Gear for a More
Connected Adventure
Heading beyond cell service? Rent satellite communicators, GPS navigation devices, emergency beacons and satellite phones for your next hiking or backpacking adventure.
The Right Gear for Hiking & Backpacking
Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or spending several days deep in the backcountry, the right equipment can help you navigate, communicate and prepare for emergencies beyond cellular coverage.
Satellite Messaging
Send messages, share your location and access SOS features when your route takes you beyond cell service.
GPS Navigation
Navigate trails and remote terrain with dedicated handheld GPS equipment and mapping.
Emergency Beacons
Carry a dedicated personal locator beacon for 406 MHz/satellite emergency distress signaling.
Satellite Phones
Make and receive actual voice calls when your hiking or backpacking trip takes you far beyond cellular coverage.
Gear Up for the Trail
Compare OER’s satellite communication, navigation and emergency equipment for hiking and backpacking trips.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Compact satellite communicator for messaging, tracking and interactive SOS beyond cellular coverage.
- Global satellite coverage
- Two-way text messaging
- Tracking & MapShare
- Interactive SOS
- Up to 14-day battery life at 10-minute tracking
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus
Compact inReach with a color touchscreen and expanded satellite communication features for the trail.
- Color touchscreen
- Two-way text messaging
- Voice & photo messaging capability
- Preloaded basemap
- Interactive SOS
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Rugged handheld GPS navigation combined with Garmin inReach satellite communication.
- North American TopoActive maps
- Dedicated handheld GPS navigation
- Two-way satellite messaging
- Tracking & MapShare
- Interactive SOS
ACR ResQLink PLB
Dedicated GPS-equipped 406 MHz personal locator beacon for emergency distress signaling.
- 406 MHz/Satellite distress alert
- GPS Location Transmitted
- Waterproof
- Floats
- No satellite subscription required
Iridium 9555
Satellite voice communication for hikers, backpackers and other remote-area travelers.
- Global satellite coverage
- 50 airtime minutes included
- Compact satellite phone
- Integrated speakerphone
- Internally stowed antenna
Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rugged satellite phone with voice communication, GPS reporting and dedicated emergency features.
- Global satellite coverage
- 50 airtime minutes included
- Dedicated SOS button
- GPS location reporting
- Rugged construction
Find the Right Gear for Your Trip
Start with what you need while you’re beyond cell service. Whether you need lightweight satellite messaging, dedicated navigation, emergency backup or actual voice calls, there’s an option for your trip.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
A strong choice for hikers and backpackers who want a small, lightweight satellite communicator for two-way texting, location sharing, tracking and interactive SOS.
View Mini 2 →
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus
Choose the Mini 3 Plus when you want compact satellite communication with two-way text plus voice and photo messaging capabilities, a color touchscreen and interactive SOS.
View Mini 3 Plus →
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
A strong choice when dedicated handheld GPS navigation and detailed mapping are important in addition to satellite messaging, tracking and interactive SOS.
View GPSMAP 67i →
ACR ResQLink PLB
Choose a PLB when your priority is a simple, dedicated emergency distress beacon rather than routine two-way satellite communication.
View ResQLink PLB →
Iridium Satellite Phone
Best when you need to make and receive actual voice calls from remote areas without cellular service. The rugged Iridium 9575 Extreme provides global satellite coverage along with GPS and SOS features.
View Iridium 9575 Extreme →Hiking & Backpacking Device Comparison
Compare satellite messaging, navigation, emergency signaling and voice calling options for trips beyond cellular coverage.
| Capability | Mini 2 | Mini 3 Plus | GPSMAP 67i | ResQLink PLB | Iridium Sat Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Lightweight satellite messaging | Advanced compact messaging | Navigation + satellite messaging | Emergency backup | Actual voice calls |
| Two-Way Satellite Text | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | SMS capability |
| Voice Communication | No | Voice messages | No | No | Yes — satellite voice calls |
| Photo Messaging | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Navigation | Basic navigation features | Basemap, routes & waypoints | Handheld GPS & TopoActive maps | No | GPS location features |
| Emergency Feature | Interactive SOS | Interactive SOS | Interactive SOS | 406 MHz/Satellite distress alert | Dedicated SOS |
| Primary Advantage | Small and lightweight | Expanded messaging options | Strong navigation + communication | Simple dedicated emergency beacon | Real-time voice conversation |
| OER Base Rental | $60 / 4 days | $75 / 4 days | $65 / 4 days | $10 / 4 days | $125 / 7 days |
Iridium satellite phone information reflects the Iridium 9575 Extreme. Device capabilities and satellite performance depend on conditions, configuration and applicable service. Review the product instructions and understand how to use your equipment before entering the backcountry.
Before You Hit the Trail
Understanding what your equipment can and cannot do is an important part of planning a hiking or backpacking trip beyond cellular coverage.
What’s the difference between an inReach and a PLB?
An inReach provides two-way satellite communication, tracking and interactive SOS when properly activated. A PLB is primarily a dedicated emergency distress beacon and does not provide routine two-way messaging.
Do satellite communicators work without cell service?
Yes. Satellite communicators are designed to communicate through satellite networks rather than cellular towers. They still require suitable satellite visibility and applicable active service.
Does my inReach rental include a data plan?
OER includes a basic data plan with its inReach rentals. Higher-use messaging and tracking options may also be available. Check the individual rental listing for current plan details, included usage and any additional charges.
Which device is best for backpacking?
That depends on what you need. The inReach Mini 2 is a strong option when low weight and basic satellite messaging are priorities. The Mini 3 Plus adds expanded messaging features, while the GPSMAP 67i is better suited to hikers who also want a dedicated handheld navigation device.
Mini 2 or Mini 3 Plus — which should I choose?
The Mini 2 is a compact option for traditional satellite texting, tracking and SOS. The Mini 3 Plus adds a color touchscreen plus voice and photo messaging capabilities, making it attractive for hikers wanting expanded communication features.
When would I choose the GPSMAP 67i?
Choose the GPSMAP 67i when dedicated handheld navigation and detailed mapping are important in addition to satellite messaging, tracking and SOS.
When should I choose a satellite phone?
A satellite phone is a strong choice when you need to make and receive actual voice calls from areas without cellular coverage. This can be useful on longer or more remote trips where real-time voice communication is important.
When should I reserve my rental?
We always recommend booking your rental as early as possible to avoid out of stock gear. We also recommend choosing a start date a few days in advance of your departure/use date in order to avoid UPS shipping issues outside our control and to give you more time to familiarize yourself with the equipment.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here.
Get the equipment you need to hike farther, stay connected beyond cell service and prepare for the unexpected.
Browse Hiking & Backpacking Rentals →
