Communicating in the Backcountry
From PLBs to satellite phones, which device is right for you?
By Lauren Skonieczny | February 18, 2025
Choosing the right device all depends on where you’re going and what you’ll be using it for.
Whenever you’re prepping for time outside - whether it’s a solo backpacking trip, a SAR mission, or guiding a day hike - one thing you should always consider is how you’ll communicate in the case of an emergency.
Over the last 20 years, there have been massive leaps in outdoor communication technology, leading to expanded capabilities and a seemingly endless list of devices. Given all the options available, it’s important to understand what each type of device can do and what your specific needs might be.
Backcountry communication devices fall into a few main categories, which we’ll dive into in detail below. Before making that purchase, though, you’ll want to spend some time thinking about how, where, and why you’ll be using your device.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself in advance are:
How long will I be outdoors? This will help guide you when considering things like battery life and the need for recharging. If you do opt for a device that may need a charging boost during your expedition, you’ll want to factor in a spare external battery or solar device.
Where am I going? Even as cell phone coverage continues to expand - covering more and more parks, mountains, and wilderness areas - you can still never be totally sure that you’ll be able to make a call using your standard cell service. Depending on your phone alone is always a risk. However, if you’re headed into remote terrain, deep canyons, or mountainous areas, you’ll want to spend some extra time identifying a device that will work there and understanding how the provider may deploy a rescue.
How will I use it? You may think differentky about your communication needs if you’re traveling solo versus traveling with clients or working on a team rescue. While a simple SOS beacon may feel adequate for a personal trip, more robust two way communication may be necessary if you’re working with a team or if you have to stay in touch with a central base. Different devices have different functions and ease of use for these purposes, so you’ll want to keep this in mind.
What else am I carrying? As a result of the tech development over the last several years, many communication devices have shrunk in size considerably, with most weighing less than half a pound. However, if you’re really trying to cut the ounces, you may want to consider how much your communication set up weighs. Keep in mind that if your device needs extra charges or tethers to your phone, you’ll have to factor in external batteries or solar devices.
Now that we have some context for how you might use your device, let’s go through each category in detail.
Satellite Messengers
Satellite messengers are quickly becoming the gold standard in backcountry communication - and their capabilities and features are expanding at a breakneck speed. Devices such as the Garmin InReach, Spot X, ACR Bivy Stick, and ZOLEO Satellite Communicator all fall under this category - with new products hitting the market every year.
How it works
When you purchase a messenger, you’ll also need to secure a monthly subscription through the company that made your device. This allows you to utilize a system of commercial (as opposed to government) satellites that cover nearly every corner of the globe. The most popular networks used by major providers are Iridium and Globalstar.
These devices have an “SOS” capability and will also have either an on-device messaging function or may link to your phone via bluetooth (or both). This allows you to essentially send super-charged text messages to individual cell phones and email addresses.
In the case of an SOS activation, the signal is sent to the satellite network’s headquarters (located in Houston for Iridium and San Diego for Globalstar) where dispatch will confirm the signal location and notify local law enforcement.
The Pros
Many outdoor adventurers prefer satellite messengers for their ability to communicate in a variety of ways. The two-way function allows for ongoing communication with responders in the case of an emergency and allows you to provide details about your situation - which will result in more specific resources being sent more quickly.
The ability to message with individuals also allows you to communicate with family and friends or - if you’re working in a professional capacity - to keep your organization updated on your trip’s status. You can also receive messages and weather reports, so you can stay up to date on important happenings.
Many of these devices also have a tracking (commonly called “breadcrumb”) feature which allows you to leave a track of locations on a publicly available link. With this feature, you can rest assured that SAR teams will have some clues to your location even in the event that you’re unable to activate a response yourself. This feature can be a drain on battery, though, so you’ll want to plan for its use and set your track frequency accordingly.
The Cons
Satellite messengers do require a small monthly fee - usually starting around $12-15, so the ongoing cost can be a drawback if you don’t need your device often.
If you opt for a satellite messenger, you will also need to consider battery life. Though recent years have seen a monumental improvement in this area, these devices are subject to some constraints - especially if they’re being used often and/or are in extreme temperatures.
Additionally, not every product has on-device messaging capabilities, which means you’ll also need to consider the battery life of your linked cell phone. If you’re using a device that does not have on-device messaging, you’ll often still have access to the SOS feature if your phone dies, but you’ll lose the benefits of the two-way features.
Since satellite messengers use a commercial satellite network as opposed to a governmental one, they’re also slightly more limited in their transmission capabilities. They also have a reduced wattage output compared to a PLB, for example. This can often result in longer send-times for messages if you’re in dense foliage, canyons, or mountainous terrain without a clear view of the sky. In such areas, it can take several minutes to send or receive a text message or weather report.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
Today’s land base PLBs evolved from those used for nautical purposes. These devices are designed to be carried on your person and are single-use and one-way. In other words, they can send out an SOS call with your location for quick dispatch, but they cannot receive any acknowledgement or return communication.
Personal Locator Beacons - like the ACR ResQLink PLB - are an option for sending an emergency SOS with your location.
How it works
When you purchase a PLB, you’ll go through a registration process. The device will be linked to you and your emergency information will be stored on file with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The PLB’s battery remains dormant until the device is activated in an emergency. At that time, the device continuously transmits your location and unique ID code via a network of worldwide, high orbit satellites.
Since the battery stays in this dormant state until it’s activated, it can go as long as five years without a charge. Once the device starts transmitting, it will send a continuous signal for at least 24 hours (often longer, depending on temperature).
Once the distress signal is received, local emergency response will be notified of the call, your identity, and any important information on file. They can then deploy search and rescue to your location.
The Pros
The biggest advantages of a PLB over another device is its long battery life. Currently, these batteries are designed to last for at least five years, which means you’re not in trouble if you forget to charge them before your trip.
While you do have to be sure to keep your registration current, these devices also don’t require a subscription fee. That means that after your initial purchase (usually around $400), you have no ongoing costs to consider.
Personal Locator Beacons also utilize satellite systems that are in a higher orbit than their satellite messenger counterparts and they typically have a higher wattage of output power (5 watts vs 1.6 watts for messengers). As a result, many users do claim that PLBs can result in a faster response time - as the distress signal is received more reliably and can be sent through even dense foliage. The typical time from sending a signal to SAR activation is about 10 minutes or less.
In 2017, the requirements for the GPS signals sent by these devices changed from a 2-3 mile radius to a 100 meter radius - so you can rest assured that rescue teams will be working with a pretty specific location as they set out in response.
The Cons
While they’re able to send a powerful signal and activate a quick response, the biggest drawback of a PLB device is the inability for two-way communication.
These devices can only send one kind of transmission - an SOS. Dispatchers receiving the call may have no context to help them decide what resources to allocate. As a result, they may either have to assume it’s a major emergency (sending resources that may not be necessary and could jeopardize other calls) or - if in an area with a high rate of false alarms - may assume low urgency until they can get more information.
You also cannot communicate with anyone other than emergency responders, limiting your capabilities to reach family, friends, or organizational supervisors.
Response teams are also unable to communicate with you to ask questions or provide guidance that could be helpful as you manage a situation on site.
Lastly, PLBs are considered single use - they can only be activated once before their battery has to be replaced and they have to be re-registered. It’s also possible that you may activate the beacon by mistake if you’re not careful - an accident that could leave you and a SAR team with quite a surprise.
Satellite Phones and Internet
Traditional satellite phones have been around for over a half century and continue to be essential to organizations responding to large scale disasters or with long term bases in remote locations. However, for outdoor expeditions and personal use, these devices are becoming more and more rare as other devices continue to evolve.
Companies such as ViaSat, Telesat, and Starlink have also grown quickly in the satellite-based internet space. These companies offer devices that connect to the internet via a similar satellite network and allow you to connect your phone or other devices even if you’re far from cellular networks. You can then use your devices’ features and, depending on your service access, utilize mobile calling.
For either option, you’ll need to purchase the device (the actual phone or the hot spot device) and pay an ongoing subscription. Satellite phones will also likely have a per-minute charge as well.
Satellite phones use a network of commercial satellites facilitate communication in remote locations.
How it works
Satellite phones - such as those made by Iridium, Gloablstar, Inmarsat, and Thuraya (outside of the Americas only) - are mobile phones that connect to networks via commercial satellites, rather than land-based cellular towers. As a result, they have more robust coverage and allow you to make phone calls, send texts, and even access the internet in remote locations.
Both satellite phones and satellite-based hot spots use the commercial, lower orbit satellite networks mentioned above. To get best results, you’ll need line-of-sight to the sky, so heavily foliaged areas and canyons can result in some service disruptions.
The Starlink Roam provides satellite internet via a portable device.
The Pros
Being able to utilize all the features of a mobile device is certainly appealing. With access to the internet, you can find information for the specific issue you’re managing, find trail and weather conditions, look up exit routes, etc - in addition to all the two-way communication capabilities.
The speed of information exchange in a voice conversation is also immensely important if you’re in an emergency situation. For this reason, there are certainly benefits to having a device with voice capabilities.
The Cons
Between the cost of equipment and subscription and use fees, the price can add up quickly if you go this route. Many of the features with these options may be excessive for someone who simply needs something for personal use. However, for those managing larger scale or very high risk operations, they may be worth the investment.
These devices may also be available for rent, which can help manage the cost if you’re looking for short term use.
Battery life is also a huge consideration when it comes to these devices. Satellite phones and hot spots typically do not have battery lives longer than a few days - especially with heavy use - so you’ll need access to consistent and reliable charging. This is why these devices are more often used in situations where there is a base or central location with access to power.
Other Communication Devices
Cell Phones with Satellite
Many cell phone companies are also adding satellite network access as a feature to their devices. Newer generation iPhones, for example, allow you to send emergency SOS calls and messages via satellite; and generation 14 and later models also include the capability to use iMessage via satellite.
Newer generation iPhones now allow users to access a satellite SOS and messaging feature.
These features use the same commercial satellite as mentioned above, so they’ll work best if you have line of sight to the sky and, even then, it may take some time for messages to be completely sent and received.
Of course, access to these features depends on your cell phone having adequate battery. Since cell phones are not designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, being anywhere very hot or cold can inhibit their function considerably, so it’s very much advised not to rely solely on your phone for emergency situations.
Two Way Radios
If your main need is to keep in touch with team members in the field and/or a nearby base, there is also the option for two-way radio communication. This is the preferred method for many SAR teams as they are easy to set up and use and allow for efficient, real time, two-way and team-wide conversations.
In order to transmit on VHF (very high frequency) or UHF (ultra high frequency) - the two frequency bands most used by these devices - you do need a license with the FCC, so these devices are usually limited to use in official settings.
Always be sure to familiarize yourself with protocols, etiquette, and FCC regulations before using a two-radio radio on VHF or UHF.
There are also radios that use FRS (family radio service) that can be used for intrateam communication - such as between multiple group leaders on a trip - without an FCC license. These are essentially high functioning “walkie-talkies” that use a consumer-designated UHF range.
All of these devices rely on radio waves of varying frequency. Because these waves are transmitted directly from point-to-point (as opposed to a satellite relay), they can be heavily impacted by objects, dense vegetation, geological features, buildings, and long distances. Repeaters and manual relays are options that can extend the distances covered by these devices.
If using these devices and frequencies, it’s important to be familiar with radio etiquette and your team’s specific protocols, especially if you’re communicating personal or sensitive information about a subject. These frequencies are shared and you also should always consider who else may be receiving your signal and able to listen to your communications.
Avalanche Transceivers
If you spend any time in mountainous areas in the winter, or if you work on ski patrol, you may also be familiar with avalanche transceivers (often referred to as “beacons,” though the term “transceivers” is preferred). These devices are in a class of their own and work completely differently from PLBs or any of the other devices mentioned so far.
Avalanche transceivers function specifically for fast, local response to burial by avalanche and are no intended to be used in other settings.
This device is worn firmly attached to the torso when traveling in snowy areas where avalanches are possible. Most devices come with a harness and clear instructions to ensure the transceiver stays on your body if an avalanche occurs. While traveling, the device remains in “transmit” or “send” mode, which allows it to send a continuous signal at 457 kHz.
In the event of an avalanche where a subject is buried, any potential rescuers nearby with a transceiver device can flip it into “search” mode. This will show the distance to and direction of the signal, allowing them to locate the subject and start digging them out.
With technological advances, there are so many amazing tools to keep outdoorspeople safe. However, it’s always important to remember that a piece of equipment is only as good as your ability to use it. So be sure that you’re staying up to date on product updates, reading instructions thoroughly, and always doing thorough preparation before any outdoor adventure.
Stay safe out there!
