We’ve all read the horror stories of people stuck in the desert, injured, with no way of calling for help. Heck, we’ve watched 127 Hours, and figured “that won’t happen to me”. I’d never go hiking, backpacking, on a boat, or on safari without a personal locator beacon/satellite messenger device.
A personal locator beacon/satellite messenger device is also a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, boating, or safari. With reliable communication, you can stay in touch with other hunters, call emergency rescue, and even check the weather or get updates on hunting regulations. A hunting satellite phone is essential for staying connected in remote locations while hunting.
At a Glance: Recommendations for Best Personal Locator Beacons (for hikers & backpackers)
- ACR ResQLink+PLB-375
- Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
- Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1
- Garmin InReach Mini
- ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
- ACR Bivy stick Personal Locator Beacon PLB
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon
A personal locator beacon can be used for various wilderness communications: from SOS signaling to alert search & rescue to an emergency, tracking your route, and sending two-way messages to keep in touch with loved ones.
We should all be concerned with safety when hiking – the goal is to get home alive and uninjured, carrying a satellite messenger or locator beacon should not be a license to take unnecessary risks.
Besides taking along a personal locator beacon, you might want to consider a portable battery charger, just in case.
Table of contents
- At a Glance: Recommendations for Best Personal Locator Beacons (for hikers & backpackers)
- How to Choose the Best Personal Locator Beacon: Reviews
- What is a Personal Locator Beacon?
- What is the difference between PLB and EPIRB?
- How does a Personal Locator Beacon work?
- Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
- Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Discover the Latest in Adventure Gear
How to Choose the Best Personal Locator Beacon: Reviews
ACR ResQLink+PLB
The Good…
- Easy to use PLB for SOS signalling
- Floats
- Strobe light
- Testing function to be sure it’s working
- 5-year warranty
The Bad…
- Antennae clip is pretty flimsy
Some of the best personal locators will work as well on land as they will on lakes or oceans. The ResQLink+ PLB from ACR falls into this category as it floats, and can fire off several types of signals at the push of a button.
This powerful little unit will not take up much space in your bag. It’s light at 5.4 ounces but capable with a 66-channel GPS unit that can directly help to within 100 meters of your location.
It works on the 406MHz and 121.5MHz frequencies, so it’s free to use, with no subscription.
Handy features on the ResQLink+ include a strobe light and a function that lets you run two tests to ensure it’s working correctly. Being buoyant, water won’t be a concern, and it’s rated for around 30 hours of usage fully charged. As far as SOS devices go, it’s solid and reliable when you need it the most.
If disaster does strike, the company will issue you a new beacon and add yours to their Wall of Fame. Gimmicky, but fun.
Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
The Good…
- Preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps
- Track and Share
- Two-way messaging
- Mobile compatibility (via app)
The Bad…
- Not waterproof
- Subscription based
When it comes to gadgets or navigational GPS tools, Garmin has always been a brand you can trust. They managed to crack our list of the best personal locator beacons twice, and our top choice from the company is the inReach Explorer+.
The inReach is a personal locator in the satellite messenger class, but with more features than you’ll find on other devices. The color display provides everything from detailed maps to the weather.
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a remarkable handheld satellite communicator that incorporates advanced features, including Garmin inReach texting capabilities. This device enables users to exchange messages even in areas without traditional cell phone coverage or lack of cell towers. In Garmin Inreach texting, you will get two-way global text messaging as long as you’re within the satellite’s reach. Considering it’s the Iridium network, you won’t have to worry about coverage.
Another perk of this unit is it comes with preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps. Between the map system and the barometric altimeter and digital compass, you’re going to have a hard time getting lost.
Help is only a push emergency button away in the form of an interactive SOS signal. It’s not waterproof, but water-resistant and comes with 2GB of onboard memory.
The battery life of this one is top of the line, at 100 hours with 10-minute tracking, or 75 hours at 10-minutes and 1 second logging. We also like the fact you can communicate with family and friends or share your journey through MapShare.
The Garmin inReach Explorer + should be towards the top of your list if you are wandering in the wilds, and there’s a “Lite” version in the SE+. Both are available as standalone units or with a powered mount.
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1
The Good…
- Outstanding battery life
- Waterproof up to 15 meters
- Free to use
The Bad…
- Won’t float without help
- Basic
As the name implies, the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is built more for the sea than for the shore. It will perform admirably in either location and is an excellent choice if you need a personal beacon that won’t break the bank.
The rescueME PLB1 is a bit of an oddball. It works with the usual rescue signals, and as it’s not a messaging device, there are no subscription fees. This is a bonus if you need a locator beacon to keep on standby, not one you plan to use frequently.
As you’d expect, it is preset for the United States so you’ll want to contact the company if you need a different configuration.
You can use this location-tracking device on land too, but it’s a little heavier than others in this class. At 116 grams, it’s not massive by any means, and the size is partly due to the design and the spring-loaded safety flap.
It’s still a one-handed device, which falls into the Class 2 category in the EPIRB world.
The highlight of this PLB would be the battery life. The company claims you’ll get 7 years which is 2 years better than the ResQLink. It’s also affordable compared to similar options, and while it won’t float on its own, it can handle 15 meters of water.
Garmin InReach Mini
The Good…
- 500 waypoints & 20 routes
- Great battery life
- Bluetooth
- Maps through the Earthmate app
The Bad…
- No memory history
- Subscription-based
Our second choice from Garmin also hails from the InReach family but is a bit different from the InReach Explorer+. Diminutive is the word best used to describe this personal locator as it measures 2.4′ x 3.9′ x 1.03′ and weighs a paltry 3.5 ounces.
Despite the InReach Mini’s size, it still has a tiny monochrome display that’s legible in full sunlight. It also has a virtual keypad and allows you to send and receive SMS and email messages.
Want to keep your family updated on your whereabouts? You can do this through MapShare, and you’re able to message and share your location with other InReach users.
Durability-wise, the Garmin inReach Mini is only average. It has the IPX7 tag, which means it can handle rain and splashing water, but it will not do well in water over a meter. Extended dunks will do this one in although the housing is rugged. It’s among the easier satellite communicators to use which makes it ideal for beginners.
The inReach Mini has great battery life, at 50 hours with 10-minute tracking and 2-minute logging, or 30 hours when you kick the tracking up to a second.
The rechargeable tracker also has a power-saving mode that gives you 20 days in 30-minute intervals which increases your chances in dire situations. On the downside, like the inReach Explorer+, you’ll need a subscription to use this device.
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger
The Good…
- Can replace and recharge the batteries
- Messaging feature
- Tiny footprint
- Easy to use
The Bad…
- 1-year subscription required
- Spotty coverage (Globalstar)
Dubbed a GPS Messenger, the SPOT 4 is an intriguing option for hikers on a tight budget. While there are a few drawbacks, it’s an ideal choice when you need tracking capabilities, and a smartphone won’t cut it.
This satellite messenger uses GPS to track your position. You can set the tracks to 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes, and there are three modes with Basic, Unlimited, or Extreme.
It can follow you every 2 minutes, although it will take a toll on the battery life. Design-wise there aren’t many buttons to deal with, and we dig the fact everything is clearly labeled as well.
SPOT designed its messenger with ease of use in mind, and it’s definitely one of the simplest models. The USB port is convenient, and you can use four AAA’s to power up the SPOT – a huge advantage over models with fixed batteries.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
The Good
- 2-way messaging using either cellular, Wi-Fi or satellite
- 200-hour battery life
- Easy to use
- Dust, water and shock resistant
- Physical SOS and CHECK-IN (includes coordinates) on the device in case of smartphone failure.
The Bad…
- Not capable viewing or composing of messages on device
- No maps or tracking
ZOLEO Global Satellite 2-way communicator is a rugged PLB with GPS location awareness using Iridium for satellite when out of cellular coverage. This device links with the free ZOLEO app on your smartphone or tablet to keep you connected when outside cell coverage.
A device plan of $20, $35, or $50 provides you with 25, 250, or unlimited satellite messages and includes cellular, Wi-Fi and SOS alerts. You can suspend the agreement after the initial 3-month commitment and downgrade to the $4.00/month plan. Plans are available in the USA, Canada, and Australia, but will work internationally.
The ZOLEO Global Satellite rugged device is lightweight at 3.5 ounces, shock resistant to MIL-STD 810G, water resistant (IP68), and charges using Micro-USB in under two hours. With the 200 hour battery life, which checks messages every 12 minutes, you can rest easy knowing that your battery will last for 8 days.
If something goes wrong, press the SOS alert button, and your distress call is routed straight to the GEOS center, which relays your GPS coordinates to search and rescue. ZOLEO also has a check-in feature to let others know you’re OK (using built-in button or using the ZOLEO app). and the ability to add your GPS coordinates to any message.
ACR Bivy Stick 2-way Satellite Messenger Survival Kit
The Good…
- Lightweight
- Good battery life
- Great network
- Multiple ways to carry
The Bad…
- USB-C charging
- Sending and viewing of SMS requires your smart phone
The Bivystick Blue is small, lightweight, and the most efficient PLB and satellite messenger. It weighs in at 3.52 ounces and 6.28 cu/inches. The take this anywhere with you portable design allows you to carry using a string, clip, or mount on a tripod. This is the second generation of the Bivystick Satellite Communication Device with improvements.
The simple design interfaces with the app to easily share your location, send an SMS or initiate an SOS with a simple press of a button. The Bivystick Blue sends your SOS message via satellite signal using the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC, which locates people in distress, no matter where they are.
Budgeting for your adventures is made easier with Bivystick. There is no contract commitment required. Activate and deactivate your monthly subscription from one month to the next without paying cancellation fees.
Charging. Bivystick Blue charges using USB-C, requiring you to carry one more cord. Inconvenient if your other electronics, batteries, phones, and headlamps, are on Micro-USB.
What is a Personal Locator Beacon?
Despite their high-tech nature, using a PLB or Satellite Messenger are essential devices that can potentially save your life while hiking in remote areas. These small, portable devices transmit distress signals to search and rescue teams, alerting them to your location in case of an emergency.
When combined with reliable satellite phones for sale, such as the Garmin InReach, the effectiveness of these beacons is further enhanced with built-in GPS functionality.
Marine satellite phones, like the ones mentioned in marine satellite phone reviews, are designed to withstand harsh environments and provide reliable communication in remote maritime locations. If you’re an offshore fishing enthusiast, it’s worth considering the best satellite phone for offshore fishing, as it can offer additional features and durability tailored to your needs.
If you’re considering buying a satellite phone, you might wonder about its cost, how much is a satalite phone? How expensive are satellite phones or how expensive is a satellite phone? The price of a satellite phone varies based on factors such as the model and brand.
It’s important to evaluate functionality, durability, and network coverage when making a purchase decision. While satellite phones can be expensive, there are options available at different price points to cater to various budgets.
Additionally, exploring the top satellite phones on the market, including renowned brands like Garmin and Iridium satellite phones, can help you make an informed choice.
To enhance your communication experience, you can also find satellite phone accessories that ensure reliable connectivity in challenging environments. It’s worth noting that satellite phones serve a distinct purpose from traditional cell phones, specifically designed for use in areas with limited or no cell phone coverage.
To buy a satellite phone, you can visit a reputable satellite phone store where you’ll find a wide range of options to choose from. Investing in a reliable satellite phone, like a marine satellite phone, and carrying a personal locator beacon or satellite phone with GPS can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a lifeline to reach out to for help in critical situations during your hiking adventures.
Whichever device you choose allows you to communicate in the backcountry without a cell signal. Choosing the best personal locator beacon can be confusing, as today’s technology (and regulations) change at a rapid pace.
Note that these devices are not satellite phones, they are for use in emergencies or for basic tracking and text-based communications in the wilderness.
What is the difference between PLB and EPIRB?
Transmitters. While tech advances quickly, most transmitters have a similar set of features. They all allow you to call for help when things go sideways. We’re going to look at three types of personal locators: PLBs, EPIRBs, and Satellite Messengers.
PLB
PLB stands for personal locator beacon. As the name suggests, it’s a transmitter capable of sending out a signal if things get out of hand in open waters or on the trail. These transmitters tend to have smaller batteries and are geared toward individuals, not boats. While some are relatively basic, others come with a full array of features.
Compared to other types of location devices, PLBs are often more affordable but not ideal for every situation. Someone who hikes or travels globally may want a floating PLB, while others can get by with more basic models.
EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons or EPIRB’s work in a similar fashion to PLBs with a few key differences. These beacons are usually made for the sea and come in two classes Cat 1 and Cat 2 EPIRBs. Both styles are seaworthy – one is just a bit smarter than the other.
Category 1 ? EPIRBs in this class are mounted on a boat and built to detect water pressure. When disaster strikes, it breaks free from its housing and begins to transmit as it floats to the surface. It’s an automatic device capable of alerting the proper channels if your boat goes down although it won’t be of much use if someone goes over the rail. ACR GlobalFix V4 Cat 1 EPIRB–
Category 2 ” Devices in this class are “personal? which means you’ll need to activate them manually. It can be as simple as flipping a switch or pressing a button but with one serious drawback. The signal won’t get out if something knocks you or a passenger out of action and you’re unable to respond. ACR GlobalFix V4 Cat 2 EPIRB–
If you want to be on the safe side when you’re on the water, pick up one of each. Having both types of locators increases the chances help will arrive quickly. Every second counts when it’s a life or death-situation.
Satellite Messengers
Bringing up the rear are satellite messengers, a hybrid of sorts that bridges the gap between your smartphone and a PLB. Like the other options, it’s capable of alerting rescuers if you get yourself into a sticky situation. It also allows you to communicate with friends and family members to update them on your status along the way through satellite communications.
$269.95
| $399.99 | $269.95 |
The main difference between a PLB and a messenger is the way they work. Satellite Messengers work with commercial satellites, which means a subscription is required 99% of the time. They aren’t as powerful which is why they’re better suited for weekend warriors than globetrotters.
How does a Personal Locator Beacon work?
Types of Coverage
Losing a signal on your smartphone can be a real pain, but losing a signal on your locator can be the difference between life and death. Signal quality is critical regardless of the beacon you choose.
PLBs are capable of sending out not one, but two signals when things go bad. All use the 406MHz signal which is monitored globally by a series of satellites dubbed the COSPAS-SARSAT network.
$439.95
Once the signal is out, the information is passed on to the proper authorities or rescue teams wherever you are in the world. The second signal is on the 121.5MHz frequency which allows rescue teams to better key in on your position.
On the sea, things are a little trickier although the COSPAS-SARSAT network is still in play. You have to consider areas of the sea along with the satellite coverage and familiarize yourself with terms like VHF CH 70 and MRCC.
As we spend most of our time in the mountains or on the trails, these folks break down positioning through EPIRBs far better than we ever could.
Satellite Messengers buck the trend by using Iridium or the Globalstar networks instead of the satellites used by both PLBs and EPIRBs. Gadgets from the SPOT lineup will use Globalstar, which in turn uses a series of over 40 satellites and 20+ gateways on the ground to track your position.
You’re good to go in most regions unless it’s sub-Saharan Africa or the polar caps.
On the flip side, the Iridium satellite network has fewer gateways, but more satellites, and provides coverage to the entire planet.
Either way, neither choice is as powerful as PLB, which is why satellite messengers aren’t ideal for hikers who take serious treks through the wilderness. They also require a subscription plan, which is not ideal for everyone.
Features
Depending on the model you choose, the features can range from an LCD display to a strobe light or personal messaging. GPS-enhanced EPIRBs and PLBs are common these days, but not every locator has this type of functionality baked in.
For backpackers, GPS can be a real lifesaver. Those strobe lights are far more common on EPIRBs due to their seafaring origins, but can still be found on PLBs and several satellite messengers too.
Two-way messaging is a great way to stay in touch with loved ones while you travel. Sometimes cell phone service is patchy, where PLBs and sat messengers won’t let you down.
Water-resistance is critical, so pay close attention to the IPX rating and look for a “waterproof” device, not “water-resistant” when the weather is a concern. A good locating beacon should float as well or at least come with a floatation device.
Other things to consider would be weather alerts and navigational tools like digital compasses or NOAA charts. Units with full GPS functionality may also give you access to maps on the fly while others require you to load them up beforehand.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option for staying connected in remote areas, you may want to consider a sat phone. Sat phones can provide reliable communication at a lower sat phone cost than a traditional satellite phone. Before purchasing a satellite phone, it’s important to consider the satellite phone cost, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the features and network provider.
Ease of Use & Battery Life
Are you looking for something simple and idiot-proof or do you prefer high-tech toys with all the bells & whistles? The wild world of locator beacons has something for everyone but often simple is better when Mother Nature is in a bad mood. Unlike police scanners or other devices that work with frequencies, most are easy to use.
Even so, you still need to pay close attention to the buttons and antennae. Many of the best GPS locators will have a safety latch or something to prevent errant SOS signals from going out.
Safety latch or not, make sure the button is easy to access. You’ll also want to check the antennas on any floating tracker. Positioning is always essential, but even more so in the water.
With EPIRBs, the batteries can last 5-7 years but often can’t be replaced at home. You may have to ship it off for a replacement. Some PLBs and satellite messengers have fixed or removable batteries.
While lithium-ion-based solutions seem like a great idea, any system with a rechargeable battery can cause problems. Battery life is shorter with PLBs and messengers as well, so choosing one which allows you to swap out the batteries is preferable.
You will also want to look for devices with a battery life gauge, something you may find missing unless the locator has a built-in display.
Registration
Registration is something to take seriously. While some consumers may prefer to stay off-grid, if the device is coded for the states, U.S. … law requires you to register your PLB. Once linked, you’re issued a unique number tied to data including your name, address, and any ailments you suffer from.
This allows first responders to provide the care you need quickly, but it’s something you have to keep up to date. Registration is only good for 2 years, something to remember if you ever sell your beacon or loan it out. If you want to learn more about the NOAA and its registration process, their official site has everything you need to know.
On that note, many of the PLBs and EPIRBs you find online are preset with the U.S…. country code unless stated otherwise. The devices will still work as advertised, but won’t do you much good if you are in Sri Lanka and the rescue call goes out to a team in the United States.
Some manufacturers will change the configuration of the device for you, so look before you leap if you plan to travel outside the U.S. … or live overseas.
Now that you are prepared for being stranded, let’s now prepare for backpacking safety when you are hiking solo.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Absolutely. A PLB is a one-trick pony but a good one – it sends an SOS. A satellite messenger, on the other hand, allows for two-way communication but may require a subscription. Know your gear, and choose what fits your adventure.
PLBs are designed for the toughest conditions. They’re waterproof, often float, and can withstand extreme temperatures. When you’re battling the elements, your PLB is right there with you.
Key things – durability, battery life, GPS integration, and a sturdy design. Make sure it’s registered with the appropriate authorities for maximum efficiency. It’s an investment in your safety, so choose wisely.
Regularly check the battery and test your PLB as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep it clean, dry, and readily accessible. Remember, your gear is only as good as the condition it’s in
PLBs are global lifesavers. They use an international satellite system, so whether you’re in the Sahara or the Arctic, you’re covered. Always check local regulations, though, as usage might vary.
Wrapping Up the Wilderness: The Final Word on the Best Personal Locator Beacons
As we circle back to base camp on our quest for the ultimate personal locator beacon, it’s clear that the journey through the wilds of technology and survival gear has been nothing short of an adventure. In this roundup, we’ve scaled the peaks of functionality, trekked through the valleys of reliability, and navigated the rugged terrains of user-friendliness to bring you the best PLBs on the market.
From the robust, all-weather warriors to the sleek, feature-packed devices, each personal locator beacon we reviewed promises to be a faithful companion in your outdoor escapades. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a seasoned mountaineer, or just someone who likes to be prepared, there’s a PLB tailored for your wilderness adventures.
Remember, a personal locator beacon isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s your lifeline in the great outdoors. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a story of survival and a tale of tragedy. So, invest wisely, adventure boldly, and always stay connected, no matter how far off the beaten path you roam.
Stay Safe, Stay Connected, and Keep Exploring!
Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Discover the Latest in Adventure Gear
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If you own a Personal Location Beacon PLB, you’re no doubt aware of the huge amount of life-saving potential that little device has.