The beacons on the market get better each year, and hopefully we are not far from a small thing like a USB-sized drive that allows smart phones to work as satellite phones and beacons. But, for now, we have the Delorme InReach SE.
Works like a SPOT finder, only you can email anyone from anywhere on the planet (as long as you aren't in a cave or something). They can also email you back!
They cost $250-300 depending on where you buy it. I ordered mine from REI and tested it a few times this summer using Lurch as my main guinea pig. He got the emails, which not only include the text you send, but automatically include precise lat/longs and a link to a very accurate map of where you were when you sent the message. You can zoom in on the map, look at it as a topo map, a street map, etc. Super handy.
People can message you back. You can get fancy and connect it to Twitter or Facebook so all your followers know where you are and that you are safe.
In the event of a true emergency, like a cougar attacked you and you are bleeding badly, you can use an S.O.S. function on it, which summons the nearest SAR or the Coast Guard or whatever rescue agency is nearby.
The whole thing works quite well, so what's the catch? Well, you do have to pay a monthly service fee and an initial sign-up fee. These are reasonable compared to other beacons on the market.
Why is Chase writing this long advertisement for this product? Because this thing could be the best money you ever spent. Think of it, you are with a friend deep in the forest, far from a cell signal, and your friend takes a bad fall. What would you spend to get your friend emergency help in that situation?
How much faster can you summon help with this device?
How easy is it on your spouse's mind if you have a minor injury and don't need SAR, but will be delayed a day?
What if you are out in the forest and an emergency happens at home? Your family/friends can contact you through this beacon.
More info here.
More info at the REI site.
