In the article Best PLB for Hiking 2022. We’re going to look at the top five Personal Locator Beacons available on the market. We made this list based on our own opinion, research, and customer reviews. We’ve considered their quality, features, and values when narrowing down the best choices possible. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links below.
Here are the top five Best PLB for Hiking 2022:
5. Ocean Signal RESCUEME
4. Artex Personal Locator Beacon, Hiking PLB.
3. McMurdo FAST FIND 220
2. ACR ResQLink View
1. ACR GlobalFix V4
5. Ocean Signal RESCUEME
Best Personal Locator Beacons For hiking
[Review]
5. Ocean Signal RESCUEME
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The fifth product on the list is the Ocean Signal RESCUEME. Have you ever been worried about getting lost on a long hike or getting lost in the middle of the ocean? Then this list will be for you, and the Ocean Signal RESCUEME will do just that Rescue you.
This device will alert emergency services wherever you are? It is a worldwide frequency that is funded by the government. So, there are no fees involved.
When activated, the RESCUEME transmits your location and your unique ID to nearby rescue services. You don’t have to be told just how useful this can be in emergencies and unfavorable situations we may find ourselves. There is always a small risk when going on adventures, and it’s essential to be prepared for the worst.
The battery life of the Ocean Signal RESCUEME is 7 years. You won’t need to worry about it running out of juice for a while. Even better, the Ocean Signal is free to use with a free subscription, and it comes with a free flotation device if you find yourself stranded in the ocean.
As the Boy Scouts of America motto says, “Be prepared”. Always take that to heart and this personal locator beacon with you.
pros
- It has an extensive signal output battery life.
- It comes with free services.
- It utilizes an excellent government official tracking system.
Cons
- Short operational battery.
4. Artex Personal Locator Beacon
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In fourth product is the Artex Personal Locator Beacon. What you will probably like the most about the Artex is that. It comes with its very own instructions on how to operate the locator beacon. Furthermore, the small protection latch will prevent you from accidentally setting the beacon off.
Simply unlatch the protection flap, hold the button down for a full second, and you are set to be rescued. Additionally, the Artex comes with a “Test” button to test the beacon and its battery. This was a welcome addition and an appreciated extra detail for customers.
How it works is the locator beacon sends a GPS signal to an orbiting satellite, and that satellite sends your location to a rescue service receiver. Official rescue services are then immediately sent out in response. Its 407 Mega-Hertz distress signal can be sent to any rescue service worldwide.
Additionally, it has a 66-channel GPS receiver which increases the chances of pinpointing your exact location. Lastly, like the last product on this list, the Artex Personal Locator Beacon has a long battery life of 7 years.
Pros
- Its services are provided by the government.
- It’s 66 channel GPS receiver.
- It has instructions on the side of the PLB.
Cons
- Unsuited to seafaring.
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3. McMurdo FAST FIND 220
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The third product on this list is the McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Right off the bat. You will love the McMurdo floats. That’s right, no need to worry about it sinking in the ocean.
This not only makes your life easier but also ensures that it will function if you happen to get stranded in the middle of the ocean. Furthermore, you will appreciate that the McMurdo FAST FIND 220 has a unique design and has clear button signs. However, be sure to immediately check the battery life with the “Test” button as some users report receiving dead batteries.
If this happens be sure to replace or refund the PLBs within a certain time frame. It is supposed to last 6 years before needing to replace the battery. One thing that’s particularly good with this unit is that the McMurdo is easy to use and does not require a subscription fee to operate.
Additionally, the McMurdo FAST FIND 220 has an excellent high brightness LED SOS light. This is essential if rescuers are looking for you at night. And lastly, its lightweight design, at only 13 ounces.
It makes it convenient and easy to carry on all your adventures. This thing could save your life someday, so don’t forget to have it on you at all times.
Pros
- It has an excellent SOS light.
- Its lightweight design.
- It can float in the water.
Cons
- Potential battery issue.
2. ACR ResQLink View
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The second product on this list is the ACR ResQLink View. This next one is brilliant because it has both an excellent floating design and a digital panel on the front. This makes tracking the battery power and signals much more straightforward.
Additionally, the screen is only a compact one inch across but it is more than enough to get the job done. You will particularly like the multi-constellation receiver which is Galilieo and GPS. Furthermore, the 406 and 121.5 MegaHertz signal output makes tracking your location much easier for rescue services.
The SOS signal will send out your exact location and the LED and IR Strobe light make finding you at night easier. When it comes to versatility, you will be happy to know that the ACR ResQLink View is excellent in any environment.
The ACR won’t let you down whether you are hiking in the mountains or kayaking along a remote coastline. It’s always wise to be prepared for any situation and a PLB is a must-have for your safety. As a device that provides insurance when adventuring, you can go wrong with this unit.
Pros
- It has a durable design.
- Its multi-constellation receiver.
- It has an excellent SOS light for nighttime rescues.
Cons
- 5 years of charge.
1. ACR GlobalFix V4
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Finally, the top Personal Locator Beacon For Boating is the ACR GlobalFix V4. This last one takes the cake in many ways. As you have already seen with the previous entry, ACR is already a great brand and the GlobalFix V4 takes it to a new level.
This personal locator beacon is designed specifically for the ocean as it is completely buoyant and waterproof. It can even be activated by touching the water. This may be an issue but it has a simple fix.
The ACR comes in a manual deployment bracket that keeps the signal from activating until after you release it. Additionally, it has a quick-release option for emergencies. Overall, the ACR GlobalFix V4 will drastically increase your survival rate.
With a powerful 406 MegaHertz signal, the ACR will instantly notify the coastguard or other rescue services and will pinpoint your location exactly. Its GPS navigational beacon is excellent. Registration must be activated in your country.
However, GlobalFix does what its name suggests. It is a worldwide locator beacon service. So, there is no need to worry if you are traveling over the ocean. No matter where you are help will find you?
The ACR GlobalFix V4 provides the longest battery life on the list today with a 10-year guarantee, and the battery can be replaced if need be, which is great as most PLBs don’t allow for battery replacement. If you’re looking for a way to gain a little extra peace of mind when out journeying through different environments, this is the unit for you.
Pros
- It has an excellent buoyancy design.
- It comes in a manual deployment bracket.
- It’s a powerful Megahertz signal.
Cons
- Highly sensitive.
[Conclusion]
So, that was all about the top 5Best PLB for Hiking just for you. Which one do you want to buy? We would love to hear from you. Please let us know and as always. Thanks for reading the article. Comment, and share with your friends if you found this article helpful.