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If you’re an avid hiker, camper, or outdoor explorer, chances are you’ve encountered a fellow adventurer carrying a personal beacon. These compact location tracking and communication devices can be your lifeline when you’re off the grid, helping you track your group, stay connected and send out an emergency signal if you need help right away.
What Is a Personal Beacon?
A personal beacon is a small device that tracks your location when you are off the grid. It allows you to send a distress signal via satellite communication in order to alter the proper authorities with your location. Personal beacons can be used when you’re in the wild, or when you are operating a plane or boat. In addition to being able to locate you, personal beacons can also be used to send text messages in areas that don’t typically get cell service, because they are satellite communication devices.
Do You Need a Personal Beacon?
Personal beacons are a must-have safety tool if you typically engage in activities that take you off the grid and make communicating in conventional ways difficult. If you are going somewhere where you’d bring a first aid kit or any other survival gear, it’s a smart idea to bring a personal beacon as well. They can make all the difference in getting you help if you ever find yourself lost or in an emergency situation.
What Are the Best Personal Beacons?
As you search for the best personal beacon, it’s important to take your budget into account as well as the personal beacon’s overall durability and battery life. Since personal beacons are designed to be your aid in an emergency situation, robust battery life is extremely important. Most personal beacons are compatible with both Android and IOS, but it’s important to confirm that the personal beacon you’re interested in is compatible with the type of phone you use before you make the purchase.
