I was made aware of a very cool device today. I wanted to share it because I know a lot of you really go off the beaten path. A good amount of the readership here loves landscape and travel photography and this is one of those items that just might come in handy one day. Disclaimer…I have not used one, nor bought one myself yet. I feel this is one of those items that you should at least know about even if you don’t buy this one. I just needed to share it.
Basically a GPS S.O.S signal.
You carry this little device on you and if you get into some serious trouble you hit a button and a message and your position and tracking gets relayed to your specified contacts as well as to local rescue authorities. It’s basically an “I NEED HELP, COME GET ME NOW!” device. And it works via satellite even when cell phone reception has long faded. I personally know people who have had their boats capsize out at sea. Should you be out in the field and get injured, or into who knows what kind of trouble this might just save your life. The less time people need to spend searching the better. And how much better to let people know the moment something happens?
No shot is ever worth losing your life over or taking serious risks…but things happen even when you are close to home. If you find yourself alone, or going far from society to make your shots, I recommend looking into a device like this. It makes sense. Be safe! Do any of you already use a device like this or have experience with them? Any words of wisdom or recommendations? I’de love to hear your experience.
My name is Tony. When I'm not writing for this site, i'm often creating images for clients, recording music, or out in nature. You can always bet I have my E-M1 next to me...
Good call. I’ve been using a InReach SE device for a couple of years. In addition to the locator beacon functions, this enables satellite based text messages, which adds considerably to its usefulness for comms in remote areas. I’ve sent & received texts in Greenland, remote areas of the US Southwest, kayaking off Vancouver Island and Cascade range. Garmin bought InReach and have introduced new models, can’t speak to them but imagine they have improved over the models I have.