Gear Review #2 – Zoleo

Gear Review #2 – Zoleo – Tracking and Messaging Device

So I will take this straight from their site to explain it short and simple.

“ZOLEO sends and receives messages via the Iridium global satellite network when you’re outside of cellular coverage”

The Zoleo device has a carabiner and I attach to a hook on the shoulder of any of my packs. There is an app that you get your contacts to download. You can send them an invite from your app to make it easier for them. The thing is you have to get them to open the app and make sure notifications are on for it. Or they will not receive your messages. But once you get that figured out it is pretty easy.

You can set your messaging check frequency to a few different intervals. Mine is set for every 11 minutes.

When I was on the Vermont Long Trail I spent most of the time by myself and even was camping by myself. Having my contact set up was making me feel more at ease with being so far and disconnected from other people in an area I did not know. I would do a check in each morning and at night….sometimes during the day when I had nobody else to complain to when I was suffering!! 

I also like that when I am travelling sketchy highways.  like the Columbia Icefield highway in the winter (where there is no cell service) I can be confident I can get help in case of an emergency. 

I do a lot of solo backcountry trips and travelling so having a way to let my people know I am ok is key to them causing me less grief for doing it!! Haha. But seriously, it gives us all a piece of mind.

The only thing I have to get figured out is the location sharing. It did not always work….it would say location could not be determined….where other times it worked. So I need to figure out if this is user issue or something more….this has reminded me to reach out to Zoleo. The only reason it did not concern me is because my messages were getting through and I was able to share my location that way.

The other thing to keep in mind with Zoleo is it does not work buried in your pack,  buildings, shelters, or cabins. It needs to be outside to access satellites. So attached on the outside of your pack somewhere. When I am driving and want to have it on in case of emergencies I place it on my dash turned on  so it is ready to go if needed.

Battery life on it is great!! I charged it once in the 2 weeks I was on the Vermont Long Trail but I highly suggest for emergency purposes you never let it run below 50% battery power.

Price wise….it is cheaper than it’s competitors with similar options. And it’s packages are very flexible and can be changed on the go if needed!

Thanks Zoleo for enabling me to live my life outdoors but still be connected to the world when needed!! #zoleo #besafe #gpsmessaging #safetyfirst #adventure #explore #getoutside #backpacking #hiking #trailrunning #backcountry #vermontlongtrail #bewild #womenwhoexplore