[aigel]

A hardcore outdoorsman buddy had a globalstar phone for years - this was before the beacons became popular. Very expensive but he enjoyed being in touch with family when out in the woods. Not recommended anymore, that network looks all but dead.

I have rented an irridium phone on a solo trip 10 years back and it worked well. Was expensive too, if you want to talk on the phone, IMHO this would be the network to check.

6 years ago I got an ARC ResQlink personal locator beacon. Operates on the same network as the boat and plane beacons. It is NOT a communication device. Only thing it does is send a distress signal via satelite and a homing RF signal. It is free to register, no activation or maintenance fees. But it is only there for you to get you out if you are in grave danger - you press the button and you can expect search and rescue / helicopter coming your way.

To me the personal locator beacon is perfect. Many places I go has spotty cell reception that still is good enough to text home here or there but if I have a major issue, I have the beacon as an added layer of safety. The only thing I don't have is the ability to call a friend to bail me out, i.e. when a vehicle malfunctions. I would have to go take a hike. But that's still part of the adventure for me.

G