Gear Reviews

The Garmin inReach Messenger is a 4-ounce (114 g) two-way satellite communicator with SOS. It pairs with a phone app that sends each message by Wi-Fi, cell or satellite, and its battery lasts up to 28 days. A subscription is required.

The honest starter compass: simple, accurate, and cheap enough to buy the day you decide to learn map and compass.

A rugged, waterproof handheld GPS that tracks your route and runs for weeks on two AA batteries. Our field review of the Garmin eTrex SE, the budget dedicated GPS.