Do You Need a Spot Device For Rock Climbing Outside?

Posted on by Daniel

One concern for climbers beginning the transition from gym to crag is safety. How do I get help while climbing outdoors? How safe is climbing outdoors? What if an accident happens while I’m climbing? These are all understandable anxieties for someone making the transition to a more remote setting. It’s always a smart idea to have some form of communication device when you are recreating outdoors.

Your first option, and the easiest, is your smartphone. Everyone has a smartphone these days, and you can also use it for finding routes on Mountain Project, taking photos, etc. However, cell phones only work where they have service – and climbing areas, which are often away from cities or in sheltered areas under steep cliffs, can have unreliable cell reception.

The second option for communication is a Spot GPS or Garmin InReach Personal Locator Beacon. These are dedicated satellite messenger devices, used for calling aid to remote places in case of emergency. The downside to these devices is that they require a dedicated subscription.

Let’s explore both options, to help you choose what kind of communication device you should take into the backcountry.

The Evolving Landscape of Safety Tech

Before continuing, it’s worth acknowledging recent technological progres. Smartphones, particularly the latest iPhones (iPhone 14 and iPhone 15), now come equipped with advanced satellite chips that enhance their capabilities in remote locations. These chips promise better SOS and eventually full connectivity in areas with limited or no cellular coverage, potentially altering the way people will approach safety in the great outdoors.

Smartphones in Outdoor Safety

For the average person, a smartphone is always a lifeline. In the city and on most travel routes, the phone is always reliable, and a source of power is almost always nearby. In the wilderness, this is not as true, so we need to be careful about assuming our phones can solve all problems. Battery life, damage in rugged environments, and the lack of cell service are all factors to consider. Additionally, reliance on a single device for emergency situations may not be foolproof, especially in remote areas where signal strength can be unreliable.

Carrying a second Personal Locator Beacon or SOS device can provide additional rediundancy, and may be warranted if you are a particularly anxious person, or your climbing location is going to be extra-remote. For the average gym to crag climber, recreating at a popular sport climbing crag near a city, where cell service and other people may be around, a cell phone probably suffices. But one can never be too prepared. Below, we’ll discuss the features and advantages of PLB devices such as the Spot and the InReach.

What is a Personal Locator Beacon, and Why Do I Need One?

Emergency locator beacons a.k.a. Personal Locator Beacons, have earned their place in the outdoor adventurer’s toolkit. These compact communicators offer satellite communication and a range of features tailored to the needs of climbers, hikers, and other backcountry enthusiasts.

We can think of these PLB devices as a dedicated “Bring Help” button. For those with loved ones who may like frequent check ins, they also allow easy messaging even when in areas of limited or nonexistent cell service. Although newer phones also have satellite chips, these cannot be used for messaging – they are solely for Emergency services. The InReach and Spot devices both have one-way and two-way messaging plans.

Features of Personal Locator beacons

Although each manufacturer offers slightly different packages, some of the useful features of emergency locator beacons include:

  1. SOS Functionality: A dedicated button that, when pressed, notifies emergency services of your exact location. A.K.A. the “bring the helicopter” button. Most devices allow you to recieve messages from emergency services as well, to help coordinate rescue.
  2. Tracking: Real-time tracking allows friends, family, or emergency responders to monitor your progress on a map.
  3. One-Way Messages: Send pre-programmed messages or custom texts to designated contacts, providing updates on your well-being.
  4. Check-In: A check-in feature lets others know you’re still safe as the day progresses, usually with just a tap.
  5. Extended Battery Life: PLBs have beefy, durable batteries which are designed to last for days or even weeks without needing recharging.
  6. Two-Way Messaging: Some devices and plans allow for two-way messaging, although not all.
  7. Weather Updates: You can pull an updated weather forecast for your specific location.
  8. GPS Navigation and Maps: Load a GPX file or track your progress using the PLB’s internal mapping tools.

Which Emergency Locator Beacon is Best?

That will depend on your needs. With many different options and subscription plans, you’ll need to choose what’s best for you. Outdoor Gear Lab has put together a comprehensive review of the best emergency communicators, here.

Making the Right Choice

In choosing between a PLB device, or relying solely on your cell phone, the decision hinges on your specific needs and priorities. Here are some considerations to guide your choice:

  1. Emergency Response: If immediate access to emergency services is paramount, the dedicated SOS buttons on Spot and Garmin devices offer a distinct advantage over smartphones.
  2. Two-Way Communication: For climbers who value two-way communication in the backcountry, especially for intricate trip planning or navigating unexpected situations, a satellite PLB is a necessity .
  3. Battery Life: If you are only going out for an afternoon, a smartphone battery is sufficient. For multi-day adventures, the PLB will be the more reliable option.
  4. Cost: While smartphones come with their own costs, you’re already paying for a service plan. A satellite locator beacon will require an additional subscription – consider if this cost is within your budget.
  5. Convenience: Carrying two devices when one will do is unnecessary.

Conclusion: Balancing Tech and Tradition

As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of outdoor adventures, the question of whether you need a PLB for rock climbing outside becomes part of a larger conversation. While the newest satellite-enabled smartphones bring unprecedented connectivity, the reliability, durability, and specialized features of devices like the InReach Mini remain unmatched in certain scenarios.

Ultimately, the choice between boils down to personal preference, risk tolerance, and the specific demands of your climbing dreams.