Do I need a GPS tracker for travelling?
Do backpackers need a GPS tracker? Maybe, if you are planning more extreme adventures and especially solo trips.
Firstly, what is a GPS device? They come in all shapes, sizes and with different offerings. Often they require an upfront fee to buy and then a subscription with different pricing tiers depending on what services you require: i.e. just emergency messages, messaging to your contacts, weather reports, etc.
In my view, for most ‘typical’ backpackers, you will not need a GPS device; by typical, I mean your classic trips, especially for first-time backpackers. Many parts of the world, even in less-developed countries, have good phone signal (cell service), so if you are going to the usual backpacking spots in south-east Asia or most parts of Europe, you can easily contact emergency services and use maps via your mobile phone. You can often buy a local sim card once you’re there and these are often very affordable and cheaper than phone plans in Western countries. You can also get an eSim before you go, so you are up and running from the second you land, although these are typically a little more than buying a SIM card when you are there. Many common destinations have good cell service in major towns, cities and tourist destinations, although you may find that in areas the topography, such as mountains, can reduce cell service. Like I say though if you are going for a more ‘typical’ trip the chances are that a good SIM card will be sufficient to keep you reasonably safe and contactable without the need for a GPS tracker. I also find that the old-fashioned way of letting people know where you are going and when you will be back is always best, even with a GPS tracker.
So who may need one? Ask yourself: Do you plan on going into parts of the world with limited or no cell service? Are you heading into the mountains, desert or jungle? Are you going to places where few people pass through and roads are few and far between? Are you going to places where animal attacks are more likely or where the weather can be unpredictable? If this is the case, you may want to consider getting a GPS device.
Firstly, consider if you plan to go to these remote places by yourself, with friends or with an organised tour. If you are heading into the desert but going with a reputable tour company, they should have good emergency procedures in place – don’t assume this though and check with your tour provider. If you are going without a guide or reputable company, maybe consider one. Even if you are going with guides, their safety procedures may not be great. For example, I have spent time horseback riding through very remote parts of Mongolia, where there are no roads and which are reachable only by horse.
For example, I have spent time horseback riding through very remote parts of Mongolia, where there are no roads and which are reachable only by horse. I had horse guides to keep me right, but they had no means of contacting emergency services other than riding off for help, which could take days. If I or someone in my party were injured, getting help quickly could mean the difference between life and death, so bear that in mind.
So, what are the pros and cons of a GPS device?
Positives
- Safety
The obvious one. In emergencies, you can contact family, friends and emergency services from pretty much anywhere (subject to some limitations I’ll discuss later!) - Peace of mind
You and your family have peace of mind that if you are injured, you can likely send a message for help. - Preparation
If you are going on multi-day trips, the weather can change; many GPS devices let you check the weather via satellite without the need for an internet connection, although this often costs more to get this feature. - Backup to your phone
Some GPS devices need your phone to work, while others can be used independently, so if your phone is lost, broken or runs out of battery, you can still contact the emergency services. Many GPS devices are waterproof or at least more robust than a typical phone too.
Negatives
- Cost
Good GPS devices are often not cheap to buy and they often have tiered subscription models based on what you want included: emergency services, weather reports, messages for family, etc. - More baggage
GPS devices vary in size, many of which, however, are relatively small and use the same charging cables as a standard phone (such as a USB-C); however, it is one more thing to carry and one more thing to worry about being lost or stolen. - Satellite connectivity
GPS devices work on satellite connectivity; it needs a clear view of the sky to work effectively. If you are caving or have obstructed views of the sky due to dense forest cover, your device may be less effective or not work at all. Like any other device, you also need to make sure that it’s charged. With some GPS models, you can leave a ‘breadcrumb trail’ where it sends your location routinely to your family, so if you do disappear, they will at least know your approximate location and a search area. - Usability
Some of the smaller devices, even the best regarded on the market, can feel like you’re using an old Nokia brick phone at times and they are not as intuitive as a phone. Sometimes you also need several apps connected to them to use every function.
If you plan on taking yourself on remote adventures, a big concern is the cost. There are varying brands out there, but Garmin is regarded by many as the best. They have a range of devices and pricing plans. Do your research, though and find one that is best for you. Garmin offer products with a screen, these are often easy to use without being connected to your phone at all, although they can be larger, heavier and have a shorter battery life than alternatives with a less interactive display. You can also go for smaller models, which may need a phone to work with them for some or all of their features; this, of course, restricts you if your phone runs out of battery or is lost or broken. For pricing, you will pay extra for messaging, off-grid weather reports, etc. I think that weather reports, which you can get while you are off-grid, can be great if you are taking longer, multi-day trips.
My GPS Device
I’ve spent a lot of time in remote areas with no signal, be it the jungles of Malaysian Borneo, the Australian outback, the Canadian backcountry or the Mongolian steppe. I probably should have bought a GPS device sooner, but I only took the plunge in Canada. I now own a Garmin inReach Mini 2. At the time I bought it largely for its built-in altimeter, as I intended to be the first person ever to summit a never-before-climbed mountain near me and hopefully start the ball rolling to get it named, so I wanted an accurate summit elevation when submitting my application. For those who are interested, you can read about my ascent of Tenacity Peak by following the link.
Personally, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 was great for me. It’s small, lightweight and can be used for emergency messaging without needing a phone. Using more advanced features is far easier via the phone app, as the screen is small. A big plus for me though, is that this device has a long battery life. I do a lot of long, off-grid camping trips and I can spend a significant amount of time without seeing anyone else.
I often do some more risky hikes and scrambles on these trips, where a broken leg could leave me stranded and at risk of exposure, so my GPS gives me some peace of mind should this happen. It also has the added benefit of putting my family more at ease. Plenty of other hikers I see also use the device and I have seen more people using this than any other GPS.
Some downsides with the deceive are that it is hard to use without being used in combination to a phone and that there are several apps to be used with it – you can such as the Garmin messenger and inReach apps and I find it not the most intuitive device to use. I am also not a fan that you need to pay a registration fee which isn’t cheap just to be set up even after paying a decent chunk of change for the device itself so bear that in mind that you will have the initial cost, plus registration, plus subscription.
Offsetting Costs
GPS devices keep you safe and offer your family and friends peace of mind. If you think your parents would feel safer with you having one, but you can’t afford all the costs involved, why not send them this link? Maybe they can help out!
Alternatives
I am aware that newer iPhones now have satellite messaging. This may be a cheaper alternative to a designated GPS device if you account for the phone also acting as a phone, rather than having a phone and a GPS device; depending on your budget for your phone that is. This may be good to get you out of a bind if you are desperate, but I am sceptical as to how reliable this messaging is compared to a designated GPS devices.
To buy, or not to buy...
Ultimately, it’s up to you; it’s your safety, and you can’t put a price on that. The main obstacle for me when it came to buying one was the cost involved, especially the recurring costs, and I presume for many of you reading this, this will be your concern too. Do your research, consider asking the bank of mum and dad if you think that will help and remember, safety first!
Happy travels!
Andy Argo
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Title image: Me hiking at Cirque Peak, Canadian Rockies, Canada with my Garmin GPS Mini 2 GPS device.