Going deep into the Wilderness by yourself can be an exhilarating experience full of unexpected new adventures, which is why it’s important for anyone venturing out to have some form of backcountry SOS device. In this short guide, you’ll learn all about why it’s good to have one, how the different kinds of Satellite-based communicators work, and what the best products on the market currently are.
A Summary of Backcountry SOS Devices
There are several types of SOS devices suitable for use when you need to get help, regardless of whether it’s a day hike or a long expedition. The three most common types are:
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PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) - One-way SOS signals which can be relayed to local rescue authorities
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Satellite Messengers - Two-way systems that allow you to notify emergency services, as well as communicate with them
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Satellite-Capable Mobile Phones - Modern Smartphones that have inbuilt capabilities similar to Satellite Messengers
Furthermore, many of us who own iPhones enjoy an inbuilt feature that we might not be aware of. Since 2022, Apple has maintained Satellite-based SOS capabilities for 16th-generation devices and upwards, allowing location tracking and emergency response coordination for emergency services using everyday devices.
Additionally, several smartphone apps have been developed to provide an alternative means of sharing emergency locations. Airflare, for example, turns your device into an emergency locator if you ever need it to do so out in the backcountry. As such, personal mobile devices aren’t a replacement for traditional SOS devices, the same way that a multitool won’t offer you the same security as a survival axe, but they offer an essential backup in case things go south.
Satellite Communicators vs. PLBs
Without a doubt, Satellite Messengers are currently the most popular devices among the three in 2025. When comparing the best Satellite Communicator to PLBs, the former offers significantly more utility, primarily due to its two-way communication capability, which enables Search and Rescue to coordinate and understand unique rescue situations more easily. Additionally, satellite messengers enable you to send regular messages to family, often featuring navigation capabilities.
However, this doesn’t mean that PLBs aren’t a lost cause if you’re deciding between the two. For instance, PLBs can ping much stronger signals, especially in clear conditions, proving their reliability in the most remote areas of the world. Naturally, you will need to conduct thorough research when visiting countries with more limited search and rescue capabilities.
Furthermore, PLBs must be registered before they can be used, ensuring that your distress signal is delivered to emergency services along with important personal information. Indeed, their reliability extends to their years-long battery lives, making them a reliable companion indeed.
The Best SOS Devices to Buy
Below you will find the currently best Satellite Messenger and PLB devices on the market in 2025.
Best Satellite Communicators
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Garmin Inreach Mini 2 - Considered the overall best product available to consumers, the Mini 2 is a lightweight Satellite Communicator with a range of subscription features, including Tracking, SOS monitoring, and Weather forecast capabilities. It can be paired with smartphone devices for additional functionalities.
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Garmin GPSMAP67i - Similar to the Mini 2, the GPSMAP67i features the same basic subscription capabilities as Garmin Satellite Communicators, but is designed specifically for navigation functionality. It includes a range of sensors intended to monitor altitude and air pressure, as well as premium mapping with an additional subscription.
Best PLBs
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Ocean Signal Rescueme PLB1 - With a battery life of 7 years and excellent satellite coverage, the PLB1 is a purebred PLB designed to get your emergency signal out without fail. While minimally designed, the one-time price, which includes a warranty, makes it an affordable and reliable investment for personal locators.
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ACR Resqlink PLB - Small, lightweight, and waterproof, the Resqlink features several unique features not typically found in many PLBs, including customizable GPS messages that can be sent to emergency services. With several attachment options, this PLB is ideal for Hikers, Campers, and Climbers.
In Summary…
Choosing the right backcountry SOS device depends on what you want it to do. For rescue capabilities, consider a Satellite Messenger that integrates GPS, mapping, and two-way messaging. For a device that gets the job done with absolute reliability, pick a PLB. Don’t forget that modern Smartphones include built-in emergency functionalities; however, they shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for typical SOS devices.