goTenna

goTenna V1

Just because you're out of cell service range doesn't mean you have to be out of touch with the world. The goTenna V1 pairs with your smartphone via a simple app to allow you to send messages, share your location, or access offline maps when you're deep in the wilderness. Use it to keep in touch with friends at home, stay connected to members of your group, or reserve it for emergency use—no matter what you have in store for it, it's a smaller, smarter, and much more versatile alternative to walkie-talkies.

Not only can the goTenna deliver messages and location via GPS, but it also has a built-in radio. And since the box includes two goTenna devices with your purchase, you can communicate directly with other members of your group when close enough (half a mile in congested locations, up to four miles in open environments). It's so lightweight you'll barely notice it's there, and it's weatherproof so you don't have to worry about it succumbing to sudden storms.