Travelling with a 5W dashmounted UHF radio with highmounted antenna , a 2W handheld UHF , as well as a PLB , could be a reasonable all-round solution , as it would allow short-range comms should you run out of fuel or get lost , and the ability to summon assistance in particularly grave situations .
Neither , however , would allow you to simply touch base with friends and family back home .
SATELLITE MESSENGERS
Satellite messengers come in a variety of forms . The higher-end units effectively turn your smartphone into an SMS-only satellite phone , making them an excellent choice as both a means to keep in touch with friends and family , and to alert search and rescue services as to your location should you need emergency assistance .
There are numerous such devices available at various price points , from the ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator ($ 345 ) to the various SPOT messengers ( approximately $ 440 for the SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger ).
Both ZOLEO and SPOT have partnered with the private GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center , which will notify the most suitable rescue service / authority , based on your GPS location , once the device ’ s SOS function is activated .
Some satellite messengers pair with smartphone apps .
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