Garmin GPS
Heading off into the backcountry often presents a trade off between solitude and safety. Even if you've spent years hiking trails alone and armed with just a map and a compass, you'll appreciate the security offered by a few, lightweight, electronic wilderness aids.
Instructions
1. Consider packing a Global Positioning Satellite system (GPS). Operated by the U.S. Air Force, GPS satellites transmit signals to ground receivers which should be placed under an unobstructed sky. GPS receivers don't work as well in canyons or dense forests. Your GPS will lock onto the transmissions of at least four satellites. By analyzing the time differences it can identify the direction in which you are traveling and estimate your speed. Garmin makes a range of models from basic handhelds, to more sophisticated models that incorporate maps. You can even plan your trail ahead of time on your home computer and download your route to the GPS.
2. Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) send out distress signals on a 406 MHz frequency that is constantly monitored by the US Air Force. If you get one that is tied into a GPS receiver, your exact position will be transmitted in an emergency. REI, the outdoor co-op, sells ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon with built-in GPS.
3. Don't rely on a cell phone. They don't work far from cell phone towers. For true backcountry telephone capability, get a satellite phone. Iridium has a network of 66 satellite orbiting to provide voice and data communication worldwide. To use one, you must buy not only the phone, but a prepaid plan. West Marine sells an Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone.
4. Get charged up. None of these devices will continue to work without electricity, so a solar charger is essential. Solio's Classic model is supposed to provide ten minutes of talk time on most phones for sixty minutes of charging.
Tags: cell phone, Personal Locator