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Outdoor activities enable people to experience new ways to test their body and mind similarly to the protective services. Kayaking as an activity requires someone to be resilient and strong-willed. This is due to it being an unfamiliar experience for many people, especially those who aren't confident swimmers it could lead to them becoming really nervous and anxious. This reaction is normal and is a good way to become prepared for a career in the protective services as it allows someone to develop how they adapt to high stress situations in an uncomfortable environment.

During high-stress situations a persons skills will be tested such as composure, decision making and problem solving. These skills are then transferable to protective service situations such as being in a war zone in the armed forces or dealing with protesters as a police officer.

Personally kayaking had the biggest effect on me out of all the activities i have completed as at first i was very scared as i am a poor swimmer however i stayed resilient during the session, which for me was high-stress to start with, and eventually i got more confident and remained composed. This activity developed my problem solving as i didn't know how to control the kayak but i figured it out.

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Kayaking is a water based activity that involves you using a paddle to move yourself across the water. Some skills used while kayaking include:

Determination: Determination is required especially as a beginner as kayaking is very different to other outdoor activities. Having good determination will allow someone to progress and get better at kayaking.

Communication: Communication while kayaking can be both listening well and speaking well to the people around you. An example of communicating well is telling people there is a boat coming or giving instructions about directions.

Kayaking can be more dangerous for beginners compared to other outdoor activities as if you are unfamiliar with the water it can be scary. Being safe is the number 1 priority while kayaking, being safe includes using the correct equipment and listening to instructors and making sure to look out for warning signs.

Water based activities in a natural vs controlled environment.

Kayaking in a controlled environment is safer than kayaking in a controlled environment. It is safer as the environment is checked and limited to what comes in and out of the environment such as wildlife. Meanwhile kayaking in a natural environment incurs much more risk as the environment isn't controlled and typically you will be alone. Kayaking in a natural environment requires you to be more skilled at kayaking and have a better understanding of rescue techniques and how to control a kayak.

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Sea kayaking is historically one of the earliest forms of paddling, with archaeological evidence suggesting highly developed craft and skilled hunter-fishermen as far back as 5000 BC.

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Orienteering is a ground based activity that involves you navigating from one point to another using a map and a compass. Using this you have to plan a route and complete it. This is usually completed in an unfamiliar environment that has rough ground such as the countryside.

Orienteering requires some skills such as endurance agility and strength. Orienteering benefits your body and mind as it allows you to test you physical and mental strength. Orienteering can improve your navigation, decision making and problem solving.

When i went orienteering i challenged myself physically and mentally whilst using key skills to help make the session easier. orienteering will help me develop towards career in the public services as it tests your mental strength and physical strength. This would translate very well to the armed forces as in the army long expeditions could be part of your deployment to get a tactical advantage without being noticed.

History of orienteering.

https://neooc.com/the-brief-history-of-orienteering/

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The history of orienteering begins in the late 19th century in Sweden, the actual term "orientering" (the original Swedish name for orienteering, lit. "orientation") was first used in 1886 and meant the crossing of unknown land with the aid of a map and a compass.In Sweden, orienteering grew from military training in land navigation into a competitive sport for military officers, then for civilians. The name is derived from a word root meaning to find the direction or location. The first orienteering competition open to the public was held in Norway in 1897.

From the beginning, locations selected for orienteering have been chosen in part for their beauty, natural or man-made. For the first public orienteering competition in Sweden, in 1901, control points included two historic churches, Spånga kyrka and Bromma kyrka (a round church).

With the invention of inexpensive yet reliable compasses, the sport gained popularity during the 1930s. By 1934, over a quarter million Swedes were participants, and orienteering had spread to Finland, Switzerland, the Soviet Union, and Hungary. Following World War II, orienteering spread throughout Europe and to Asia, North America and Oceania. In Sweden in 1959, an international orienteering conference was held. Representatives from 12 countries ( Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, East and West Germany, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Yugoslavia) participated. In 1961, orienteering organizations representing 10 European nations founded the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). Since then, IOF has supported the founding of many national orienteering federations. By 2010, 71 national orienteering federations were member societies of the International Orienteering Federation.These federations enabled the development of national and world championships. World championships were held every two years until 2003, then every year.

Throughout this time, orienteering has remained most popular in Scandinavia. There, the two oldest recurring orienteering meets have been held since the 1940s ( Jukola relay and Tiomila), and the single largest orienteering meet has been held every year since 1965 and attracts around 15,000 competitors ( O-Ringen).

Typically, orienteering is run in wild terrain. In its Scandinavian origins, this typically meant in the forest, but orienteering in open fell, heathland, moorlandand other mixed terrain is also common. Orienteering in towns has been common for many years. Street-O has typically been a low-key affair; score events, often at night, normally as informal training events. The Venice street-O is notable for attracting a large international participation. With Park World Tourraces and other (e.g. World championships) elite sprint races often being held in urban areas, and the development of a map specification for urban areas (ISSOM), from the mid-2000s, Street-O has been rebranded as urban orienteering, and has taken itself rather more seriously, with full colour maps and electronic punching, and may now be regarded as a serious competition with inclusion in national ranking lists.Such urban races are often much longer than the sprint distance.
Adapted from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering

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The history of orienteering begins in the late 19th century in Sweden, the actual term "orientering" (the original Swedish name for orienteering, lit. "orientation") was fir...

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Indoor climbing is a land based activity that involves climbing artificial walls that have holds on which are used to climb to the top. These holds can be different shapes sizes and colors to increase difficulty of climbing.

Indoor climbing is unique compared to other activities such as orienteering or kayaking as it requires much more coordination and strength to be able to hold yourself up and then move up the wall. Indoor climbing is unique as it requires unique technique to be able to be complete the activities and climb the walls.

Indoor climbing has many benefits such as improving endurance/stamina and improving your balance. Also indoor climbing has lots of skills that are transferable to the public services such as problem solving and decision making. These skills are developed through making decisions on where to put your feet and which hold to move to next.

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Where indoor climbing was once simply a way to train during the off season, it is now a sport unto itself. How did we get here?

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Soft skills for kayaking.

Determination: Determination is required especially as a beginner as kayaking is very different to other outdoor activities. Having good determination will allow someone to progress and get better at kayaking.

Communication: Communication while kayaking can be both listening well and speaking well to the people around you. An example of communicating well is telling people there is a boat coming or giving instructions about directions.

Cooperation: Cooperating while kayaking is mainly while in a kayak with another person. Being cooperative with another person in a kayak allows you to be able to move where you want to go and do it effectively while communicating that to the other person.

Soft skills for orienteering

Team work: Team work while orienteering helps in every aspect. An example of this is map reading, as a team map reading becomes easier when people work together and do it effectively.

Leadership: Being a good leader allows you to enable the people around you. An example of this while orienteering is helping people understand things they are confused about such as the route you are taking.

Motivation: Being motivated is having the ability to push through an activity even when you don't want to. Being motivated while orienteering makes it easier for you to complete the route and motivating team members can help to lift spirts for everyone else even if they are not as motivated as you.

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Physical skills for kayaking.

Coordination: Being coordinated in a main priority when kayaking as you have to balance pushing yourself with the paddle whilst maintaining your balance and not capsizing. Having full control over what you are trying to do is the key to coordination.

Physical fitness: Being physically fit is a key skill as it allows you to be able to push yourself in the kayak whilst maintaining a good speed and being able to cover the required distance.

Endurance: Endurance whilst kayaking is the ability to keep going without getting tired enough that you have to stop. Kayaking can be tiring as it requires you to use multiple body parts at once in particular your arms.

Physical skills for orienteering.

Endurance: Endurance involves having stamina to be able to complete long activities even if they are challenging. AN example of this is walking for hours on uneven ground and in bad weather.

Agility: Being agile is the ability to move quickly at a speed often while changing direction. This skill is useful when orienteering as you may have to navigate very uneven terrain or through a challenging area in which being agile will help to do so.

Strength: Strength is about being able to carry things or withstand pressure such as carrying a heavy bag. When orienteering people will usually carry a rucksack that contains necessities and can weigh quite a bit. Being strong will help with this as you can carry a heavier load and hold it for longer.

Fitness routine.

A plan that would help me to develop these skills would be,

Attend gym session 1-1.5 hours 3x weekly

Long walk/ hike every other week

Kayaking/swimming every other week

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Teamwork and communication are two of the most important skills needed for a successful career in the protective services.

In outdoor activities teamwork and communication is essential to having an efficient team that works well together. An example of needing good team dynamics is when you are kayaking in a 2 person kayak. You need to work well with the person you are in a kayak with as if you don't it could lead to one person having to take on more responsibility, therefore each person needs to put in the right amount of effort to be effective. Communication is also needed within a team as it can lead to costly mistakes such as injury if people don't communicate their needs. An example of this is when climbing and someone is controlling your belay device you need to communicate when you are coming down so that the person is ready to let you down.

These experiences helped to develop my communication and teamwork skills by making me use these skills in somewhat stressful situations which is similar to the public services environment. These skills are essential for a future career in the public services as they will make it easier for me to work and communicate effectively with people. A specific example i had to use and develop my teamwork and communication skills was when i was orienteering with people i didn't know and we came to a point where the leader didn't understand where to go next so i offered to help them to read the map to help us decide the right way to go. This experience gave me confidence in my skills in teamwork and communication as i proved that i can communicate well to well other people to complete a common goal.

Team dynamics in outdoor activities help to build a foundation for the skills that are needed in the public services. An example of this is communication and teamwork whilst orienteering will help to develop these skills however they are not a true reflection of what it will be like in the public services. In the public services you are often in high stress situations, these situations can lead to you not thinking as you usually would and can lead to your communication and teamwork skills becoming flawed due to the nature of the situation. Overall the skills you will use are the same however the situations you will be in are vastly different and that can change your ability to be effective in communication and teamwork. Leadership is key to a good team dynamic and orienteering is a good way to develop your leadership however leading a team on a hike and leading a team into a combat zone is very different

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Outdoor skills are transferable and key to success in some public service roles. An example of an outdoor skill that is transferable to the public services is navigation and map reading skills. This skill is extremely important to have in the rescue services such as mountain and cave rescue, it is important as you will often be traversing difficult terrain that is very rural and hard to access. These skills could also be useful in different roles such as the fire service and police service in situations that involve them going to rural places or if their typical technology isn't working it can help them to respond to emergencies efficiently.

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Join our unique RBL Survival Challenge and help us provide invaluable support and services for the Armed Forces community and their families.

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Mountainous/ hill type environments can come with many challenges such as steep, uneven and slippery terrain. To safely navigate these environments you must take into consideration many things such as correct clothing/ gear, weather conditions, physical ability and quality of navigation skills. Preparing for the environment you are going to be in is critical. An example of this is wearing the correct footwear for a hike through a mountainous region, hiking boots/ footwear with good ankle support is necessary as you will be faced with steep terrain that is often rocky/ uneven. If you decided to tackle this environment with the wrong footwear it could lead to injuries and pain. Preparing for the right environment is key as being safe while participating in an activity is the most important part as it minimises the chances of things going wrong such as injuries and not being able to complete your goals for the activity.

Another type of environment is an closed water environment such as a lake or docks. These environments are very different to a mountainous environment and therefore require different precautions for safe participation. In these environments you would complete different activities as well such as kayaking or paddle boarding. An example of this is different type of gear is needed. For example a wet suit/ dry suit is needed as the water can get very cold. Therefore having a wet/dry suit is necessary to keeping your body warm enough and that you don't go into hypothermia. Another key requirement for safety which is unique for water environments is a buoyancy aid.

One time I had to adjust to an outdoor setting was when I was on an expedition with college where we had to complete a route following checkpoints it started to rain heavily and had rained the previous days which then made the ground very soft, slippery and uneven. This made it that I had to be more careful when walking which used my coordination and problem solving skills. I had to use these skills as there were big puddles that had formed in the mud and I didn't want to get my feet wet. To do this I had to think on the spot about the best route to take around these areas and then I had to coordinate myself correctly to navigate around them which sometimes involved stabilising myself using the environments such as rocks and trees. However when completing this activity I was wearing hiking bots that gave me more ankle support and stability to traverse the environment. This experience taught me that it is better to be prepared for rough environments than to be underprepared.

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Equipment for kayaking.

For kayaking there are many pieces if equipment that are necessary such as:

Kayak- suitable for the environment you are in and in good condition. A kayak is the main piece to kayaking and depending on your kayak can determine what level of kayaking you can do, an example of this is a white water kayak.

Paddle- To be able to manoeuvre yourself and the kayak, to control how you want to move.

Buoyancy aid- Device to keep you afloat in water, to help keep you safe if you fall out of your kayak. The buoyancy aid is the most important piece of equipment to keep you safe as it can help to keep afloat if you fall in water and will help everyone whether they are confident or not at swimming.

Dry/wet suit- to keep your body at the correct temperature and stop you getting wet.

Map/Compass- to navigate your way towards your goal. A compass can help to find the direction in which you are meant to go if your are having difficulty reading the map.

Gps- to help with navigation and for safety reasons. A GPS can be tracked to ensure that you can be found if you get lost.

Equipment for orienteering.

Suitable footwear- Hiking boots/ footwear with ankle support is essential for orienteering as it minimises the risk of foot and ankle injuries whilst being comfy as to not cause discomfort or blisters.

Map/compass- A map and a compass is essential to navigating your way from start to finish when orienteering. Being bale to read a map and use a compass is key to fully understanding how to navigate difficult terrain.

Suitable clothing- The type of clothing you need can change depending on the weather. In good weather you could need light and breathable clothes such as shorts, however if there is bad weather you could need a waterproof jacket and pants as well as layers to keep you warm such as an undershirt.

Having the correct equipment is a good start however it isn't useful if you don't know how to use it, an example of this is a map and a compass, if you don't know how to read a map or use a compass they are essentially useless as you will get no value out of them. This is also relevant in the public services as if you don't know how to use your equipment it is useless to you and can lead to a higher chance for something to go wrong. An example of this in the public services is using a map or a gps device whilst in the army as if you don't know how to navigate to your target it could lead to issues for yourself and your team such as being lead to the wrong place and being surrounded by enemies.

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Best for Standalone Use

SPOT X

The SPOT X fills a small niche. This is a two-way, satellite-linked, backcountry messaging device that works entirely on its own. The built-in physical QWERTY keyboard distinguishes it from all of its competitors. With this keyboard, the user can text readily without needing to link to a separate, battery-draining device. If you prefer a smartphone interface, it can be linked to a smartphone.

The SPOT X is unique, but it is exceeded in some ways by its close competitors, particularly in regards to size and satellite system used. Additionally, we had part of the first (of two) SPOT X antenna we tested come apart. Functionality did not change with this issue, but it's not encouraging. These drawbacks are not at all deal breakers. If that physical keyboard and its benefits appeal to you, there is no reason not to choose the SPOT X.

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Why You Should Trust Us

To compile this review, we started by carefully selecting the top models of satellite messenger and personal locator beacons. It's usually impossible for us to satisfactorily test every product on the market for a particular category. With PLBs and satellite messengers, though, there aren't many options available, and we can test nearly every device. Especially in the two-way satellite messaging device sub-category, we've worked to get every single new option in our hands. The end result is a set of tested products that represent essentially all of the available satellite communication options currently on the market. From there, we purchased and activated these beacons and put them to the test for hundreds of hours, side-by-side, in several distinct situations and locations. We do so while calling on decades of experience with wilderness communications. Test settings have varied through most latitudes, terrains, and climate/vegetation types.

We augmented field tests with consultation and lab tests. We paid special attention to how well the devices did things most important in the function of a messenger/beacon, like message transmission, signal coverage, and ease of use. We also consulted with SAR experts and engineers most familiar with the underlying technology. If you're looking for a comprehensive resource to help you find the device that will work best for you, you've come to the right place.

Our comprehensive test plan was divided into five weighted rating metrics:

SOS/Emergency Messaging (30% of overall score weighting)

Non-Emergency Messaging (25% weighting)

Signal Coverage (20% weighting)

Ease of Use (15% weighting)

Portability (10% weighting)

This review was assembled, with input from many others, by Jediah Porter. Aside from testing gear, Jed's primary work is in all kinds of mountain guiding. Whether on rock, ice, alpine, or ski mountaineering trips, Jed guides full-time all around the world. In each of the few most recent years, he has racked up over 500,000 vertical feet of human-powered ascent. In 2020 he ascended 800,000 vertical feet of human-powered mountain terrain. Most of this was while backcountry skiing. Aside from climbing and skiing, you can find him dabbling in mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, trail running, and occasional adventure travel tourist-ing. He almost always brings a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon along on his adventures, something his family appreciates. Jed brings a level of professionalism, competence, and experience that we need when testing these important safety devices. Before taking over this category, he consulted for a few years for one of the major satellite communication networks.

Analysis and Test Results

It has become increasingly common for wilderness travelers to carry and use satellite communications. You might choose to buck that convention, but your loved ones hope that you are at least considering such technology and service. We head to the wild to escape certain types of communications, but we are also vulnerable when out there to spotty or nonexistent communication options. Strike your own balance, and use our review findings to make your own choice.

Value

The initial purchase price of a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger is only part of the equation. Some devices require subscription plans that vary over time, making comprehensive comparisons difficult. We can, though, make some authoritative recommendations.

For SOS/Emergency use only, the best value is a device on the public-sector/governmental COSPAS-SARSAT network. The ACR devices are two examples. The rescueME PLB1 deserves a nod for its access to the proven and free international satellite SAR network and its tiny size. The high-scoring Somewear Global Hotspot also provides fantastic value - some of the best in our entire review - and does it on the Iridium satellite network.

Note that the initial purchase price is only part of your decision. Some devices may require a much higher upfront cost but, when counting the cost of activation and subscription plans, end up being closer in price - or even cheaper - over the long haul.

Some of the newer offerings (the Bivy Stick, the ZOLEO, and value option Somewear Global Hotspot) shake up the subscription options further. All of these low- to no-commitment subscription plans are equal to or better than those offered by the established competitors.

If you will own and carry an iPhone anyway, the latest version (number 14 as of this writing) now offers (in the USA and Canada, below 62 degrees latitude) their Satellite Emergency SOS service. This service, for now, is free, and the hardware is automatically integrated into Apple iPhone 14 models. You can also perform very basic non-emergency messaging with the Apple iPhone 14. This could be considered a "budget" choice if you already own the phone.

SOS/Emergency Messaging

Sending an emergency signal is, for many, the primary reason to carry a communication device into the wilderness. It's also the metric that unites the category. All of these devices, with varying degrees of effectiveness, can be used to summon help in the event of a life or limb emergency. Some of them do not do anything more. SAR experts confirm that the most important information to relate is 1) where you are and 2) how bad it is. When you push the SOS button on any of the reviewed personal locator beacons, you are sending your GPS coordinates and saying, "This is really, really bad." There was a time, not long ago, when COSPAS-SARSAT-style devices did not include GPS data. Location, in that case, was ascertained in a two-stage triangulation. First via the communication satellite and then by SAR aircraft. The uncertainty in a simple "help" notification implies the gravity of the situation. With satellite SOS transmission, you are saying, "Get here as fast as possible."

Effective SOS messaging (read: help is summoned, acquired, and is helpful) requires a few steps and connects a few players. Let us spell out how it works and how different categories of devices accomplish these steps.

First, you absolutely need to have a device, current registration, a clear view of the sky, and the wherewithal and mobility to activate the SOS feature of your device. Don't take these things for granted. It is entirely possible to find yourself in an emergency without one or more of these essential things in your favor. (A recent test-team visit to the dense forests of the Northeast US point out just how tenuous satellite signal can be, for instance. This tester went days at a time without reliable satellite coverage in the otherwise "benign" and compact wild of the "civilized" east coast). The wilderness is dangerous. No piece of equipment will eliminate that danger. For an effective response, your emergency needs to be one that still gives you some time. Satellite communications can be nearly instant, but wilderness emergency response will take hours or days in even the most accessible of wild spaces.

Provided your emergency fits the above criteria, your device sends a signal to one of just four satellite networks. We review equipment from six different brands, but they all use one of these four satellite networks. Once your distress signal reaches its satellite network, it needs to get to a staffed, terrestrial dispatch service. Across the nine devices from six brands we tested here, only four operations provide all monitoring and dispatch services. The staff at those services will identify your location and then work to secure local assistance for you. Your message will methodically funnel to local resources. It is likely that, regardless of how your message goes out and is dispatched, the local SAR response will be the same. This final, crucial, local response depends on way too many factors to list here. Do your homework to know what your SAR options are for any given adventure.

SOS messaging says, "I am here, and I am in dire need of assistance." In the worst of emergencies, this is all that SAR needs to know. Of course, being able to relate more nuanced information and being able to answer questions from SAR responders is of great value. Satellite messengers or personal locator beacons that allow two-way, customized communication improve emergency response.

The ACR ResQLink View and rescueME PLB1 both use the COSPAS-SARSAT system. Functionally, for emergency messaging, these are identical.

Both SPOT devices, all three Garmin devices, the Somewear Global Hotspot, ZOLEO, and the Bivy Stick use private networks and emergency dispatch systems. Aside from coverage differences, elaborated below, they work the same for SOS messaging. Of these, only the SPOT Gen4 doesn't allow two-way messaging in any context. With the rest of the aforementioned private sector devices and services, you can text back and forth with the team coordinating your emergency response.

In summary, the Garmin devices, ZOLEO, Global Hotspot, Bivy Stick, and SPOT X are the best for emergency messaging since they offer the opportunity to send and receive more nuanced information in an emergency. For "send help now" signaling and nothing more, the Ocean Signal rescueME, ResQLink View, and SPOT Gen4 are nearly indistinguishable and have long been proven to work. Apple's iPhone 14 Emergency Satellite SOS functionality, as long as you are within the coverage area (USA and Canada, for now, and ever expanding, theoretically), works more like the two-way devices in that it allows for sharing of more nuanced information about your emergency.

Non-Emergency Messaging

When it comes to non-emergency messaging, there are various options available on these devices. Some have features that allow you to text and share your location, giving you the feel of using a smartphone. Others have a more straightforward approach, offering the ability to send a quick message saying that you're okay and where you are. Then there are those that have no non-emergency messaging options at all. Different devices offer different levels of performance and features. Additionally, some devices come equipped with location tracking capabilities, which can be set to automatically share your location and status update at regular intervals.

Looking at it a different way, there are three major types of non-emergency messaging. First, there is two-way texting with or without location data attached. This is, of course, the most useful. Next, there are the transmission of manual "OK" messages, which usually have location data attached. Finally, there is automated tracking. Automated tracking is a function in which the device, on some predetermined time interval, will send location information to a front country correspondent, signal allowing. All these different sorts of messaging can go, variously, to web interfaces, text messages, and/or email addresses.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i provides all forms of non-emergency communication. It and the inReach Mini 2 lead the market and lead our test, primarily for this reason. Similarly, the SPOT X, Bivy Stick, ZOLEO, and Somewear Global Hotspot offer all the above forms of non-emergency communication. The SPOT Gen4 has fewer options for non-emergency communications. It has a pre-programmed "OK" message functionality, with location data attached and a few different tracking mode configurations.

COSPAS-SARSAT personal locator beacons do not offer much in the way of non-emergency communication. The ACR ResQLink View and Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 provide no explicit non-emergency messaging. That being said, through an inexpensive subscription to "406Link" you can replicate an informal "off label" non-emergency message protocol. This service leverages a device "test" procedure to send notifications to friends and family, sometimes with location data attached. Implicit in these "test" messages is the idea that "I am here, and my device works." The test message could imply whatever more you and your informal emergency response network determine in advance.

This is nuanced. It is worth noting that ACR once suspended operation of its 406Link program for years, and their service description explicitly states "is not a 'check-in' or 'I'm ok' service." However, in the same description, ACR clearly implies that it might be used just how we describe above. It is currently (early 2022) operational and, with a full understanding of all the involved parties, could provide a bare-bones sort of non-emergency messaging. Do your further homework on its limitations and functionality.

Apple's iPhone 14 includes a very basic sort of non-emergency messaging. Through their "Find My" app, you can manually send a location "pin" via satellite. Properly coached, your contacts at home can interpret this to mean, "I am here, and I am capable of pushing this button on my app," or whatever you want them to deduce from it. Discuss how you want these location messages to be interpreted.

Signal Coverage

Each of the four satellite communication networks has coverage limitations, and all satellite communications have inherent restrictions. Additionally, we found differences, even when coverage seemed intact, in the reliable transmission of sent messages. Because all remote communications are fraught, communication reliability is greatest when it can be "two-way." We know from experience with one-way devices that the field user can be "sending" messages that no one is getting. When the communications are "two-way," confirmation of receipt is a little clearer.

For reasons we hope are obvious, we could not and did not test the coverage and effectiveness of SOS messaging. Each device allows a sort of test mode, but this does not activate the entire SOS system on any device. Those of us who have not yet had a backcountry emergency have to trust the manufacturers and the experience of other less fortunate users. For these ratings, we rely on research and SAR consultation.

The ResQLink View and rescueME PLB1 use the same network and communication protocol. These can be tested, but the number of tests is limited by the life of a built-in, non-rechargeable battery. All these "COSPAS-SARSAT" devices confirm functionality with on-device lights. This is limited in its ability to comfort you, as it doesn't involve satellite confirmation. Some also provide rudimentary test procedures that offer confirmation of actual transmission of the signal, but this drains the battery and sometimes costs more. Decades of history and anecdotal evidence confirm the global coverage and effectiveness of the COSPAS-SARSAT system that these devices employ. Aside from institutional knowledge and the basic on-device testing we performed, we have no way to test signal coverage of these three emergency-only devices.

The other options are easier to test for range and coverage using their non-emergency communication options. Our goal was to verify manufacturer claims. We found that, by sending non-emergency messages from each, all work as intended. The GlobalStar satellite network used by SPOT brand devices and the iPhone 14 covers the major terrestrial wilderness destinations of an American adventurer. Apple service, within the limitations of the GlobalStar network, is limited even more than the SPOT devices. The inReach, Bivy, ZOLEO, and Somewear products use the same Iridium satellite network with global coverage. Within the inherent limitations of all satellite communications, these Iridium networked products truly do work everywhere we've tested them, from California beaches to NE forests to Alaskan glaciers to Patagonia cabins.

We also found subtle differences in message integrity. In a host of head-to-head tests, we found that the Iridium networked devices are a little faster and more reliable than the GlobalStar devices, even with what should be equal overhead coverage. Different devices, even from different brands but on the same network, had signal speed and integrity that were statistically equal. Again, we found no real difference between message sending or receiving to and from devices on the same satellite network.

Ease of Use

Ease of use for this equipment is largely determined by the combination of setup procedures and in-the-field user interface matters. It's worth noting that we're evaluating both the on-device interface and the included networked app interface to get a complete picture. While messaging function and coverage issues are certainly important factors that impact the overall ease of use, we're assessing, comparing, and ranking those elsewhere in our review.

First, let us look at the setup of each device. The COSPAS-SARSAT devices - the ResQLink View and rescueME PLB1 - have identical setup procedures. You fill out an online form and await the arrival, via mail, of your free registration sticker. Through the online interface, you can make changes down the road if needed.

In use, the COSPAS-SARSAT personal locator beacons are super simple. For most people in most settings, the device will live in your emergency kit for years and years with no changes, maintenance, or deployment. The batteries are fixed and long-lasting. Since the only features are for emergency use, few will use the device at all. All of these that we have tested have rudimentary instructions printed right on the device. The instructions are accurate and effectively comprehensive.

For SOS use, the SPOT Gen4, SPOT X, inReach Mini 2, ZOLEO, Somewear Hotspot, Bivy Stick, and Garmin GPSMAP 66i are almost as simple as the COSPAS-SARSAT devices. Simply activate the SOS mode from either the device or from the app. You can send a pre-programmed "OK Message" from the app of many of the two-way messengers. With the SPOT Gen4, you have to send the OK message from the device itself. With the inReach's, the SPOT X, ZOLEO, and Somewear Hotspot, you can send an OK message from the app or from the device itself.

Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app reliance introduce a potential failure mode to your backcountry communication system. All three Garmin devices, Bivy Stick, Somewear, SPOT X, and ZOLEO have Bluetooth and app connectivity to your phone. As you know from routine smartphone use, Bluetooth and apps inherently have their own potential issues. This baseline of potential unreliability is uniform across the board and is exaggerated by backcountry communication realities. Apps can be deleted from your phone, and Bluetooth connections can be "forgotten." In the wild, away from WiFi and cellular data, you cannot re-download a lost app. If the app relies on a web-confirmed account "login" and that "login" is interrupted, you can't reconnect in the wild. What have we found, then, in comparing this sort of "digital reliability" across app-enabled devices?

Next, what about the likelihood of an issue? First, we had no spontaneous app/device connection failures in our testing. All our testing was intentional "sabotage," if you will, of the connection. The Bluetooth/app connection of the ZOLEO is pretty robust. The only way we could get it to fail was to make a multi-step, in-signal process of "delete app account." On the Somewear Labs Hotspot, we were able to get the Bluetooth to disconnect but could reconnect without a signal. If you log out of the app, you need a signal to log back in. The SPOT X Bluetooth connection is similar to that of the Somewear Hotspot. All Garmin products behave similarly. Bluetooth connection can be interrupted but regained in the wild. If you log out of either of the Garmin apps, you need WiFi or cellular to log back in. There are reports (from other users, not our testers) of backcountry failure of Garmin app login, resulting in reliance on the on-device functionality alone. The relative likelihood of app/Bluetooth failure is really hard to ascertain, as there are so many more user hours on the Garmins than on the others. Bottom line, the few accounts of failed inReach/app connection aren't enough to draw any real conclusions from.

Portability

Going to the wilderness usually requires packing light. Therefore, the portability of your communications device(s) is important. Portability, for our purposes, is a function of weight and bulk.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is one of the largest devices we tested, but it also does a little more than others. We didn't mind the bulk until the inReach Mini came along. The Mini is less than half the size of the GPSMAP and does nearly as much. The inReach Mini 2 is exactly the same size and shape as the original Mini and does all the important things that the larger device does. The Bivy Stick is also about the same size and weight as the Mini 2, and the inReach Messenger is just a tiny bit heavier.

The ResQLink View is heavier than the inReach Mini 2 and Bivy Stick and does little more than the ultra-tiny OceanSignal PLB1. The Global Hotspot and ZOLEO are almost as portable as the Mini 2. The SPOT X is similar in size and weight to the Garmin GPSMAP 66i. The SPOT Gen4 is about the same size and weight as the Mini 2 or Bivy Stick. Notably, the SPOT Gen4 is a little heavier than the Gen3. This is odd. Normally we would expect newer products, especially products with less function, to be smaller than their predecessors.

You will likely have a smartphone with you on your outdoor adventures. If that smartphone is an iPhone 14, you already have emergency satellite communication and a form of rudimentary non-emergency communication. This is perhaps the ultimate in "portability," as sat comms are built into your ever-present pocket computer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right satellite messenger can be a daunting task. With so many new products being added and upgraded constantly, it can be hard to keep up. Fortunately, we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest developments and keeping you informed.

Our lead tester is considered an authority among mountain guides when it comes to choosing satellite messaging equipment and service. For full-time, high-end practitioners, he recommends carrying the inReach Messenger at all times, no matter where your adventures take you. Of course, not everyone has the same needs or budget. But as of the publication of this article, we believe that the inReach Messenger is the product to choose for those who want the very best.

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We have investigated the best satellite communication devices for 10 years and present a conclusive summary of the top 11 options available today in this...

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Instructors are essential to helping people have safe experience when doing outdoor activities. When kayaking instructors have to be qualified to teach people to kayak.

In my personal experience when i went kayaking i had no experience and having someone qualified to guide on what to do really helped me to progress quickly as i felt as if i was getting knowledge from a credible source. The guidance from the instructor was extremely valuable as they know how to adapt their ability to teach to different people.

Being led in an outdoor activity by an instructor helps people to be confident and feel safe as they know they are being helped by someone who knows what they are doing. Having an instructor helps to build your skills such as listening and communication as these skills allow you to take in the most information you can to learn to get better.

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British Canoeing Awarding Body | Qualifications | Free eLearning

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Welcome to British Canoeing Awarding Body. Home of the best paddler qualifications and learning in the UK. Ofqual regulated awards & FREE paddler eLearning.

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An example of where skills can be applied is when the fire service attend a house fire. They will use key skills such as teamwork, determination and coordination. They will work together to search the house as efficiently as possible. Then they will have to stay determined to complete their task, an example of this is a firefighter staying determined to clear their part of the house or to move an heavy object. Finally an example of an applied skill is coordination, When a firefighter is in a fire there is very low visibility which means that they have to use their other senses to stay coordinated, an example of how they could do this is always keeping contact withe the wall to their right.

These skills such as coordination i have developed over the past year through various outdoor and physical activities such as indoor climbing. Skills like this are also applicable in other places such as a career in the public services. An example of where coordination is used in the public services is a police officer chasing a suspect will have to coordinate themselves to keep up with the criminal.

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Being safe is the most important thing when completing outdoor activities and this is best achieved when following safety protocols and minimizing risks associated with your outdoor activity. First aids kits are essentially for treating injuries incase something goes wrong. However there are better ways to mitigate the risks before you start your activity such as checking the weather, wearing the appropriate clothing and making sure you stay hydrated and well fed to have enough energy to complete your activity. Using these techniques it will help to minimize the risk and stay as safe as possible. When you are working in a group to stay safe everyone has to work well together and be coordinated, an example of this is when orienteering you can only go as fast as your slowest person to ensure that people don't get left behind or get injured.

Real life examples of how injuries happen,

Fatigue can lead to mistakes such as not properly securing equipment.

Multitasking/ having too much to do can lead to people becoming confused between balancing tasks and then could make a mistake which affects the safety of someone.

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A risk assessment is conducted in outdoor activities to help identify the risk involved in the activity and the consequences should something go wrong.

To conduct a risk assessment you must first identify the risk, then you consider the likelihood of that of it occurring such as someone falling over, then consider the consequence of someone falling. After that you will end up somewhere on the chart and if the risk is somewhere towards the red it could be worth not doing the activity due to the risk.

A time when I completed a risk assessment was for kayaking at Liverpool water sports centre. Some of the risks included was slipping on wet surfaces, falling into the water and being hit by other peoples paddles.

Completing a risk assessment allows you to be more aware of the risks around you and how to avoid them. This develops vital skills such as awareness which is vital for a career in the protective services as you are often in situations in which you have to be aware of your surroundings.

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Emergency protocols are put in place for when everything goes wrong. emergency protocols are there to help people know what to do in an emergency, an example of this is evacuating a building when a fire alarm goes off.

Contingency plans are also put in place to know what to do when everything fails. An example is having lifeguards on a beach to safe people who are in trouble.

Being able to plan for contingencies is a clear indication of a persons ability to communicate clearly.

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An example of a land-based skill is map reading. Map reading is commonly used when hiking and orienteering. Being good at map reading is essential to planning your routes and to help identify where you currently are and what direction you need to go in. Another skill that is used in land-based activities is using a compass, this skill allows you to identify where you need to go and can help to identify locations on a map.

A land-based skill I struggled with is taking bearings on a compass. To overcome this challenge I sought help form people who knew how to take a bearing and asked them to show me what to do, this helped me significantly and I can now take a bearing.

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Having the correct technique for paddling in a kayak is key to being able to control yourself and the direction you want to move.

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Becoming advanced at techniques involves mastering them and knowing how to use them to their maximum effectiveness. An example of this is being able to navigate a route using a map. An advanced technique using a map is to be able to read the terrain and be able to identify it from the map. Also using a compass to take bearings is an advanced technique as it allows you to accurately identify the direction you are facing or which direction something is in the distance such as a building. Mastering these advanced techniques shows dedication to mastering your craft which is a good quality to have in the protective services.

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Feedback and self reflection, orienteering

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Feedback and self reflection, orienteering

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Charlie Roberts Orienteering Reflective and Feedback

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Importance of outdoor skills for career in protective services 

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Importance of outdoor skills for career in protective services 

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Outdoor skills relate to public services as they instil good work ethic and motivation in people to succeed which often is good qualities for a career in the protective services. An example of outdoor skills being beneficial for a career in the public services is teamwork. This skill is essential for the protective services as it allows you to be effective in a team and adapt to new situations.