I recently got a Zoleo, for those unfamiliar, it is a small device that connects to the iridium satellite network and your phone that allows for text or e-mail from nearly anyplace on earth. You can send check-in and sos messages from only the device but you will need your phone to send custom messages. It doesn’t send out or keep a track and only sends your gps coordinates with the sos or check-in. If you are sending a message to someone that has the zoleo app you can use up to 950 characters per message, otherwise it is 160. You are assigned a unique sms phone number and e-mail which makes keeping in contact pretty convenient.

The cost of the unit is $200, monthly messaging plans are $20/25 messages, $35/250, or $50 unlimited. A message is either sent or received. If you have cell or wifi connectivity it will automatically use that at no charge.

I have tested it a couple backcountry places and it was quickly connected to the satellite and messages were sent and received pretty quickly.

If you are looking for a good way to stay in touch with family or friends, and have a way to get help if needed, while deep in the woods this is a very good option to consider.