Article Highlights:

  • What’s best for anglers, hunters, kayakers and mountaineers.
  • Waterproof SATCOM devices are critical for emergency planning.
  • Know the difference among sat phones, SATCOM devices and smartphones.
  • Emergency preparedness demands rugged waterproof options.
  • Environmental obstacles impact satellite communications.

 

When it comes to emergency preparedness and emergency planning, having a reliable communication tool is vital. Waterproof and water-resistant satellite communications devices are becoming essential for adventurers, mariners, hunters and trekkers. But what’s the difference between a satellite phone, a satellite communications device and a smartphone equipped with emergency satellite capabilities? And how do waterproofing standards apply to each?

 

SATCOM Device Differences

A satellite phone is a standalone device that allows you to make voice calls, send SMS texts and sometimes send basic data through a satellite network instead of cellular towers. Satellite phones offer full voice and text capability almost anywhere on Earth, but they tend to be bulkier, more expensive and have larger antennas with higher subscription costs.

A satellite communications device, often called a satellite messenger or satellite hotspot, is focused primarily on data messaging, SOS signaling, tracking and weather updates. These devices do not support voice calls. They are lightweight, feature longer battery life, offer much cheaper service plans and are easier to use for text messaging from anywhere, but they cannot provide real-time voice conversations.

A smartphone equipped with emergency satellite communications is a regular smartphone like an iPhone 14 or Pixel 8 Pro that can connect directly to satellites during emergencies. These phones allow only limited functions like sending a distress message or basic emergency texting. You cannot make regular satellite calls or send unlimited messages. These solutions are useful for basic emergency protection but require a clear view of the sky.

 

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

Simply because a manufacturer says an item is guaranteed to be waterproof does not mean it necessarily is. An international standard (IEC 60529) tells you how well a device is protected against dust and water, but it’s not fully waterproof or submersible.

The first two letters are IP, which stands for Ingress Protection. The following number rates protection against solids (like dust and dirt); the lowest protection is 0, and the highest is 6. The following digit rates protection against liquids (like rain, splashes and immersion); the highest protection is 9K.

 

Wet and Wild Satellite Phones

Popular waterproof and water-resistant satellite phones include the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2, which offers IP65 water resistance, eight hours of talk time and global voice coverage except at the poles. The Iridium 9575 Extreme is another rugged satellite phone with a compact design, IP65 rating and the ability to work anywhere on Earth, including the poles.

The Globalstar GSP-1700, lighter but not waterproof, is suited for North American coverage. The Thuraya XT-PRO is a regional satellite phone (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia) featuring IP55 water resistance, long talk time and reliability for desert and rural environments.

 

A man with a green puffy jacket and a hat smiles while holding two SATCOM devices in the snowy wilderness.
Remote connectivity would have anyone feeling relieved in an emergency.

Tough and Rugged Satellite Communications Devices

Top waterproof and water-resistant satellite communications devices include the Garmin inReach Mini 2, a compact and waterproof (IPX7) satellite messenger ideal for text messaging, SOS and location tracking. The Garmin inReach Messenger, slightly larger, offers an intuitive display and even longer battery life. The Garmin GPSMAP 67i integrates GPS and satellite messaging in a rugged, waterproof (IPX7) handheld device designed for long expeditions.

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator stands out with IP68 waterproofing and 200+ hours of battery life, offering seamless switching between Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite. The Somewear Global Hotspot also provides IP68 protection and approximately 10 days of continuous use, which is ideal for adventure motorcyclists and long-distance travelers.

Other rugged options include the SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger, waterproof to IP67 standards with a built-in keyboard for texting and the SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger, a simple one-way communicator with IP68 waterproofing and weeks-long battery life. The ACR Bivy Stick is a highly portable, waterproof (IPX7) satellite communicator that easily pairs with smartphones for global messaging.

 

Water-Protected Satellite-Enabled Smartphones

Smartphones with emergency satellite capabilities are also advancing rapidly. The Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series introduced Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing users to send emergency messages outside cellular coverage. These devices are IP68 water-resistant and offer 20 to 29 hours of video playback battery life.

The upcoming iPhone 16 series is expected to maintain and expand these capabilities. The Google Pixel 8 Pro adds satellite-based emergency texting with an IP68 rating and strong security features. The Motorola Defy 2 Smartphone is a purpose-built rugged phone with MIL-SPEC 810H certification and satellite messaging through the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service.

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link pairs with any smartphone for waterproof satellite SOS messaging. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series will roll out its satellite emergency messaging later in 2025 with IP68 water resistance.

 

Rising Demand for Satellite-Enabled Smartphones

According to a recent Global Rescue survey, the primary appeal of satellite-enabled smartphones is their ability to communicate during emergencies even in the most remote parts of the world.

With 82% of respondents feeling safer with satellite connectivity, the demand for these devices is growing quickly. Nearly half, or 49%, of travelers, say the ability to call for help when out of cellular range is a major reason they are interested in satellite-enabled phones. Another 37% say such technology would help ease the anxiety of family and friends by offering a much-needed safety net.

Having a reliable way to communicate during emergencies, even in the world’s most isolated locations, provides invaluable peace of mind, said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations at Global Rescue. Whether it is a medical crisis or an unexpected natural disaster, the ability to alert emergency services can be life-saving.

 

Limitations and Challenges

While satellite devices offer extensive global coverage, several limitations still apply. Devices require a clear line of sight to the sky for effective communication. Dense forests, steep mountain slopes, urban environments with tall buildings and deep canyons can obstruct signals. Bush explained that topography directly affects satellite communications, making clear sky access essential.

Furthermore, the position of satellites relative to the user’s location may impact signal strength, resulting in occasional weaker or intermittent coverage. Environmental conditions such as extreme cold, heat and high altitudes can also affect device performance. Travelers relying on SATCOMS should plan ahead and understand these environmental and topographical variables when integrating satellite communications into their emergency preparedness strategies.

 

A Guide for Outdoor Adventurers

For anglers: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is IP68-rated waterproofing is ideal for wet environments. It’s small, easy to use and automatically switches between Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite. An alternative is the Somewear Global Hotspot for kayak fishing or offshore trips that need seamless tracking and weather alerts.

For hunters: Garmin inReach Mini 2 or Garmin inReach Messenger is rugged, lightweight, waterproof (IPX7) and ideal for remote field tracking, silent texting and emergency rescue. Battery life supports long hunts. An alternative is the Iridium 9575 Extreme if voice communication is critical.

For kayakers/mariners: Motorola Defy Satellite Link (paired with any smartphone) is fully waterproof (IP68), compact and extremely rugged. It’s ideal for attaching to gear and providing emergency satellite messaging over open water. An alternative is the SPOT Gen4 if you want simple one-way check-ins and distress signaling without needing a smartphone at all.

For mountaineers/trekkers: Garmin GPSMAP 67i combines inReach satellite messaging with a top-tier GPS. Long battery life (up to 425 hours in expedition mode) and rugged design for harsh alpine environments. An alternative is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for lighter weight and minimalist expeditions.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Before using a satellite device to contact Global Rescue, members should familiarize themselves with their device’s SOS settings and procedures. It is essential to understand who receives the SOS signal once it is triggered and what support the monitoring service provides. The most reliable way to reach Global Rescue is by calling +1 (617) 459-4200 directly or by sending a message to operations@globalrescue.com using a messaging-capable device.

As satellite communications technology advances, it continues to enhance travel safety and connectivity. Whether navigating remote wilderness, traveling for work, or exploring areas beyond cellular coverage, satellite-enabled devices offer the reassurance and security travelers need to venture further with confidence.