How to Choose the Best Satellite Messenger or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for Hiking

Introduction

Let me start by saying I am NOT an expert on satellite communication or personal location devices. I’m just a hiker who wanted to know what device was best for my PCT thru-hike and went down the rabbit hole of research (Google, YouTube, FB hiking groups) to find out. What I found was that there are many reviews of specific devices and some comparison reviews of two or more devices, but I didn’t see a good overview of all the different types of devices and their features.

As you will see, different devices are suited to different needs, so there really is no “best” option, even if you will commonly see one or two recommended more than the rest. I hope that this article will help you decide what kind of device might meet your needs and that it will help you create a shortlist of possible devices to research further.

Three Types of Devices

There are three basic types of emergency devices:

1. Personal location beacon (PLB) devices offer an emergency SOS signal function with no subscription needed and a long battery life. You only use a PLB in an actual emergency situation. PLBs use the NOAA (COSPAS-SARSAT) satellite system for their distress signal rather than the Iridium and Globalstar satellite systems popular with the other communication devices. They use a separate homing signal for location tracking after the distress signal has been sent. Your PLB must be registered in the country where you live (and the device may be pre-programmed with a code of the country where it was purchased, so buy it in your home country). If you travel to another country, your device will inform your GPS coordinates to your registration country and they will contact the rescue team of the country where you are. The registration of a PLB is valid for two years and thus you should re-register it every two years.
2. One-way satellite communication devices offer SOS, one-way only communication via preset messages, and sometimes tracking features as well. A plan is required for all features, including SOS. This can be useful if you only want to keep loved ones updated on your progress, location and safety, but don’t need two-way satellite communication ability (e.g., you can wait until you have mobile service).
3. Two-way satellite communication devices offer SOS, two-way communication, tracking, and sometimes other features. They typically pair with your mobile phone and an associated app to accomplish basic or advanced features. A plan is required for all features, including SOS. This is the most robust (and expensive) option and is good for when you want to be sure you can stay in touch with loved ones whether you have mobile phone service or not.

Features

The first, most fundamental, decision you need to make is whether you want communication and/or tracking features or you just want a device in case of an emergency requiring medical attention or an evacuation. If the latter, a PLB (probably combined with your mobile phone when you have service) is the best choice. It’s a one-time purchase, fairly light, and the battery lasts for year (typically 5-10 years).

If you (or your loved ones!) decide you need to stay in touch reliably, regardless of mobile phone service, you will want a satellite communication device. These devices vary on features and price. The following are features hikers commonly consider.

Of the list above, I think the four most important for many hikers are:

1. The ability to communicate only by pairing with a mobile phone or directly via the device
2. Preset messages (customizable or not) vs. customized messaging
3. Size/weight
4. Price

The Contenders

Now that you know what types of features to consider, let’s take a look at the most popular options on the market.

Personal Location Beacons (PLB)

There are three main PLB devices that I have seen discussed and recommended for hikers.

ACR ResQLink 420 and 425

The ACR ResQLink 425 View model ($369.95 on Amazon) is 5.3 oz. (150 g), has a 5 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 28 hours operational battery life, and a digital display which shows live beacon status and GPS coordinates. It is waterproof and floats and has a built-in strobe and infrared strobe to facilitate nighttime or other low visibility rescues. The 420 ($319.95 on Amazon) is essentially the same device without the digital display and a slightly lower active battery life (24 hours).

Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1

The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 ($309.95 on Amazon) is 4.14 oz. (116 g), has a 7 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 24+ hour operational battery life, and has a cradle mounting system that can be easily fitted onto your backpack. It is waterproof (does not float unless you use the supplied free flotation pouch) and it has a built-in strobe to facilitate nighttime or other low visibility rescues.

McMurdo FAST FIND 220

The McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon ($255 on Amazon) is 5.4 oz. (152 g), has a 6 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 24+ hour operational battery life, and has a cradle mounting system that can be easily fitted onto your backpack. It is waterproof (does not float unless you use the supplied free flotation pouch) and it has a Morse code flashing SOS light which can be used to attract attention.

Satellite Communicators

My goal here is not to provide a detailed look at each of these options. Instead, I will provide a basic table with the key features I mentioned above and a short note about whether and/or how those features are supported so you can get an idea about which may or may not suit your needs. After you have a shortlist of devices you are considering, definitely visit the product pages and search for online reviews to get more details.

NOTE: I have included direct links to the subscription plan pages for each device.

ACR Bivy Stick

Garmin inReach (Explorer+ and Mini)

Higher Ground SatPaq

Somewear Global Hotspot

SPOT Gen4

SPOT X

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

About the SOS Function

The various satellite devices use either the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) (formerly owned by GEOS but bought by Garmin in 2020) or Global Rescue to monitor and handle your SOS call and dispatch the appropriate Search and Rescue based on your location. PLBs use whichever service is in operation in the country where you register the device, which is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States.

Depending on your location and needs, you may be responsible for any cost associated with a rescue operation. In the U.S., many states provide SAR services for free. You should check this before you start a long thru-hike. I have read that most or all of the PCT is free, but I haven’t verified this. If you know for sure about any of the Triple Crown trails, please let me know in the comments.

Also note that some countries require prior permission for the authorized use of a satellite communication device and some countries have banned the use of satellite communications devices. In addition, United States embargoes prohibit providing satellite communications products and services in some countries. The list of countries provided by ARC includes: China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, Russia (and Crimea region of the Ukraine), Thailand, Vietnam. The list provided by Garmin includes those and adds: Georgia, Myanmar, Sudan, and Syria.

About the Weather Function

Some of the devices use Dark Sky. Andrew Skurka claims that it poorly predicts mountain weather. It was also purchased by Apple so it is unclear if it will continue to be supported in the future.

False Sense of Security

Having some sort of emergency signalling device is very prudent, but keep in mind that you will need a clear view of the sky, possession of the device (and, depending on which you are using, a functioning smart phone) on your person, and the physical ability to activate the SOS feature. Any or all of these essentials may not be in place when you most need them. Whenever possible, try to hike with others, keep loved ones informed of your itinerary and regularly check in, and have some kind of plan in place in case you become unreachable.

Which One to Choose?

If you just spent some time reviewing the features for each device, you may be scratching your head a bit about which device is best for you. I feel your pain. I am still trying to decide for myself as I write this.

I like the simplicity of a basic PLB, especially since I don’t really need to maintain always-on contact with family. I am fine with just messaging via my mobile phone if and when I have service. But, I also like the idea of having one of the lighter two-way communication devices with a rechargeable battery and the ability to activate and de-activate a plan for my infrequent long hikes. I also think the various features that the associated mobile apps offer are a nice little added bonus as I probably care more about weather alerts and mapping than I do about tracking or always-on messaging.

So, as I write this, my short list includes the ACR Bivy Stick, inReach Mini, and Somewear Global Hotspot.

I have read too many negative things about the quality of the SPOT network to consider either of those devices.

I hesitate to add the Zoleo to that list because of the weight and the $4 inactive plan fee.

Somewear seems like the best value for plan pricing but at the moment it is sold out. I don’t know if that is due to COVID-related supply chain issues or if it indicative of a possible problem with the future of the company and it’s service.

Everyone raves about the inReach Mini and there is something appealing about its size, weight and on-device functionality, but it’s pricing isn’t well suited to my infrequent usage needs and I don’t like that it has no cellular or WiFi messaging capabilities. It would also be nice if it used a Type C USB cable (NOTE: the newer Mini 2 does).

I think in the past the Bivy Stick had some negative reviews but it seems like it has improved a lot (especially its mobile app) since being bought by ACR. I don’t like that you are required to purchase one of the higher-leel plans for four months before you can switch to the lower plan or pause the account but it’s low initial price does help offset that additional cost.

Here’s my totally subjective look at best options for the different features on offer.

I hope you found this overview of PLB devices and satellite communicators useful. If you have any personal experiences, opinions, or recommendations, please leave a comment.

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