For me, as a person that heads into the backcountry regularly, spending $500 per year to have a communication device that will work anywhere and at any time seems like a very reasonable deal.
Do satellite communicators work?
I tested the Zoleo Satellite Communicator on a 20 mile river kayaking trip and some backcountry trips recently. The idea of the Zoleo is very appealing. Satellite Communication Devices offers communication, like email, no matter where you are in the world.
Zoleo Network
it uses the Iridium Satellite Network. What is particularly interesting about the device, is the fact that you can send and receive texts or emails with it.
Zoleo has great features
The Zoleo has great features like an SOS button that is monitored 24/7. It has an automated function that sends messages to your specified contacts on a regular and pre-defined basis. This is so your safety contact can see your progress and know that you’re ok while having fun in the backcountry.
Do you need cell service for the Zoleo?
All of this sounds great in theory… if it works! I tested the Zoleo when I reached a point in the trip that had zero cell service. After turning it on, I used the Zoleo app on my phone to pull up the weather report. With about 15 seconds, I had a detailed weather report for my position, which should the hourly and daily forecast.
This was particularly valuable on this trip, because I knew that severe thunderstorms were a possibility due to the intense heat and humidity.
Sending text and email using Zoleo
I also tested sending a text and email to my wife and to myself. The messages took about 20 – 30 seconds to send and be received, but it worked flawlessly. Clearly, it’s not a device to use for a real time conversation, but it’s a wonderful tool for general communications.
What does the Zoleo cost?
The Zoleo device retails for $200 USD, and requires a monthly subscription for the satellite connectivity, which ranges from $20 – $70, depending on how much you intend on using it.
Is the Zoleo Satellite Communicator worth the cost?
For me, as a person that heads into the backcountry quite regularly, spending $500 per year to have a communication device that will work anywhere and at any time seems like a very reasonable deal.
