Let’s talk about getting lost. Whether you’re an adventurer scaling the rugged peaks of the Rockies, a hiker who insists that all trails are just “suggestions,” or someone who’s convinced they have an internal compass (spoiler: you probably don’t), getting lost is never fun. And sometimes, a GPS signal and your trusty smartphone just won’t cut it. This is where Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) come in—little gadgets that are like the digital equivalent of screaming, “Hey, I’m here, come get me!” into the void.
But not all PLBs are created equal. Some are rugged enough to survive your “let’s see what happens when I jump off this ledge” moments. Others are so lightweight and sleek you’ll forget they’re in your pack until you desperately need them. So, if you’re planning to get really lost in 2025, here are the best Personal Locator Beacons you should consider carrying along for the ride.
Buckle up (or, you know, clip on your carabiner) and let’s dive in.
1. Garmin inReach Mini 2
Ah, Garmin. The brand that makes you feel like you’re just one piece of gear away from becoming Bear Grylls. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a tiny powerhouse. It’s so small it’ll fit in your pocket, yet it packs a punch with its satellite connectivity and two-way messaging.
One of the standout features is the ability to text your friends and family even when you’re deep in the wilderness, where cell towers fear to tread. The real-time tracking feature means your loved ones can follow your adventure in real time, so if you’ve promised to check in every hour and suddenly disappear, they’ll know something’s up. Or they’ll assume you just found a really cool view and got distracted. Either way, it’s peace of mind for everyone.
The inReach Mini 2 also comes with a snazzy SOS feature that beams your distress signal to the GEOS 24/7 response center. Translation: if you accidentally fall into a crevasse or lose your way in the desert, you’re not left relying on that one survival skill you saw on YouTube. Help is on the way.
Pros: Compact, lightweight, two-way messaging, reliable SOS.
Cons: Requires a subscription for satellite services (yeah, freedom does have a price).
2. ACR ResQLink View
The ACR ResQLink View is like that friend who’s quiet, dependable, and comes through for you in a crisis. No frills, no nonsense—just pure survival vibes. This PLB is rugged, buoyant (it floats, because sometimes “land” isn’t the problem), and equipped with a small digital display to keep you updated on what’s happening.
It’s super easy to use. When you’re in a pinch, flip the antenna, press the button, and voila! Your distress signal is sent up to satellites faster than you can say “help.” The integrated LED strobe and infrared strobe help rescuers pinpoint your location even when visibility is worse than your phone’s 3 a.m. brightness setting.
The best part? No subscription. Once you buy this bad boy, you’re good to go. And with a battery that lasts up to five years, it’s a solid investment for your “just in case I get lost” contingency plan.
Pros: No subscription, reliable, waterproof, built-in strobes, easy to use.
Cons: No two-way communication—it’s a one-way “save me!” button.
3. Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1
Let’s say you want something small—like “slip-it-in-your-jeans-pocket” small. The Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1 is the world’s smallest PLB, but don’t let its size fool you. This little guy is all about making a big impact when you need it most.
It’s waterproof, rugged, and floats when you use the included flotation pouch. Activation is a breeze: pop the antenna, hit the button, and the RescueME beams your distress signal to a global network of satellites. It’s like sending a flare into space, but with more tech wizardry.
A nifty feature is the 7-year battery life. That’s right, seven years of not worrying if your beacon will fail you in the middle of your “solo off-grid enlightenment” journey. It also doesn’t need a subscription, so once you buy it, it’s ready for action.
Pros: Tiny, waterproof, long battery life, no subscription.
Cons: No two-way messaging, may be easy to lose if you’re prone to misplacing small things.
4. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
If you’re someone who likes to stay connected, even when the wilderness is trying to cut you off, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a winner. This PLB is a sleek, smart gadget that lets you send messages via satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi—whatever’s available.
The ZOLEO pairs with your smartphone, giving you a seamless way to text, check the weather forecast, and, of course, trigger an SOS if things go south. The device also has its own dedicated phone number, so your friends and family can text you directly, like they’re chatting with someone who isn’t halfway up a mountain.
The SOS function is reliable and connects you to 24/7 emergency services, so if your “fun adventure” turns into “I need a helicopter right now,” you’re covered.
Pros: Two-way messaging, integrates with your smartphone, weather forecasts, reliable SOS.
Cons: Needs a subscription to unlock full features, not as rugged as some other PLBs.
5. SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger
For those who want something simple and sturdy, the SPOT Gen4 is a solid choice. It’s a little bigger than some of the other options, but it makes up for that with sheer reliability. Plus, it’s got that “no-nonsense adventurer” vibe.
The SPOT Gen4 is great for keeping your loved ones updated on your location. It’s got a check-in button, a custom message button, and the all-important SOS button. If you’re trekking through remote areas and just want a quick, “I’m fine, don’t worry!” message sent out every now and then, this PLB is perfect.
The tracking feature lets your friends follow along, so if you’re the type who says, “Meet me in the middle of nowhere,” they’ll know exactly where that is. And if things go wrong, one push of the SOS button sends your coordinates to emergency services.
Pros: Reliable tracking, simple to use, rugged design.
Cons: Subscription required, no two-way messaging.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right Personal Locator Beacon for your adventures is like choosing the right hiking boots—it’s all about what fits your needs best. If you’re a minimalist who wants a “set it and forget it” device, the ACR ResQLink View or Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1 are perfect. They’re reliable, no-frills, and ready when you need them.
If you’re a chatterbox who insists on staying connected even in the wildest places, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 or ZOLEO Satellite Communicator will be your best pals. Two-way messaging, weather updates, and GPS tracking make these devices feel like the Swiss Army knives of the PLB world.
And if you want something dependable that lets your friends know where you are while still offering that all-important SOS button, the SPOT Gen4 has your back.
Whatever you pick, remember: PLBs are like insurance. You hope you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be very glad it’s there.
So get out there, explore the wild, and maybe, just maybe, don’t rely on your “unbeatable sense of direction” this time. Pack a PLB. Your future self—lost, cold, and possibly a little embarrassed—will thank you.