It's time I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. It's about time I started carrying a PLB on my trips, which are frequently solo backpacking or bike touring excursions. I want something that is reasonably lightweight, dependable, and a good value. I welcome any comments you might have.....

ACR ResQLink is the best value and performer of current PLBs. The McMurdo Fast Find / Kanaad Safelink are a not very distant second. Given they cost about the same... I carry the ACR currently.

Its hard to follow up a recommendation by Doug :-) , but if it means anything ... +1 on what Doug said.

I purchased a PLB a while back, have never used it, but it offers a nice level of comfort knowing that my family and I can get help if needed. Its a really REALLY cheap insurance policy that takes advantage of some amazing technology ... if you want to think of it that way.

Still, I continue to plan to carry what I (or we) need to be as "findable" as possible - night or day, and to be prepared to wait out the time until rescue comes (figuring a day or two ... or three uncomfortably).

I have several ACR ResQLink devices I use for work. I have not had to use them, but they are light and have great capabilities. I also just returned from 3 weeks in northern Arizona teaching land navigation, and used the InReach from Delorme. They were great and maintained a good signal even deep in the canyons. It also allows two way comms, and the account is very flexible in how you manage the costs. There are two versions, I have the one that works with the Delorme Pn-60W GPS. Comms were great and I could track the students real time. It is a consideration. It also has SOS capabilities similar to a PLB, without the strobe light. It can work as a stand alone or with the GPS or a smartphone to communicate. I am very pleased with it.

I don't have one yet but I plan to pick up a PLB soon. Doug's word is pretty much gospel to me when it comes to things like this, so I'll be buying whatever one he recommends!

I've been running the ACR Res-Q-Link since the spring of this year. I got the subscription for the 'I'm OK' notification service, which has worked well.

Good info there from Montanero, as always.

I don't use a PLB ... but I have been happy with my SPOT2 device.
If you get something reliable - it should work out for you.

cheers,
Pete2

SPOT2, here. carry it for every road trip and off grid trip.

I carry a ResQLink in my overwater survival vest. My McMurdo Fast Find was moved into the GHB kept in the back of my truck.

I like separating my emergency and check-in/non-emergency communications and a small bit of redundancy. McMurdo Fast Find on my belt and Delorme InReach in the pack. I really love the two-way capability of the InReach and don't worry about using up the battery for routine communications. The InReach moves to my pack strap if I want to do tracking.