Help Me Choose

There are primarily two types of hiking emergency beacons. They are the Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and the Satellite Messengers. The easiest way to keep them straight is to think of the PLB as a One-Way SOS Distress Signal with little or no way to communicate. The Satellite Messenger also has the SOS Signal but they typically allow for two-way texting, smart phone syncing and some even have topo navigation with maps.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

• Sends SOS message to rescue teams only
• Cannot cancel the SOS call
• No subscription fees
• Usually works better in remote areas internationally
• It has a stronger signal than satellite messengers
• Long battery life, as in years, not days (the PLB is not using the battery until it is activated)
• The SOS distress calls are monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA)
• The PLB acts as a beacon to help the rescue teams find you (a built in strobe light would be helpful)
• You are required to register your PLB with personal information about you only

Emergency Satellite Messengers (ESMs)

• Sends SOS messages to rescue teams, PLUS you can send messages to family and friends
• You can cancel the SOS call in many cases
• Significant subscription fees
• Coverage depends on the company and the signal may not be as strong as the PLB
• Unobstructed view of the sky is needed
• Shorter battery life due to all of the additional features, plus it is on while you are on your adventure.
• Some models have topo navigation with maps
• Way point tracking for family and friends, and even social media
• Most models are capable of bluetooth pairing with your smartphone
• Some models will sync with your fitness watches and devices

Things to Consider

Satellite network coverages are strong throughout the U.S. but make sure you check the coverage maps when traveling internationally and also confirm that your device is allowed in the country you are traveling to.

Remember to use your cell phone, if you are fortunate to have reception, as you will be available to provide more detail to the rescue teams looking for you. You can provide them with more detail on your approximate location and the condition you are in.

Only send an SOS call or distress call if your life is in immediate danger and will result in loss of limb and/or life. Rescue teams are being stretched thin at times as they are having to respond to “non-life” threatening calls.

Which Hiking Emergency Beacon is Right for Me?

There are some great options on the market that have many different options plus it gets more complicated with the different subscription plans. Here are some things to consider to help you make your decision.

• What is most important to you? Determine your priorities.
  • Cost
  • Quick Messaging
  • Battery Life
  • Size
  • Navigation tools
• Do you need the locator all year or only seasonaly?
• Is texting and communicating two-way important?
• Are pre-set messages good enough for what you need?
• Do you want to pair the locator to your smartphone?

As you can see, only you can determine what is best for you. Consider what it is that is the most important thing for you. It may be enough to save some money, yet have the peace of mind that a rescue team can find you if trouble already has.

Here are Some PLBs and Satellite Messengers for you to Consider

Garmin inReach Explorer+ [Satellite Messenger]

• Send and receive text messages
• Setup pre-determined messages
• Creates messages on the device but does not have a keyboard
• The only model that serves as a handheld GPS navigator with built-in topo maps
• Built-in altimeter
• Built-in barometer
• Built-in accelerometer
• Request weather updates
• Larger and heavier
• IPX7 – Waterproof
• Size = 6.5″ x 2.7″ x 1.5″
• Weight = 7.5 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Easy 2-way messaging
  • Great smartphone app
  • Loaded and proven global network
• Con’s
  • Expensive initial purchase
  • Heaviest of the satellite messengers

Garmin inReach Mini [Satellite Messenger]

• Send and receive messages
• Setup pre-determined messages
• Create messages typed on the device but there is no keyboard
• The InReach Mini has many of the same features as the InReach Explorer+ when synced to a smartphone
• Can be synced with the Garmin Forerunner935 or the Fenix 5 series watches
• Request weather updates
• Monthly subscription plans are available if you only plan on using it part of the year.
• Polo to pole coverage internationally
• IPX7 – Waterproof
• Size = 3.9″ x 2.0″ x 1.0″
• Weight = 3.5 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Small
  • 2-way messaging
• Con’s
  • Typing a message is slow

SPOT X [Satellite Messenger]

• Send and receive messages
• IPX7 – Waterproof
• IP67 – Dustproof
• Will not sync with your smartphone
• Built-in keyboard
• Programmable waypoints
• Comes with a unique U.S. mobil phone number
• Operates on the Globalstar Satellite Network
• Larger and heavier
• Size = 6.5″ x 2.9″ x 0.9″
• Weight = 6.7 oz.
• Pro’s
  • 2-way messaging
  • On-device keyboard for easier messaging
• Con’s
  • Bulky
  • So smartphone interface

SPOT Gen3 [Satellite Messenger]

• Send messages ONLY
• Three message options to choose from
• The custom messages have to be composed at home, not on the device
• Messages can only be sent to, up to 10 pre-determined, contacts before your trip starts
• IPX7 – Waterproof
• Monthly and yearly service plans available
• Can charge with a re-supply power pack or extra AAA batteries.
• Size = 3.4″ x 2.5″ x 1.0″
• Weight = 4.0 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Rental options
• Con’s
  • Only 1-way communication
  • No smartphone interface

Somewear Global Hotspot [Satellite Messenger]

• Offers global coverage
• Ultralight
• Compact
• Text communication
• Bluetooth
• Location tracking
• Weather reports
• IPX7 – Waterproof
• Size = 3.6″ x 3.0″ x 0.8″
• Weight = 4.0 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Small
  • Affordable subscription options
  • Proven satellite dispatch networks
• Con’s
  • Only supports SOS on the device itself

Bivystick [Satellite Messenger]

• 2-way satellite communication, with synced smartphone
• Share your location via text message, Facebook or Twitter
• Tracking at 10 minute intervals
• Detailed 3 or 7 day weather forecasts
• Access to downloadable offline maps
• Battery backup
• Affordable monthly plan
• Communicate with rescue teams directly
• Weght = 12.0 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Reliable network and dispatch service
  • Solid construction
• Con’s
  • No functionality without your smartphone
  • Large and heavy

Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 [Personal Locator Beacon]

• Waterproof to 15m
• SOS for emergency services
• Fast accurate positioning
• 7 year battery life
• No subsription
• High intensity (1 candela) strobe
• Homing beacon to aid in location by rescue teams
• Size = 3.0″ x 2.0″ x 1.3″
• Weight = 4.1 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Reasonable initial purchase price
  • No paid subscription
  • Proven global network
• Con’s
  • No “non-emergency” messaging

ACR ResQlink View [Personal Locator Beacon]

• Buoyant
• LED strobe light
• Self test
• 66 channel GPS
• Easy emergency activation
• Antenna clip
• Battery replacement free of charge if you use it
• Size = 4.5″ x 1.9″ x 1.6″
• Weight = 5.4 oz.
• Pro’s
  • COSPAS/SARSAT’s reliablilty and long track record
  • No annual subscrption fees
  • Simple operation
  • Excellent “emergency-only” personal beacon
• Con’s
  • Large and heavy

ACR Aqualink View [Personal Locator Beacon]

• Buoyant
• LED strobe light
• Self test
• 66 channel GPS
• Easy emergency activation
• Screen displays GPS and LAT/LON
• Battery replacement free of charge if you use it
• Size = 5.8″ x 2.3″ x 1.5″
• Weight = 9.2 oz.
• Pro’s
  • No annual subscription fees
  • Simple operation
• Con’s
  • Large and heavy

GoTenna Mesh [Satellite Messenger]

• Send text and GPS without cell or wifi
• Works with any smartphone
• Up to 4 mile range
• Great for communicating with groups
• Affordable
• Size = 5.0″ x 1.2″ x 0.5″
• Weight = 1.7 oz.
• Pro’s
  • Light and compact
  • Customizable communication network
• Con’s
  • Limited coverage area
  • Limits to secure emergency services

Check out these articles HERE to learn more about Hiking Emergency Beacons.

If you would like additional information or to see other models, go to my REVIEW PAGE, leave a COMMENT BELOW or send me an EMAIL.

Return to Home Page

SaleBestseller No. 1

372 Reviews

Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking, Camping and Survival Bags (Black 1 Pack)

• 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝟮𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝟱%✅A MUST HAVE ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING GEAR - Having a quality trowel on hand when you need it the most is a MUST. And guess what?We have just the right ultralight trowelmade out of high-quality aluminumdesigned to be resistant to rust and corrosion as well as breakageeven in wet conditions and will last a lifetime.
• ✅DIG A HOLE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY - Made specifically for ultralight backpackers, this compact and lightweight ultralight multitool gear will be able to easily dig a hole into hard ground, through roots, and even through rocky soil without leaving any trace behind, which makes it perfect for most hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well.
• ✅PERFECT SURVIVAL SHOVEL -The sharp edges slice through tough ground and roots where other tools can't and get the job done as quickly as possible, while letting you get on with the rest of your day and enjoy it.
• ✅DURABLE AND FUNCTIONAL - It comes with an ergonomic, longer easy-grip handle, making it easy to maneuver and comfortable to hold and use. The scoop is large enough to quickly remove dirt, but still portable and small enough that is not going to take up much space when it is in your backpack
• ✅THE GO-TO POTTY TROWEL FOR EVERY CAMPER - There is no excuse to not have a trowel. Now you can scoop a cathole anytime nature calls with this lightweight shovel that is going to be able to perform exactly as you want. Use at the campsite to clean up debris, bury pet or human waste, and more.

$20.00 −$4.51

Check Amazon Price

Bestseller No. 2

90 Reviews

How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking

• Helmuth, Diana (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 224 Pages - 08/24/2021 (Publication Date) - Mountaineers Books (Publisher)

Check Amazon Price

SaleBestseller No. 3

4,199 Reviews

Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Camping Essentials Bag with Rain Cover, 45+5 Liter Lightweight Backpacking Back Pack

• COST EFFECTIVE HIKING BACKPACK - Loowoko hiking pack has obvious advantages at the cost performance, reliability and quality. You can get a great quality hiking bag of the same quality as a hundreds dollar without spending too much money.
• COMPREHENSIVE UPGRADED VERSION - Compared with the same style backpack on the market, you will find that this back pack has some differences. Yes, we have made a comprehensive upgrade based on customer feedback. Better fabric, stronger straps, and more durable zippers make this a better camping bag.
• NO INTERNAL FRAME - This lightweight & comfortable hiker backpack is specially designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. Widened and thickened S-type shoulder straps and high elastic breathable back support for best ventilation and easing burden, gives you more comfortable experience.
• RAIN COVER INCLUDED - Made with high quality tear Polyester and nylon fabric, tear resistant, anti-scratch, wear resistant. Come with extra waterproof rain cover pouch on the bottom pouch, prevent the water and dust into the backpack, protect your valuables from heavy rain and keep everything dry.
• CAMPING ESSENTIAL GEAR - With 50 liter large capacity but only 2.1 pounds weight, it's enough for 3-5 days travel or outdoor adventure. Fits women and men and meets size requirements for most airlines. A must have daypack for hiking, camping, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering and traveling.

$65.47 −$13.48

Check Amazon Price

SaleBestseller No. 4

1,587 Reviews

BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent Waterproof Windproof Two Doors Easy Setup Double Layer Outdoor Tents for Family Camping Hunting Hiking Mountaineering Travel

• 【Durable and High-Quality Material】: BISINNA Camping tent are made with high quality Material. The INNER TENT made with 190T Polyester Taffeta+B3 No-see-um Mesh; RAINFLY made by 190T Polyester Taffeta and guarantees PU2000mm water-resistant; TENT POLES made with lightweight and durable 7001 space aluminum, can supports most heavily wind rain.
• 【Roomy 2-person Tent for 3 Seasons】: With the unfolding size of (23.6+55+23.6) x 82.7 x 47.2 (H) inches / (60+140+60) x 210 x 110 H cm.BISINNA backpacking tent is spacious enough to accommodate up to two people, perfect for couples .The tent also has double layers that is suitable for 3 Seasons and preferred use for Hiking, Expeditions, Fishing, Kayaking, Car Camping, Backpacking, or Bikepacking.
• 【Breathable & Stable】: Large section of mesh and 2 D-shaped doors with dual zippers provide much better ventilation. Equipped with 8 lightweight Alloy Pegs and 2 Wind ropes, the tent has a high resistance of wind.
• 【Easy Set up &Compact】: A camping tent should be very easy to erect and takedown. Free-standing and two Aluminum poles design for lightweight hiking tent’s fast pitching. One person first using this tent is able to set up the tent with double flysheets in less than 10 minutes.Even a child can do it easily.Packed Size: 16.9''x5.9''x5.9'', easy to put in one’s backpack.
• 【No Risk Purchase】 : We offer an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty to make it an absolutely risk-free purchase. We stand behind our products. If you are not completely satisfied with this tent for any reason, simply contact us, we will send you a replacement or give you a full refund. Buy with no risk!

$79.99 −$11.00

Check Amazon Price

Bestseller No. 5

36 Reviews

Backpacker The Complete Guide to Backpacking: Field-Tested Gear, Advice, and Know-How for the Trail

• Complete Guide To Backpacking
• Magazine, Backpacker (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages - 10/30/2016 (Publication Date) - Falcon Guides (Publisher)

Check Amazon Price

This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.