Off the grid in the Rockies or on a remote trek, a satellite messenger can call for help where there's no signal at all. A two-way messenger like the Garmin inReach Mini 3 or a ZOLEO lets you text and send an SOS from anywhere. Both need a monthly subscription.
First, the warning: never take one to India
India bans satellite communication devices without prior permission from its Department of Telecommunications, and that permission is hard to get. Travellers, including a Canadian trail runner, have been arrested at Indian airports for carrying a Garmin inReach. Leave it at home. A few other countries restrict satellite devices too, so check the Government of Canada's travel advice for your destination before you pack one.
Which messenger
The Garmin inReach Mini 3 is the smallest with a screen. Announced in December 2025, it adds a colour touchscreen, and its SOS goes to a 24/7 response centre. The Mini 3 Plus adds voice and photo messages.
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator takes a simpler approach: you text through an app on your phone over the Iridium satellite network, with a dedicated SOS button and monitored response. It's popular with Canadian hikers and boaters.
Keep your phone alive too
The messengers last days; the phone paired to them doesn't. A small 10,000 mAh power bank is under 100 Wh, so it's allowed in your carry-on (never in checked bags).
Do you even need one?
For occasional hikes in Canada or the US, maybe not: an iPhone 14 or later can send Emergency SOS by satellite. For regular backcountry trips, longer battery life and proper two-way texting make a dedicated messenger worth it. Plans can usually be paused between trips; check the terms before you activate.