Satellite-enabled SOS services in the backcountry have saved countless lives, and it’s absolutely something you should invest in if you are traveling off grid, particularly if you are headed somewhere remote where you don’t expect to encounter many people. However, with the rise of satellite-enabled SOS abilities on smartphones — already iPhone 14s have this capability with Google’s Pixel and T-Mobile set to follow — individuals who are heading out for shorter stints into the backcountry may choose, in some situations, to forgo dedicated satellite messengers. However, keep in mind that the backcountry is still the backcountry. In a best case scenario, you could be waiting hours or even a full day for emergency personnel to reach your location. And it isn’t always the case that there is a helicopter at the ready to evacuate. More often than not, you’ll have to participate in your own evacuation. Finally, the vast majority of search and rescues are handled by volunteers: take their time and safety seriously by avoiding unnecessarily risky situations.