Emergency Communication: How to Stay Connected in the Wild

by Sachiko Nakata

It’s no secret to  Survival Common Sense readers – going out into the wild sparks a feeling of freedom like no other. Spectacular peaks, pristine forests, and endless vistas truly make you rethink all the usual distractions of city life. Who needs social media outdoors?

But every outdoor enthusiast knows, this freedom and isolation comes with a risk. When you are out of reach of regular communication tools, even the most minor missteps can compound to create an unfortunate survival situation.

That is why planning for emergency communications may be as important as planning for food, water, or equipment.

Why Are Cell Phones Not Enough?

Many outdoors people imagine their smartphone will keep them connected, but cell towers don’t usually reach deep canyons, mountain backcountry, or vast expanses of desert.

I spent nearly a week with no bars of signal in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. In such situations, your phone is a camera and a flashlight at best.

Relying only on your cell phone can have grave consequences. Inclement weather, rough terrain, and inaccessibility from metropolitan areas might intercept calls from getting through, leaving someone helpless without any way to call for help.

Being able to remain connected in the wild implies having gear that functions beyond cell towers, with help just a signal away.

Before examining communication devices, you ought to consider how to prepare your trip in advance. Preparation increases your chances of staying safe – and getting help when needed.

Preparation

Preparation before undertaking any adventure is as important as the gear you take with you. A bit of forward-thinking can make a huge difference in your safety and peace of mind:

• Register Your Device

Make sure your personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is registered with the competent authority. This way, if you need to use it and activate it, rescuers will know who you are and how to rescue you.

• Power Control

Charge all equipment to full capacity before you head out, and bring spare batteries or a solar charger. Power outage in an isolated area can turn from nuisance to serious problems.

• Share Your Plan

Inform a responsible individual of your destination and expected return time. This extra precaution gives someone at home a point of contact to seek help if you fail to call as scheduled. Write an efficient note.

• Test Your Equipment

Always test your equipment before departing. Having it easily checked for functionality reduces the likelihood of equipment failure during an emergency.

• Protect Your Information

Sharing GPS traces, photos, or trip logs can reveal sensitive information. A VPN, such as one provided by Surfshark, encrypts your connection and keeps your online activity private.

By taking these preparation steps, you increase your safety, reduce risks, and can enjoy your adventure with greater confidence. Proper planning ensures that when emergencies arise, you’re ready to respond effectively.

Communication Device Options

There are several tried and tested emergency communication devices available for use in the wild. They have advantages and disadvantages, and the right one is usually determined by the type of trip you’re planning on taking:

• Satellite Phones

Offer direct voice contact virtually anywhere on the globe. They’re highly dependable, but expensive and bulkier than others.

• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Initiate a one-button SOS with GPS location. They’re rugged, don’t require a subscription, and will serve you for years, but only allow one-way messaging.

• Satellite Messengers

Devices like the Garmin inReach combine SOS messages with two-way texting. They allow you to send messages to loved ones or rescuers, but require subscription plans. They are wonderful for peace-of-mind back home.

• Radios (HAM or VHF)

HAM radios can travel a long way if you have the expertise and a license. Marine VHF radios perform excellently on river or coastal cruises, linking you with local boats or coast guards.

Real-life rescues demonstrate the value these devices can make. Two Washington climbers on Cutthroat Peak in 2024 were rescued after placing a call for help using a Garmin inReach beacon.

Last year, a hiker on Australia’s Larapinta Trail activated a PLB signal after turning her ankle, allowing rescuers to find her and evacuate her over challenging terrain. These are reminders that the right tool, used at the right time, saves lives.

Redundancy is Paramount

The most important thing to know about wilderness communications is do not rely on one unit. Batteries will drain, weather will affect signals, and gear will fail when you need it to function most.

Experienced explorers carry multiple redundancies. A satellite messenger with a PLB, or a satellite phone with a backup radio, ensures that if one fails, there is another to stay in contact. Having more than a single layer of communication is safer and will provide peace of mind, so you can focus on your adventure even in the most remote locations.

Final Thoughts

Seasoned explorers know that the wild is an arena of challenge and beauty, but also uncertainty. Something unexpected can happen to anyone, no matter what experience you have. Real-life accounts in Alaska, Washington, Norway, and Australia all show one thing: employing the right communication devices saves lives.

Satellite phones, PLBs, messengers, and radios all have their own advantages, and the wisest choice is usually a combination of them.

Preparation with good communications is not fear, but respect for nature and responsibility for your own survival. Isolation in the wild is inevitable, but your life could depend on your being able to reach out at the right time.  

 Sachiko Nakata is an industrial engineer from Venezuela who became a content writer due to the country’s challenges and her love for writing. Curious and research-driven, she makes complex topics easy to understand. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is passionate about technology, gaming, and computing, transforming ideas into engaging content.