Overlanding and off-roading come with risks – vehicle breakdown, injury, and outside threats are all real-world scenarios that cannot be predicted. What we can do, however, is try to be prepared for what can happen.
A key to preparedness is communication. Whether that is radios, cellular, or satellite, having the ability to communicate with the outside world to get help is critical. Fortunately, modern communication is very accessible and the price barrier to entry has decreased significantly over the years. Keep in mind though that having devices is one thing, understanding their capabilities and limitations is another.
I want to discuss the superiority of a dedicated satellite communicator compared to something like an iPhone and how you can implement it into your setup.
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Table Of Contents
Compared To A Cell Phone
A typical cell phone only uses the cellular network to communicate with the outside world. While these networks can be strong and reliable, off-grid coverage is spotty since the closest tower may be miles away. You can reference this map to check coverage. However, there are other key variables in play, too.
Satellite communication is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of relying on cell towers, it uses a network of orbiting satellites. Cell phones typically can’t use these satellites due to the size of the stronger antennas needed, especially with them getting thinner by the year.
Options such as the ZOLEO bridge that gap by enabling satellite communication on your phone. The units house their power source and the necessary antennas while your phone acts as the interface. This allows you to send messages and get data completely off the grid without a cellular network.
How Does SOS Work?
When the SOS button is pressed on the device a prompt comes up on the phone. You must press and hold the button on the screen for 3 Seconds. From there, your GPS coordinates will be transmitted to the emergency response partner. They will ask questions to dispatch the proper help to your location. This feature also works without the phone paired with the communicator.
The SOS feature should be the very last resort in a life-and-death situation. In the moment, it can be hard to accurately gauge how much trouble you’re in. This is where the emergency response coordination partner can help.
There are a few things I would ask myself before reaching out for SOS support…
- Am I okay and in functioning order?
- Are the people surrounding me in good health and safe?
- Are there any outside threats directly to our lives?
- How do I get out of here and who else can I call?
If SOS services are dispatched to your location for a non-life-threatening injury, you could be taking those resources away from others who need them. Plus, you’ll get stuck with a hearty bill at the end of it.
What’s Considered An SOS Emergency?
With overlanding and off-roading, a few things constitute an SOS Emergency. The emergency response coordination partner can help you determine this but here are some examples.
What’s considered an emergency:
- Taking a fall while hiking and having a broken leg – This can potentially be life-threatening. Discuss with the response coordination partner to determine if air evacuation is needed.
What’s NOT considered an emergency:
- Your vehicle won’t start – This is not an emergency. Use the communicator to get in touch with family or friends.
- You are lost and can’t find your way out – Situations like this could be stressful but you can use the unit to ping your location to a family member or friend and they can find a route out for you.
- Caught in the forest at night during a bad rainstorm – This could be a very scary night with a lot of unpredictability. However, there is no direct threat to your life and it would be difficult for emergency services to find you. It would be best to ride out the storm and wait until morning.
Check-In & Satellite Messaging
A key feature of these devices is being able to stay in touch with the outside world while off-grid. Remember, there are people who care about you when you’re out having fun on the trails. So, it is best to check in and let them know you are okay.
On the ZOLEO, this can be done with Check-In Messages. These messages are unlimited and included in the most basic plan. These messages are pre-programmed and sent to up to 5 designated contacts. They say something like “I’m OK and my location is….” along with your GPS location. The message also includes the battery life of your device.
Satellite Messages fall into a different category. Unlike the pre-scripted Check-In Messages, sending a personal message takes more data. On the basic plan, you get 25 included messages with the option to pay for more messages. It’s like texting in the 90s all over again – probably best to use these sparingly.
How It Changed Overlanding For Me
I fall more on the preparedness and planning side of the spectrum. I can tell you what I have going on 8 weeks from now and I have food storage in case of a natural disaster. That being said, I’m still constantly asking myself, how do I predict the unpredictable?
Before every trip, I download offline maps on two devices. From there, I confirm a list of HAM radio repeaters in the area if I need to reach the outside world. I check the cell coverage map and pin locations where I can go to get coverage. Finally, I pin the nearest hospital and emergency service in case something goes wrong, including 24-hour pet vets.
Though I will stick to these habits, the ZOLEO adds an extra layer of protection. If I need help instead of rushing to get out, I can communicate with a medical professional for the next best steps. I can arrange pickup and have a family friend coordinate emergency service to meet us at the trailhead and stages. Also, I don’t need to worry about hiking to get a radio or cell signal.
The best form of protection in any situation is to create as many options as possible.
Final Thoughts
I’m an overthinker by nature, and taking a vehicle with a million parts and pieces into the middle of nowhere with no cell signal or communication to the outside world peaks that for me. Countless things can go wrong.
However, the reward is without a doubt worth it. The tranquility of a remote campsite keeps me coming back for more. With the ZOLEO, I can rest at ease knowing I have medical professionals ready to help with a simple message.
