How to Communicate in a Truly Remote Location
These days, we can rely on our phones to communicate almost anywhere. But if you are traveling in a really remote area, you may find yourself miles away from any signal. Here’s how to prepare.
Don’t rely on your phone
If your phone dies, it’s no longer your flashlight, your map, or your first aid source. Don’t go off the beaten path without a map, compass, and the know-how of using them . Learn first aid in the wild . Bring a real flashlight with a ton of batteries and a whistle for low-tech emergency communications. Tell someone where you are going, when you plan to return, and what to do if you do not return.
A backup battery can help keep your phone on, but in rural areas you may not have any signal. Here’s where seemingly old-fashioned technology can come in handy: handheld GPS devices can track your location even when your phone isn’t up to the job. Meanwhile, two-way radio is a way to communicate with travel friends who are nearby, but not within earshot.
Consider a Personal Beacon (PLB)
If you don’t need a subscription-based device, a personal radio beacon can be your “just in case” device. According to REI , PLB batteries last for years and have a stronger signal than satellite messengers. Cost about $ 300, no subscription. They have only one task: to call the rescue team and tell them where you are . These things will remain unused in your backpack until the day you fall off a cliff or get stuck in quicksand, and then you’ll be glad you have them.
Send messages to friends and emergency services using satellite messenger
Satellite messenger is a device designed for travelers that allows you to send messages, including your whereabouts, to emergency services, and often to friends and family for non-emergency purposes. Apart from the cost of purchasing them, they also require an approximate monthly subscription fee of $ 25 per month. To buy a device, prices range from $ 150 for a device that is just a messenger to $ 400 or more for something that is also a GPS with built-in maps.