Every adventurer in the backcountry needs a way to reach emergency responders quickly in case of emergencies A device capable of sending signal via satellite networks should be part of every adventurer's equipment collection SOS distress signals consist of dits and dahs run together without letter spacing International Morse Code Now built-into iPhone 14 phones is this capability for immediate distress response Personal Locator Beacons PLBs If you plan to engage in any outdoor activities that could put you at risk of falling into water bodies or becoming lost, such as hiking and mountain climbing, that could place you in danger, it is wise to carry a personal locator beacon PLB or EPIRB These devices use various technologies and frequencies to send out distress signals which are heard around the globe by rescue authorities; after being transmitted they then send your exact location using its technology and satellite signal received at that moment in time An activated PLB works by either deploying its antenna or pressing an activation button, transmitting a signal to a nearby satellite tracking system, which in turn notifies local search and rescue authorities who use equipment to find people in trouble and rescue them using helicopter, boat or plane depending on availability and the circumstances surrounding their rescue mission Personal locator beacons can be utilized by people of all ages and backgrounds, but are particularly crucial for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who may lose connectivity in remote areas Such beacons could mean life or death when lost in unfamiliar territory or facing an unsafe situation Personal locator beacons PLBs are especially popular among hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts such as kayakers, anglers, mountain climbers, snowshoeists and cyclists Some businesses that provide wilderness expeditions or other adventures also include PLBs in their equipment rental packages to give clients peace of mind during their adventures As with satellite messengers we've discussed in this article, PLBs come equipped with advanced features like two-way global communication and GPS location sharing These models tend to be considered more advanced models and may cost more than simple units that only enable an SOS signal Satellite Messengers These devices, commonly referred to as satellite communicators, are an essential piece of gear for backcountry travelers and adventurers https//loneworkeralarmscomau/fall-detection/ Leveraging Iridium satellite technology, these satellite messengers offer everything from two-way messaging to real-time tracking capabilities - and more durable than phones since they work even without cellular signal coverage However, satellite messengers tend to be more expensive upfront compared to phones; additionally, subscription fees must be paid in order to activate and maintain functionality Not all satellite messengers offer only standard SOS functionality on their devices; some offer navigational functions, like compass directions to specific points or map-based tracking capabilities Though such features tend to increase upfront cost and decrease battery run time, they can make all the difference in an emergency situation where sending distress signals that will reach rescue personnel is key The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an outstanding and robust satellite communicator, featuring both navigational and SOS functions With its rugged feel and robust Iridium satellite network capabilities backed by a 24/7 response team to assist with SOS activations requests, this communicator stands up well against accidental drops on rugged trails Though not as compact and portable as Bivy Stick models, its more versatile SOS function includes texting capabilities compared to text-only models like the Bivy Stick Other satellite messengers include the Somewear Labs Global Hotspot, which transforms smartphones into satellite hotspots to allow two-way communication and tracking capabilities When tested against its counterpart, Garmin inReach Mini 2, we found this palm device was just as fast at sending SOS alerts but significantly quicker in all other aspects, including messaging, tracking and weather reports Though not as durable as dedicated satellite communicators, the iPhone 14's SOS feature remains an excellent way to get in touch with emergency services in remote locations without cell service Please keep in mind, however, that its SOS function only allows one-way communication; additionally it uses Globalstar satellite network which may limit coverage in certain countries Satellite Phones If you want to remain connected during extreme outdoor adventures, a satellite phone satphone may be your go-to device These devices are specifically designed to provide reliable voice and data communications in remote areas where cellular networks have limited or spotty coverage; they're also an invaluable asset during natural disasters when local communication systems may fail A satphone connects with satellite networks by transmitting direct digital signals from its antenna directly into space, where they reach one of Earth's satellites in orbit around Earth and are relayed back down to a terrestrial gateway or telecommunication hub where you can call anyone using compatible satellite phone service - most devices come equipped with monthly voice calling minutes allotments as well as SMS text messaging capabilities When using the SOS emergency button on a satphone, a preconfigured sequence is activated that sends out a 911 call with GPS coordinates directly to GEOS who then contacts rescue services for you in your location This feature is especially beneficial for hikers, campers and adventure enthusiasts who frequently venture into remote areas where cellular networks don't cover every corner Satphones can also be an invaluable asset to boating enthusiasts looking to remain in contact while out on the open ocean Some models feature GPS functionality so you can pinpoint your position as you navigate the waves As demand for satellite phones grows, manufacturers continue to innovate and reduce the size of these devices to make them more portable Early designs were large and bulky; today's models can fit comfortably into backpacks or the pockets of cars Many feature user-friendly interfaces with illuminated buttons with tactile feedback to ease navigation Satellite phones offer unparalleled connectivity, but require an upfront investment that exceeds traditional cell phones, and often incur minute or data usage charges that exceed those associated with traditional cellular networks Navigating all your options can be challenging; SatPhoneStore makes the experience less daunting by offering in-depth knowledge bases, online chat support and agents available by phone to guide customers towards finding their ideal solution for their needs Emergency Radios Emergency radios are essential tools for every prepper, providing essential updates and safety instructions during emergencies when cell networks and other communication systems collapse In addition to receiving NOAA weather broadcasts and local broadcast stations, emergency radios often include SOS signaling - some models feature bright flashing lights and sirens which alert rescuers of your location - plus multiple power source options including hand-crank generators, solar panels, rechargeable batteries and USB charging for cell phones and other electronics Emergency radios that offer personalized NOAA alerts provide users with the opportunity to select individual counties that will receive notifications, preventing alarms for areas that don't impact you directly They also enable users to select which weather events triggered an alert such as tornadoes and hurricanes; some models even alert users of approaching aircraft and ships When searching for the ideal emergency radio to add to your kit, the Midland ER310 should be on your shortlist Our tests found this model to be one of the top performing weather alert radios and its large "Weather" button easily provides current weather reports without needing to tune or select Furthermore, it comes equipped with an emergency checklist - making this an excellent addition for anyone who values simplicity and reliability in an emergency radio solution If you need to stay connected over long distances, an emergency radio with single side band SSB capability could be ideal These models are popular among truckers who can communicate on various channels without a license being necessary - though their range is limited at about 20 miles, but can serve as an ideal way of staying in touch with family and community members Other features to look out for in an emergency radio include the ability to adjust volume and tone, an emergency alert buzzer, and a USB port for charging phones Furthermore, opting for one with at least 2,000mAh battery capacity will guarantee it remains running if need arises