Staying in communication while visiting remote parts of the planet is never easy – after all, there is seldom reliable cell phone coverage in the backcountry, and satellite phones can be prohibitively expensive for most travelers. But thankfully there are now some powerful and effective alternatives for those who routinely find themselves in distant corners of the globe and in need of communications either with their traveling companions or the outside world. Here are five gadgets that will help facilitate that process, while keeping you safe at the same time. 

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DeLorme

The Garmin inReach SE+ builds on the strengths of its predecessor, and remains one of the best ways to stay in contact while in the backcountry. On its own, the device is a GPS tracking system that can plot your route and share waypoints on a map with friends and family following along back home. It also features built in navigation capabilities and gives the user the ability to transmit an SOS signal, allowing them to call for help should they run into trouble. But best of all, the inReach SE+ can also pair with a smartphone or tablet and allow the user to send 160 character text messages to virtually anyone in the world, no matter where the are. Throw in unlimited access to topographical maps, as well as NOAA charts on your mobile device, and you end up with a high-tech communications system that you can take with you just about anywhere. (A subscription service from Garmin is required for this device.)

The inReach uses the Iridium communications network, which means it can get coverage pretty much anywhere on Earth, provided it has a clear view of the overhead sky. That same network is used with satellite phones as well, and is widely considered to be one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch no matter where you go. 

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SPOT

Much like the inReach SE, the SPOT X Satellite Messenger is a multi-purpose device that can provide safety and security in the backcountry. The SPOT allows users to transmit their location at predetermined intervals, allowing friends and family to follow along with the adventure while back home. The device can also send an SOS signal should an emergency situation occur, and it can be used to send messages to any phone number or email address on the planet. The included keyboard is surprisingly easy to type on and the SPOT X can even send messages to the user’s social media channels. An onboard digital compass adds navigational features that weren’t present in previous SPOT devices, but it still doesn’t provide full GPS navigational capabilities.  

(A subscription service from SPOT is required for this device). 

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goTenna

The original goTenna is a great option for travelers who want to use their smartphones to stay in touch with their companions, even when they don’t have a cell phone network to rely on. The device allows users to send text messages and GPS coordinates, by creating a personal peer-to-peer network, which comes in particularly handy when traveling abroad. But the goTenna Mesh extends that functionality further, adding greater range and flexibility. 

As its name implies, the goTenna Mesh uses mesh networking, which allows all units within range of one another to create a shared network, even if they aren’t communicating with one another. This allows messages to hop from one goTenna to the next, until it finds its intended recipient, which in theory takes the range of the device up significantly. 

Lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the original, the Mesh is a great way to stay in touch when traveling in foreign countries where you don’t want to spend a lot of money on temporary cell service. The device ships with two units, allowing users to begin communicating immediately. Best of all, no subscription fees are needed and it is incredibly easy to use, with an app for both iOS and Android. 

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Beartooth

Operating much like the goTenna, the Beartooth is another device that creates its own network, allowing users to stay in communication with one another even in places where mobile phone service is nonexistent. But, where as the goTenna is limited to sending text messages and GPS coordinates, this gadget can also facilitate voice communication too. Voice is limited to a range of about 5 miles while texts can be sent as far away as 10 miles. The device can also be used to recharge your smartphone, and its app includes high resolution topographical maps that can display the exact location of everyone within your group. This comes in handy for keeping track of where everyone is located, and makes it simple to find each other in a pinch.

The Beartooth took a bit of time to get through its production challenges, but the device is now available to purchase. It is sold in sets of two to let users start communicating immediately. 

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Fogo

The Fogo is a very versatile device. Not only will it allow you to communicate with other members of your group walkie-talkie style, but it also features GPS tracking capabilities, a built-in flashlight, and the ability to recharge other devices as well. It can be programmed to automatically send an alert should you find yourself in trouble in the backcountry, and it pairs with your smartphone for sending text messages while off the grid too. And that wasn’t enough, it can also be used as a fitness tracker, navigation device, and can share your location with others. The device sells for $300 and can be purchased directly online. 

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Sonnet Labs

Sonnet is yet another device that uses mesh networking to provide the ability to send messages and GPS coordinates even when a cellphone network isn’t available. The device sets itself apart from the competition by allowing multimedia messages that include images and audio recordings, while also facilitating walkie-talkie style push to talk communications via a smartphone app too. The device also includes off-line maps and best of all it sells for just $45 per Sonnet device, although at least two are needed to facilitate communication. 

If you play golf, you’ll want to check out The Best Golf GPS Apps.

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