A simple guide to buying your first PLB or Satellite Messenger
I have put off buying a PLB or Satellite Messenger for years! Number one because they’re expensive. Number 2 because I didn’t feel qualified to know which one to buy. And number 3 because I’m a boyfriend sponge and we take his on backcountry adventures. But the more we hike, climb and paraglide outdoors, the more I realise I need to put my big girl safety pants on and buy my own, because Mother Nature won’t always choose to spare the SOS device holders.
So if you’re anything like me and have PLB or Satellite Messenger purchasing stage fright, fret no more. I’ve created a simple guide to buying your first backcountry PLB or Satellite Messenger device.
Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links; I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!
What is a PLB?
PLB stands for Personal Locator Beacon. It’s an emergency device you can carry into the backcountry with a button that will alert authorities of your whereabouts if someone is experiencing distress, injury, or is unresponsive. Shortly after pushing the button, Search and Rescue teams will receive your signal location and begin planning your rescue.
What is a Satellite Messenger?
Satellite Messengers are similar to PLBs, but they can be used to send messages in areas with no mobile phone reception. Each brand and subscription model contains different features, but basically they assist in staying in touch with loved ones and communication with Search and Rescue. Fancy features can include sending automatic tracking way points, photos, voice messages and utilising maps and navigation, etc.
Why should I carry one?
Specifically:
You’re climbing in a remote crag, and your partner gets knocked out on the rope.
You’re backcountry hiking and you snap your leg.
You’re flying in an area with no reception, and you float off over the ridge and slowly descend into the top of a tree.
Less specifically:
For your safety and the safety of others.
Reassure folks back home.
Increase the speed and likelihood of rescue when needed.
Where should I take my emergency device?
Maybe it sounds ridiculous, but “backcountry” is considered anywhere 1km away from a highway or park road not accessible by vehicles. A little discretion is required if you feel that what you’re going to do is simple and low risk.
Do PLB’s and Satellite Messengers work in every country?
The short answer is yes, but response times can vary between countries, especially countries lacking in response resources. Also, it’s worth researching before travelling with your device whether the country holds any restrictions on using it.
Registering your device?
If or when you do buy a PLB or Satellite Messenger, it’s important to register it online. Depending on which country you are living in, you will need to register it in your country’s online registry. Updates should be made to your registered device every 2 years if applicable and when transferring ownership at the sale of your device.
Let’s compare some PLB’s
ACR Resqlink PLB-400 - Personal Locator Beacon
Weight 144g
No subscriptions
Easy use
Waterproof / Floats
Must replace the battery every 5 years
Weight 367g
No subscriptions
Easy use
SOS light
Waterproof
Must replace the battery every 6 years.
Let’s compare some Satellite Messengers
Weight 100g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send two-way text messages (Preset or custom-typed messages)
Connects to your phone
Location sharing
Optional weather forecast service
Digital compass
Trip planning / Tracback routing
Rechargeable battery
Waterproof
Price Average: $680 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Basic Monthly Subscription: $25+
Activation Fee: $70
For a cheaper option! InReach Mini price Average: $530 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee. This InReach has fewer features.
Weight 117.2g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send 2-way text messages, photos and voice messages
Connects to your phone
Location sharing / GPS live tracking
Optional weather forecast service
Trip planning / Tracback routing
Rechargeable battery
Waterproof
Price Average: $900 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Basic Monthly Subscription: $25+
Activation Fee: $70
Weight 142g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send 1-way text messages (Preset or custom-typed messages)
Connects to your phone
Location sharing
4x AAA Batteries
Waterproof
Price Average: $230 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Monthly Subscription: $19+
Activation Fee: $46
Weight 198.4g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send 2-way text messages (Preset or custom-typed messages)
Connects to your phone
Location sharing / GPS Tracking
Compass
Rechargeable
Waterproof
Price Average: $400 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Basic Monthly Subscription: $19
Activation Fee: $46
Weight 150g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send 2-way text messages (Preset or custom-typed messages)
Connects to your phone
Location sharing / GPS Track Points
Weather forecasts
Rechargeable
Waterproof
Price Average: $345 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Basic Monthly Subscription: $32+ AUD
Activation Fee: $40 AUD
Weight 113.4g
Monthly subscription with a one-time activation fee
Send 2-way text messages (Preset or custom-typed messages)
Connects to your phone
Location sharing
Rechargeable
Waterproof
Price Average: $430 AUD + Monthly Subscription / Activation Fee
Basic Monthly Subscription: $23
Activation Fee: $25+
I hope that helps! This is a simple guide to help you get an idea of your PLB and Satellite Messenger options. More specs and information can be found on each devices website.