ZOLEO Two-way Satellite Communicator – Global SMS Text Messaging & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location – Android iOS Smartphone Accessory

When looking to buy a satellite communicator I had narrowed the choice down to two devices. The other wasn’t in stock and so that made my final decision, and I’m glad it did.The device was easy to set up on my phone, and I let one or two loved ones know to download the matching app on their phone so I could use that to send them messages (they can receive them as normal text messages, bits it's a bit smoother and easier if you both have the dedicated app). I had opted for the basic satellite plan giving a limited number of messages that could be sent, and also opted for the “location share plus” addon which meant I could send an unlimited number of location markers and “I’m OK” messages with family.The best praise I could give the Zoleo is that I’m happy to say it did everything just as it was expected to do, with no hassle or drama.I tested it by sending a few messages through the Zoleo app as I was in the car traveling to the area I would be camping in, and then again along the first part of the trail. All of these were “free” as I was still within mobile network coverage so they just sent through the normal mobile network and didn't count towards the subscription plan, but it was handy to have them within the Zoleo app anyway so it could be one complete conversation during the trip rather than jumping between different apps.Once on the trail I was able to turn on the location markers. While each marker would normally use up one of your allocated satellite messages, as I had purchased the location share plus bundle they were also “free”, and so I set it to broadcast my location every 12 minutes. As this was a solo trip and I was on my own a fair distance from civilisation, my partner found it very reassuring being able to track my progress and see that I was OK, and follow my path on the map each time it sent my location to her.Once I got to my camping location I was able to send/receive a few messages to let people know I was safe and well and say goodnight, this time by satellite as I was well out of network coverage now, and they sent just like any other message, with no issue.My only slight gripe was that I found I used the battery quicker than expected, by the end of the first day I was down around half way with the battery. However I am sure this was because I had all of the settings turned up full, with it “always” checking for satellite messages and broadcasting my location every 12 mins. If I had dialled these back a little I’m sure it would have lasted a lot longer and I would be able to use it on a more extended trip without having to recharge.Overall the Zoleo performed great. I note below that some older reviews seem to complain about undelivered messages or things not working reliably, but the company seem to have ironed out any bugs they were having in the past and it worked flawlessly for me.It’ll now just be a standard part of my kit for any trips I’m going on, whether that is specifically “outdoors” trips, or even just more traditional holidays or work trips, just to make sure I always have a way to contact people even if I’m in a place with less than reliable mobile network coverage.

As I will be doing a lot of solo back country hiking / camping in Arizona shortly, I was looking for a product that would keep me in touch with love ones when out of cell phone signal, as well as giving me the assurance of calling for assistance should I injure myself etc.I done a lot of research and chose the Zoleo GPS Communicator over all the other brands as this gave me everything I needed at a reasonable cost.The set up was so easy and after making some test SMS and emails was confident that I will be able to keep in touch with people back home.The unit itself is small and feels high quality. This item will take some knocks in its stride.You do need to sign up for a monthly subscription but out of all the others on the market this one gave more buck for my money and also gave me the option to suspend or cancel after 3months which will suit me just fine.I obviously have not tested the SOS function and hope I never have toSo far happy with the purchaseUpdate…..Have just got back from almost a month off grid in the US backcountry. It would not be right to not of give an update. This tiny little box was fantastic! It kept me in touch, not only with mt SOS buddies, but anyone else I wanted to (upto 5 additional people). There was never a time I had any concerns while out solo. It sent out OK updates to all my contacts along with a breadcrumb trail. It never let me down once. Another great thing was, it held its charge for just over 7 days.Fantastic piece of kit. Can not recommend this enough if you do solo trips where there is no mobile signal or patchy.I am now using this in the windscreen of my car driving around the U.K. as a back up for when mobile signal drops

Does exactly what it says it does. Battery life is fab. No issues with sending texts or check in’s. The app on my phone is simple and easy to use. Peace of mind for myself and my family when I am out in the hills alone for multiple days at a time. Sturdy piece of kit that sits quietly on the shoulder strap of my rucksack just incase I ever need it. £199 is a lot of money but it tends to come down in price to £149 every six months or so and I think that’s a bargain. Especially if my life depends on it one day. No nonsense set up, quick and easy.

When considering this unit, it was a toss up between this and a Motorola Defy. I’m very glad that I chose this rather than the Defy unit, as the company behind it have gone bust (as of feb 24). So I avoided the potential of being left with an expansive paperweight.Not particularly cheap, but cheaper than a Garmin Inreach. I’ve tested this whilst out and about, and it works fine! Messages take a little while to make their way to the destination and back via satellite, but that’s to be expected. Just be aware that if you’re out and about and your mobile phone signal is marginal, you may need to switch on Airplane mode to force it to use a satellite link, as otherwise it will default to using your phone which may not be functional.Hopefully I’ll never near to use this, but it’s reassuring to have it and makes the family happy when I’m out and about by myself.