPOT Gen 4
I created the Top 11 Satellite Communicators of 2023 that will help you decide what satellite messenger is right for you. Check out the YouTube video below.
There is a wide range of prices with these satellite communicators and a major difference in features that are offered.
Let me group these below to give you a better idea about what may be best for you.
Best All-in-One
Best Compact Messenger
Best for 2-way Messaging
Best for Off-Roading or ATVs
Final Thoughts for Your Gift
There are several to choose from but from my field tests I would off this simple advice.
Chose the Garmin GPSMAP 67i for the serious adventurer who wants a standalone device.
Chose the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for someone who wants a compact size & convenience.
Chose the Garmin Messenger for someone who doesn’t need navigation but needs to message.
I hope this helps. Check out this YouTube video below for additional information.
- GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR & SATELLITE PHONE ALTERNATIVE - 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way SMS text messaging + Email, GPS tracking, maps & navigation, emergency SOS, weather reports, and location sharing. Compatible with iOS & Android apps. Subscription required. Monthly: (Basic $19.99 | Plus $34.99 | Unlimited SALE $39.99). Annual: (Basic $14.99 | Plus $29.99 | Unlimited SALE $38.99). One time 3-month commitment per device, then month-to-month. Plans available globally.
- SOS EMERGENCY RESCUE - Feel safe with Global Rescue's round-the-clock SOS monitoring. Activate SOS with the dedicated button or through the app, communicate with emergency services, and share your GPS location when you need it most. Get rescued anywhere in the world.
- UNLIMITED CHECK-IN MESSAGES & GPS LOCATION SHARING - Effortlessly send unlimited & customizable check-in messages that include your GPS location with this advanced outdoor communication device. Use the dedicated check-in button on the device or through the app to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. A shareable webpage displays a map with your GPS coordinates and a check-in breadcrumb trail, allowing others to follow your journey.
- GROUP MESSAGING & TRACKING - Keep your crew connected with GroupTrack, featuring group messaging and location sharing for up to 12 people. Monitor your team off-grid using the Bivy Stick and app or in-network via a web browser. Ideal for search & rescue, guiding services, remote workers, outfitters, adventure racing, overlanding groups, and more.
- OFFLINE MAPS & NAVIGATION - Download detailed maps from around the world to ensure you're never lost, even without cellular service. Easily navigate and track your location off the grid using device-based GPS with this satellite messenger. The Bivy app offers over 50,000 adventures to explore, with 20 different adventure types available. Monitor your pace, mileage, altitude, and more on your journey.
- TRI-NETWORK COVERAGE & APP-TO-APP MESSAGING - Benefit from least-cost routing with priority given to Wi-Fi, followed by cellular, and then satellite. Effortlessly connect with others using app-to-app messaging, your dedicated phone number, or email. Choose ACR Bivy Stick, the leading alternative to satellite phones for unrestricted two-way communication, and the freedom to initiate and receive messages confidently.
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- Features sunlight-readable 3.5” capacitive touchscreen display and a button-operated, dog-focused design for quick, minor adjustments
- Easily set up and monitor up to 20 dogs from up to 9 miles away with a 2.5-second update rate by using multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS and Galileo)
- Dog list and group management lets you keep inactive dogs in the system for easier setup
- Interactive SOS alerts and two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; jurisdiction restrictions may apply)
- Preloaded TopoActive maps, direct-to-device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads and built-in three-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- User-replaceable battery lasts up to 20 hours; up to 15 hours with inReach technology enabled
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- Large 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Enable two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, and trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center (active subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices)
- Access preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, view satellite imagery, and navigate with multi-band GNSS support and sensors
- When paired with your compatible smartphone, you can access active weather forecasts and Geocaching Live
- Use with the Garmin Explore website or app on your compatible smartphone to help you plan trips and more
- Get access to a wide variety of premium mapping content delivered directly to your device via Wi-Fi technology with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription
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- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorerplus device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
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- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
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- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
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- Features rugged military-grade construction and a 5” touchscreen display that’s 50% larger than the previous model; offers easy viewability and includes versatile mounting solutions.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Routable Topo Maps; Multiple GNSS Networks, ABC Sensors; inReach Satellite Communication; BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center — two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices).
- Multi-GNSS (GPS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps and City Navigator street map navigation; navigation sensors include 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Pro-connected with ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and BLUETOOTH wireless networking, giving you direct-to-device access to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads, location sharing, Connect IQ app support and more
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
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- MEANT FOR ADVENTURE: Spot Gen4 provides critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond cell towers; Let family know you're ok or push the SOS button to send your GPS to emergency responders if you need help
- NO CELL PHONE OR SERVICE-NO PROBLEM: With the Tracking feature Gen4 can transmit location updates when you are moving and when you stop; Keep one in your child's backpack for the walk home
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SPOT Gen4 device, Strap and Carabiner, USB Cable, Batteries and quick start guide; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot Gen4; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
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- SYNC WITH BLUETOOTH: Connect to SpotX to cellphone so you can communicate with family or even search and rescue; Use as a standalone communication device with it's own dedicated US mobile number to receive messages
- PEACE OF MIND: Send S.O.S. to 24/7 Search & Rescue service, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, receive confirmation when help is on the way; Message any cell number or email address virtually anywhere
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SpotX Device, strap and carabiner, micro usb data/power cable, quick start guide, SOS mirrored sticker, warranty card and kickstand
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot X 2-way Satellite Messenger; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
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- Global satellite messaging: Stay connected beyond cell coverage, use ZOLEO with your smartphone to transmit text messages and e-mails over the Iridium satellite network, cellular or Wi-Fi using the lowest-cost network available (service plan required)
- Emergency SOS: Send an SOS alert with your GPS location to 24/7 emergency monitoring center if something goes wrong, or access Medical Assist for non-emergency help
- Dedicated SMS number: An assigned ZOLEO SMS number and email enables contacts to reach out directly when you're off the grid
- Check-in: Send unlimited check-ins via the ZOLEO device or app, included in your plan
- Location sharing: Include GPS coordinates in a message or check-in, or share waypoints at regular intervals (optional add-on)
- Rugged with long battery life: IP68-rated for superior durability; over 200 hours of battery life
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- Service plans required - as low as $4.99 per month for SOS satellite assist
- Provides advanced 2-way satellite-enabled messaging. Compatible with iOS 14 and Android 10 and later smartphones
- Stay in contact wherever you go—reliable satellite coverage keeps you firmly on the grid even if you're off the edge of the map, ensuring you're in touch with those who matter
- Simply press the check-in button and send your coordinates or a message to your loved ones, giving them peace of mind whilst you do your thing
- SOS assist allows you to check in and trigger SOS without a connection; unlimited SOS included with every service plan
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