23
Nov
We could all benefit from spending more time in nature. The chaos of our daily lives can easily make us want a digital break. As enjoyable camping and hiking can be, you need to plan your trip ahead and make sure you stay safe at all times. How far you take your outdoor adventure depends on you knowing your abilities and limits.
Steering clear of anything, even remotely resembling digital, while enjoying the outdoors is a great experience. While many people find unplugging an essential part of immersing themselves into nature, there is always the possibility that one might get into a life-threatening situation in the backcountry, miles away from help. You may venture off the grid, but it’s important to always stay in touch. Personal locator beacons (PLBs) are the best options for sending distress signals when it seems like all hope of reasonable rescue is lost.
PLB is beneficial when you’re going into an environment where you may fall into a body of water or may end up being lost in an area where telephone signals are not available. A personal locator beacon is a perfect solution for acquiring help and rescue that can come from rescue authorities, colleagues, friends, or nearby monitoring assets. The main purpose of using a PLB is to be able to send an SOS in an emergency. It’s a satellite-synced device that sends an SOS signal to rescue agencies, including your location. You won’t have to worry about being within range of a cell tower or encountering spotty coverage in fringe zones or blackout areas.
source: outdoorpursuites.com
The latest technology advancements allow you to send messages to your loved ones and have more features available, such as navigation, weather forecast service, etc. For even more capability and conveniences, such as access to unlimited maps, aerial imagery and more, you can pair it with your mobile phone.
PLB works worldwide, but coverage varies by brand, so make sure to check properly before purchasing one. Look for a tough, durable, impact-resistant and water-resistant device that can keep you up and running regardless of weather conditions. Rechargeable batteries are an important feature as well and can make your backcountry experience more comfortable. Battery life range from a couple of days to 10 to 20 days. You can recharge the battery via the standard micro USB power cable or in-vehicle 12V charger.
It relies on GPS satellites for location information and commercial satellite networks for communication. Emergency distress signals are routed to the GEOS, the world leader in emergency response solutions and monitoring. They’ve supported rescues in 140 countries and saved many lives. They’re available 24/7/365 and will respond to your SOS, track your device and notify the right contacts and emergency responders in the area where you are. And while you’re waiting for the help to arrive, GEOS will keep texting you, providing updates and crucial information until your situation is sorted out.
When you’re travelling abroad, make sure to check if using a GPS device is permitted in the country where you’re going. Even though the device relies on global satellite networks and works worldwide, responses may not be as robust in certain areas where search and rescue contacts are limited.
As previously said, the latest technology advancements provide many additional features that may be helpful to you on your off-grid adventure. Depending on model and brand, you can find devices with waypoint tracking and reporting your progress to people at home. Also, there is TOPO-map navigation and weather reports, as well as altimeter and barometer functions. Also, you may be able to send and receive customised messages and pair your device through Bluetooth with your smartphone for better functionality.
Furthermore, a subscription plan is required. Major manufacturers offer a variety of options you can choose from and find the one that suits you best. Basically, it depends on your usage level, so you can decide whether an annual contract package or flexible month-to-month airtime plan is what you need.
source: outdoors.org
Most commonly, personal locator beacons are used by bushwalkers, drivers of cross-country vehicles and various adventurers on the ground, but also by employees working in remote areas and aircraft and watercraft crews.
Emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) are used in aircraft. They’re usually fixed in the aircraft and are designed to activate on impact. An ELT must operate continuously for 24 hours after activation.
Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) are used in ships, boats and life rafts. They’re designed to float in the water to optimise the signal of the satellite. Once activated, this device must operate for 48 hours continuously.
It’s important to note that a distress signal should be sent only when you, or someone around you, are in imminent danger of loss of life or limb and self-rescue is not an option that can get you to safety any longer. Lately, it’s becoming a trend to venture into the great outdoors and sometimes people are placing unneeded rescue calls that can become a burden on search and rescue groups. This way their resources are strained and their ability to respond to true emergency situations is impacted.
