What ACTUALLY Happens When You Push SOS! | ZOLEO Satellite Communication

*Disclaimer: I am an ambassador for ZOLEO.
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What happens when you push SOS on your ZOLEO satellite communication device? What are things to consider before leaving on a backpacking or camping trip? What is a risk management plan? These are just good general questions to ask yourself before heading out on a camping or backpacking trip.
With the recent announcement of Emergency Response from Apple for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, it is yet to be known how that service compares to emergency response services provided through GEOS/IERCC and other coordination partners who work with ZOLEO, Garmin and other satellite communication providers. This video is meant to share important considerations for backcountry travel, and how the ZOLEO device functions when SOS is activated.
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[@mikitta47]

What actually happens is you are connected to a human being who talks to you to coordinate an extraction from the back country. That was my experience last year when I broke my ankle on a back country trip :) Excellent product, exceptional service.

[@hoosierdaddy7534]

You communicate through text not by talk

[@bucky716]

Great info! One thing to add is that if you're hiking with others and you're the only one with a satellite device to make sure someone else knows how it operates and how to access the app on your phone in case the owner is the one in need of emergency care. Should be used as a last resort, as in try to find someone to help, but you can also use the SOS button if your car brakes down far from help. I called Zoleo and inquired about this and was advised to make sure to use the messaging feature and just share what the situation is. Had thought about that after coming across someone with a flat tire. We helped provide assistance and rides to cell service but made me wonder, what if that was us and no one else came by?

[@markthiel2953]

Thank you for this information. I recently purchased a Zoleo after completing an overnight with my son. We averted an injury emergency, but it could have left us without cell service and potential life threatening situation. I'm activating the Zoleo prior to our next hike. My son is a Type 1 diabetic who loves backpacking. I go with him when I can. I appreciate your information and always enjoy your videos. I learn something from each one.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you! Makes me happy to hear you find value out of the content, and hope your ZOLEO brings peace of mind to being out in the backcountry!

[@azclaimjumper]

I especially like that you emphasized at the beginning of this video that most "Emergency" situations result from a series of poor decisions that lead to the "Emergency". My own personal, last resort tool in a matter of life or death, is my ACR ResQLink that I bought 8 years ago, a tool that I make certain is in a pant pocket B4 heading up the trail. I carry it on MEeee, not in my backpack, where I can access it with either hand/arm & know if I ever push the button it will transmit a strong 5 Watt signal directly to a satellite & that signal will go directly to SAR & that it will continue to send it for 24 hours thanks to its internal battery capacity -- no need for an external battery power supply or so-called "Smart" phone. I don't even own a "Smart" phone & would never want to have to rely on a cell phone in a life or death situation. I wish the Zoleo transmitted a stronger signal that its 1.5 Watt signal. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@enginesonmute]

The ZOLEO is an Iridium satellite device whereas the ACR is a PLB. They use completely different signal technologies so your wish for the zoleo to gave a stronger signal doesn't really make sense? Also a plb doesn't allow for two way communication with emergency responders so there are clearly major differences ( and pros and cons) to both.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@enginesonmute I agree with you, 100% - Definitely pros & cons with both any Iridium satellite device & PLBs. Admittedly, I bought my PLB years B4 Zoleo came into existence. If I were in the market today, I would make the same PLB choice. It does one thing & only one thing better than any other PLB or Iridium satellite device - it sends a strong 5 watt signal directly to a satellite & its signal along with my co ords are transmitted directly to SAR, no middle man + it will transmit that signal for 24 hours, no cell phone or battery backup power bank required.

[@Packsalot]

Great info Devin. I did not know they had a way you could test out the unit. Pretty neat. Thanks for the info. Have a great day.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Very informative. I carry a SPOT, and have often wondered what would happen if I needed to push SOS. My risk management plans include what I pack for clothing, making sure my first aid kit is fully stocked, knowing ahead of time where I’ll be camping/finding water etc, and knowing where there are potential bailout points if I have to self rescue in an emergency.

[@markheming3507]

Own 3! Zoleo, Garmin IR2 & an older Garmin. Never really used them because I’ve always been fortunate, until I wasn’t & had an easy winter trip/injury then It became a must piece of gear for me. That’s when I gifted the Garmin’s to my (adult) kids and told them to not make my mistake CARRY AN SOS DEVICE / satellite communication device

[@cameronvirrill4500]

Great video: concise and well informed, as always.

[@bigskybluewaters]

Thank you so much for this video. It was very informative!

[@BackcountryExposure]

You are so welcome!

[@DARNGOODADVICE]

That was very good and helpful information, thank you for taking the time to make this video. don

[@desert8285]

I don't think they work in a portal or et ship..missing 411. But you need it for everything else..I like mine.

[@94nomad]

Great video, I've been trying to figure out if it'll update location in SOS mode since I'd be using it primarily on the water where I'd be adrift. Now I just need to know how the zoleo handles submersion in saltwater

[@jameshooper3484]

I didn't realize there was an option to "test" the SOS function. I bought the Zoleo based on videos from both you and John Kelly. Can you tell us how to set up a test on the device?

[@bluedevil1993sd]

Zoleo is a nice set up I got one last month got everything working but after two weeks they contacted me and say they do not over the Caribbean and the blocked from they system

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Great video! Totally unrelated, is that the upcoming Vario jacket from OV? I’m sure you can’t say anything about it yet, but I’m looking forward to your review of it.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! Yeah it's the Vario. It's excellent! It's similar to the Ventus, but it's got heavier weight insulation, a full zipper, less perforation in the arm pits, roomier hood, and hand pockets. It's been an impressive piece so far.

[@jeffpeters5347]

Great video Devin. But what about the other factors in play when you press the SOS button? Who pays for the SAR operation? What about any health insurance (or other insurance) impacts? Should I expect a huge bill in the mail later after I get home? Are there any preventative steps to make things go smoother?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Great comment! I believe there are a lot of factors at play when you get into the cost of a rescue. Some areas it’s all volunteer work and rescues are not charged. Other areas it’s a hefty bill to be paid. Sometimes negligence on behalf of the party being rescued can mean getting billed for the rescue. So I think it’s difficult to speak to that directly in a video as there’s a lot of variables based on location and the nature of the incident. My suggestion would be to research the areas you frequent the most and make phone calls to find out information on what happens if SAR has to come get you. And also consider insurance if needed. This could be its own video topic as well.

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

There are insurance policies for hikers/travelers that help mitigate some of the costs. I saw a video on it from one of the bigger KZbin’ers a couple weeks ago. But I can’t remember who it was. They listed a couple different options and prices. And relative to a SAR that could cost 10s of thousands of dollars, it seemed pretty inexpensive.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

What is your affiliation with Zoleo? Always seems like pretty heavy product placement in your videos for it. I run a Garmin 66i. Personally I don't like the idea of needing a phone to message.. yes it's convenient, but I want the ability to message from the actual device in an emergency. Also seems Zoleo lacks tracking. Part of my risk management is to have a 3rd party keep tabs on my movement.. and if it stops abnormally with no message to begin to investigate. Having maps build it is a plus too.. can have it out on the shoulder strap in all WX and don't have to worry about it like a phone.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I am an ambassador for ZOLEO. Have been for a while, and every video since becoming an ambassador calls out in the video description that I am an ambassador. ZOLEO does have a tracking feature available, so the option is there for folks who feel the feature is important. It is an add on cost. Garmin absolutely has an awesome product that's feature rich and proven to be a reliable option. Thanks for the comment!

[@enginesonmute]

The garmin is significantly more expensive than the zoleo.

[@simmer9958]

Wondering IF you could still use the SOS function through the app on your phone even if you didn't have the Zoleo with you? This is assuming you had cell coverage.

[@BackcountryExposure]

For the SOS to function you need satellite connection, so if you activate sos through the Zoleo app on your phone, then it would be sending the information through the Zoleo device. If you had cell service, you’d likely just call 911, and not bother with satellite connection.