One of our workers has picked up a burden for a very dangerous place. We’d love to recommend a PLB – a Personal Locator Beacon. Some of these come with extraction privileges – others don’t. Some offer two-way messaging (sort of like satellite texting) while others are one-way only (like a broadcast message to a WhatsApp group). Do you have personal experience with any of these? Any recommendation as to which is better? Is there one that you’ve used that isn’t on our list? If so, please click comment. (To see the list, click “Read More.”)
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for one-way SOS
These are ideal for users who only need a simple, subscription-free device to activate a one-way SOS signal in a life-threatening situation.
- Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1: Praised as a “Best Overall” PLB, it is compact, lightweight, and has a user-friendly interface.
- ACR ResQLink: A trusted and reliable option in marine safety, known for simple activation.
Satellite Messengers for two-way communication
These devices require a subscription but offer more features like two-way texting, sending and receiving messages, and sometimes even GPS navigation.
- Garmin inReach Messenger: Rated as a top satellite messenger, it is praised for its ease of use, solid app, and compact design.
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i: A good option for those who need a device with built-in GPS navigation.
- ZOLEO Satellite Communicator: A more budget-friendly option that is best when paired with a smartphone, as it lacks a screen.
- SPOT Gen4: A popular choice for basic check-ins and SOS messaging, but it requires a subscription and has limited features compared to some other models.
Has anyone ever actually had to use one of these beacon extractions? When you pressed the button – did they actually come and get you? If so, whoa. Please comment.
I’ve used the Garmin InReach since 2015 in a variety of countries on 6 continents and cruise ship trips. Never had to push the SOS button, but when one country turned off communications on the local state owned telecom /data network, it was the ONLY way we could get messages in and out to our HQ to let them know we were fine. Kept us from having to pull out, ending the trip. You do need a clear sky access, concrete buildings will slow capture time to get/send messages. Two way short messages, but use the Bluetooth link to a smartphone, the rocker 4 way toggle pad makes typing out messages S L O W! Caution, some countries do not allow two way satellite communicators so check before you are accused of being a spy and loosing the gear or worse. Charges off USB cable, mine has had decent battery life. Sends messages to family friends email/SMS with lat/long of where you were when you hit send, as long as you have had it on long enough to get a GPS location lock, elsewise says you were at 0,0 on equator south of Greenwich England. Subscription service required, pre-set messages aren’t as flexible as before but quick to send. Uses Inmarsat constellation so wide coverage range (Haven’t tried the poles) but 55+ North and 30+ south worked fine. Can send message that will respond with your location weather forecast for next three days. Can’t vouch for the accuracy of that service but it is there.
My organization is actually one of those that responds if the SOS is pushed on a locator. There are many that work just fine, but it’s essential to understand how the response actually works. Many devices respond through companies like GEOS, which act as a go-between for the client pushing the button and a contracted company on the ground that responds. Most response companies coordinate only. They do not have employees on the ground. Therefore, they must maintain a local network of third-party providers that can respond during a crisis. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. It all depends on how often the coordinator vets and periodically evaluates their network. Having a SPOT or Garmin is great and often necessary, but knowing and testing the response is even more important. If you are in the midst of a large-scale crisis, do they have enough resources to help everyone? Are there other large organizations that pay more for a response, therefore being prioritized in front of you? The SOS button should be a last resort, and you should have a ground response plan of your own before using it and throwing in a Hail Mary. If you want to learn more about creating your own reliable response plan, consider reaching out to an organization like Morton Executive Decisions for assistance. One more thing, many organizations exclude Level 4 countries from their plans. If you are looking for a response in countries at war or conflict zones, they are likely excluded from the SOS plan.
I do not have one but have been researching for my own use and upcoming through hike of the Appalacian Trail. I found this comparison very informative and useful.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon
I did borrow a friend’s Garmin InReach Mini for a few short trips. I found that unless it had a good clear line to the sky (ie not under many trees) messages were sluggish to go out and come in, it also would not render a weather report unless I had a very clear line of sight to the sky. I did not use the SOS function so I cannot report on that. I did read one place where the antenna of the Mini was not as robust as the that of the Garmin InReach, so take that as you will