Top 3 Best Personal Locator Devices When in Remote Wilderness

Are you planning a trip into remote wilderness where there will be little to no service?

Before leaving home on a grand adventure into a remote area, tell someone where you’re going, your itinerary and when you should be expected back. If you’re heading into a state or national park, tell the rangers your itinerary as well.

In addition, we can carry a device which can send out a signal for help if needed. Some of these personal locator devices can also send quick text messages.

As prepared as we all try to be when we head outdoors, sometimes things happen and it doesn’t hurt to have a contingency plan in case you get hurt, lost or in case you find someone else who might be hurt or lost.

If you’ve been looking for some extra safety insurance while in remote areas, carrying a personal locating device is certainly a good option to consider.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 personal locating devices:

1. ACR ResQLink View 2. Garmin 010-01879-00 InReach Mini 3. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Which emergency locator is right for you?

1. ACR ResQLink View

SALE

ACR ResQLink View - Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon with GPS

This is one of the highest rated location beacons on the market. There’s no subscription required, which is a huge perk. Once activated, an SOS distress signal sends your GPS position directly to Search and Rescue using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with 121.5 MHz Homing Signal.

It’s small, lightweight and buoyant. It also allows you to send GPS text messages to several contacts. It also has global coverage. The battery can also last for up to 5 years.

Pros/No subscriptions, works globally

Cons/Some have reported it being dead on arrival

Bottom Line/This is a great product if you're not looking for any subscriptions.

364.95

2. Garmin 010-01879-00 InReach Mini

SALE

Garmin 010-01879-00 InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator

Garmin has been the leader of anything having to do with satellite, GPS communication and navigation. The InReach Mini is compact, durable and uses satellites to communicate your location. Because they communicate with satellites the Garmin InReach does require a subscription.

It has SOS, text messaging and you can even access downloadable maps of your area. You can also opt for the optional weather forecast through NOAA.

Pros/SOS, downloadable maps, weather reports, communicates with satellites

Cons/Needs a subscription

Bottom Line/Garmin is known for their satellite and GPS abilities.

349.99

3. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

SALE

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator – Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location

This is a unique device that does quite a lot! It can connect to your device to extend the reach of your cell phone coverage. It also has emergency SOS, dedicated phone number and email so anyone can keep in touch with you. It works with either satellite, cellular or wifi.

It does require a subscription and more specifically, requites a 3 month commitment at $20, $35 or $50, then it can be lowered to $4 a month after the initial 3 month commitment.

Pros/200+ hour battery life, shock and water resistant, works between -4 to 131 F

Cons/Needs a subscription, no screen

Bottom Line/Has plenty of features to keep you connected for general reasons as well as emergencies.

199.95

Which emergency locator is right for you?

While some may not like the idea of using technology to help them if something were to go wrong, it’s one more layer of protection. Learn to use the device before heading out, tell people where you’re going and how to get a hold of you through the device (if possible) and have a bit more peace of mind while you’re out on an adventure.

Morgan Rogue

Morgan writes for OutdoorHub while also being the founder of Rogue Preparedness where she helps people get prepared for emergencies and disasters, as well as thrive any circumstances.

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