Telling a friend, a family member, or your significant other where you’re headed and how long you expect to be out there is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself in the backcountry, especially as a solo hiker.
The second best thing is to pack “a rugged, reliable satellite messenger that works worldwide,” says Hazzard. The second-generation Garmin inReach is the gold standard in ultra-compact, affordable personal satellite messengers. It’s his and your lifeline if things go very sideways and you need to send an SOS to local search & rescue. It’s also convenient for keeping friends and loved ones updated with your hiking progress via text since it’s designed to work anywhere without traditional cell service.
Hazzard adds that the latest iPhone’s satellite feature is a good backup, but the inReach 2 is the one he trusts most. If budget is an issue, opt for the more affordable first-gen inReach, which offers many of the same great features for less.
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