If you’re going to take an adventure, buy a personal locator beacon (PLB) and register it to make sure there’s a way to send for help should you need it. Here are three to consider carrying with you on the next journey.
McMurdo FastFind 220
The Signal: This palm-size unit combines a 406 MHz satellite beacon with a 121.5 MHz radio signal for faster response. It has 50 GPS channels and can run continuously for 24 hours. It’s waterproof to 10 meters, has a six-year battery storage life, and is the least expensive of the trio.
The Drain: It does not float unless it’s in the provided buoyancy pouch, and it has the fewest available GPS channels.
Price: $220; mcmurdogroup.com
The Signal: The smallest of the three, it is waterproof to 15 meters. Like the others, it combines a 406 MHz satellite beacon with a 121.5 MHz radio beacon for close-range targeting. It has 66 GPS channels and can run continuously for 24 hours. It has a seven-year battery shelf life.
The Drain: It doesn’t float unless it’s in the provided buoyancy pouch.
Price: $269; oceansignal.com
ACR ResQLink+ PLB
Signal: It has 66 GPS channels, as well as the 121.5 MHz radio beacon for faster close-range response. It can transmit continuously for 30 hours and features a built-in emergency strobe LED. It’s waterproof to 5 meters and is the only one that is buoyant without a pouch.
The Drain: It has a five-year battery life (the shortest of the three featured here).
Price: $269; acrartex.com
