Beacons

Recent Beacon Reviews

SPOT Gen3

Very slow sending—awful customer support. I bought a Spot Gen 3 on Amazon (sold out on REI) for my first overnight four-day backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail. A couple things about the device itself: the construction is flimsy. The "waterproof" USB cap barely stays in place, which would likely result in the device being destroyed in rain, a fall into a river-crossing, or any other liquid-involved accident. Imagine falling into a river, breaking a bone, and your only way to let someone… Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Best option on the market for a cross between a locator beacon and a cell phone when cell coverage is not available. GPS features aren't great for typical Garmin products, but still serves its purpose. Overall it's a great product and I feel it will serve its purpose well for my upcoming solo backpacking trip in Alaska where cell coverage is non-existent. I don't really need the mapping ability, but it was a nice plus. The primary reason I bought it was for the SOS capability, secondary was to… Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

If you're looking to combine your messaging and GPS needs into one device, this is it. I've acquired this GPS for a solid price of $300 through incentives of my workplace, and its the best $300 I've spent on gear. This GPS has accompanied me on any challenging hike, backpacking trip, backcountry skiing, or any trip into the mountains.  Communication (Requires subscription) As shown in some pictures I've uploaded, this GPS doesn't anything special in terms of features. But what it does do it does… Full review

DeLorme inReach SE

The safety of an SOS button connected via satellite to a monitoring response team combined with features you can use on every trip. Those features include two-way texting including localized weather reports, live updating of your personal online map and others you can choose or ignore as desired. The device and subscription service are not cheap, but for those venturing far afield, especially those who go alone, it gives a good return on the investment. Lots of function packed into a pretty small… Full review

DeLorme inReach Explorer

I use my inReach in Alaska where there is no cell service.  When boating or cross-country skiing I can post my location to Facebook every hour or every 4-hours and restrict this information to specific users. I can also text to cell phones or email accounts to let folks know about my trip. The InReach also has an emergency SOS button in case emergency help is needed. Full review

DeLorme inReach Explorer

This is a must have item on a backcountry thru hike! GPS satellite communication device with tracking and text messaging capability and SOS. I bought this device at a recent REI Garage sale for a steal! I've been wanting one for a long time and now I own one! I activated it immediately, which was easy to do. There are multiple different plans to choose from. I have loaded more than 50 trails and routes to the device and it is amazing! I'm super excited to have this device for my upcoming JMT thru… Full review

ACR ResQLink+

Lightweight, small, and has the reliability of ACR behind it (I trust ACR locators). The ACR ResQLink+ is a replacement for my old heavy ACR TerraFix 406 PLB. The ResQLink+ is 1/4 the size of the old PLB and about 1/6 the weight of the older model. I had to use my old old PLB when I tore my right quad tendon while hiking White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah NP. Help did not arrive until I reached the parking lot. I got help from some ice climbers and a father and daughter out for the day.   At that time,… Full review

ACR ResQLink+

I rate this PLB a full 5.0 as it has the strongest signal and over a 4-6 year period is less expensive then either the Spot 3 or the DeLorme. Ease of Use:   The ResQLink cannot be easier to use. One button to test. One button to call for help. Features:   Two button operation, easy to use Signal goes directly to Search and Rescue, rather then a call center Built-in strobe light Construction and Durability: - Well, I just purchased it, but it seems very well made Conditions: Took it into the Grand… Full review

DeLorme inReach SE

It worked when I really needed it in the Sierras (and was a comfort in Mongolia). I bought this device as my "rattlesnake plan." My plan is to always carry it on hikes as my Plan B if I get bitten (or break a leg, etc) too far from the trailhead for cell service and too far for my wife to find her way out (poor sense of direction). I bought it on sale at REI--$50 off plus $50 service credit, so effectively $200. I've used it on numerous day hikes in the SF Bay area and the Sierras and I used it… Full review