RECOIL OFFGRID Gear ZOLEO Review
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Modern technology has created numerous ways to keep lines of communication open. Cell phones and tablets keep us connected while on the go, and computers and smart devices make communicating with anyone in the world fast and efficient. All this can happen because of a complex infrastructure of cell phone towers, miles of cables, and submarine fiber connecting the continents.
Even with a vast infrastructure in place, those of us who spend time in the wilderness often encounter places where our mobile devices have no signal. Even many rural areas have spotty and limited coverage despite having an established population. The complex network that keeps our communications lines open is incredibly fragile. Natural disasters, human conflict, and sometimes the simple deterioration of equipment over time can all lead to mass outages of the communications networks we rely on to get in touch with others.
Staying connected is not just important for us socially or for business purposes, it also allows us to contact loved ones in an emergency and get aid from emergency services when needed. There are numerous communications solutions out there. Many require significant skills to use properly and often come with a hefty price tag, which can deter people from establishing vital backup communications.
Fortunately, ZOLEO has created an easy to use and cost-effective option to keep us in touch with not just our loved ones but also provides us access to emergency services and much more.
This palm-sized device packs a lot of power, providing a direct link to emergency personnel, and turns your phone into a satellite-powered text communicator.
Simply stated, ZOLEO is a text-based satellite communications device that was designed to provide users with the ability to contact others and get help in an emergency when off-grid. It was designed to provide the most vital function of contacting emergency services as a stand-alone device, but by connecting it to a smartphone, opens a wide range of communications services to allow users to connect with people when operating in areas that lack traditional cellular service.
ZOLEO operates on the Iridium Satellite Network. The Iridium network is a well-established network that covers 100 percent of the globe and is relied on by individuals, businesses, and governments all over the world. Iridium does not rely on any ground-based infrastructure, allowing connected devices to function in the wilderness, disaster areas, and conflict zones. Iridium’s satellites use low band L frequencies and maintain low earth orbit that continues to be reliable in harsh weather.
ZOLEO takes connection further by also allowing messages to be sent through Wi-Fi and cellular networks when connected to a smart device, allowing for messages to be transmitted in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
The SOS button is covered by a latch door to prevent accidental triggering.
The ZOLEO is a tiny but mighty device. The durable outer body is designed to handle falls, wet weather, intense summer heat, and the harsh winter cold. It’s rated IP68, meaning it is completely sealed from dust entering the internal components and is rated to withstand water submersion at 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. No matter where you find yourself, the ZOLEO is capable of withstanding whatever challenges Mother Nature throws at it.
Utilizing an internal rechargeable battery, the device has enough juice to keep the device operating for up to eight days while off-grid. The internal battery is protected, minimizing battery power degradation from heat or cold.
ZOLEO devices, as expected, have internal radios to connect to the Iridium network. They also have GPS and GLONASS radios that are commonly found on navigation devices, providing accurate location data up to 8.2 feet under ideal conditions. The device also incorporates Bluetooth to connect to smart devices.
The check-in feature allows you to send a message to preselected individuals with your location.
Core emergency-use functions do not require a phone connection, meaning you can access help or check in with a loved one even if your phone is lost, damaged, or has no power. The ZOLEO will automatically send a message to preselected numbers, and an SOS button will send a message to emergency services. Thanks to the internal GPS and GLONASS, the device will transmit your location to the intended party via a push of the button.
The SOS button is protected by a small latch door that must be lifted before activation, helping prevent accidental use. Once pressed, the unit will emit a red LED light to confirm the message has been received by emergency services. If triggered unintentionally, the SOS can be canceled within the first 10 seconds by holding the button down for 5 seconds. A green LED will appear to indicate that the “all clear” signal has been sent.
When the SOS message is triggered, it connects with emergency services and sends location-based alerts to your preselected contacts. While staying put is usually best in a wilderness emergency, there are times — due to weather, flash flooding, or aggressive wildlife — when you may need to move. The ZOLEO team accounted for this in the SOS design, ensuring it continues to transmit updated location data every six minutes. This provides rescuers with real-time tracking, even if your situation forces you to relocate.
To facilitate SOS messages, ZOLEO partners with Global Rescue, an organization that operates in over 200 countries. When an SOS is triggered, Global Rescue communicates directly with the nearest emergency services or wilderness first responders in your area to coordinate and dispatch the help you need as quickly as possible.
The Medical Assist feature allows you to get in touch with medical professionals while off-grid. This feature comes as a standard part of all ZOLEO plans.
As a stand-alone device, ZOLEO gives you essential emergency communication and the ability to check in with preselected contacts. But when paired with a smartphone, it really shines. ZOLEO offers a free app for both Apple and Android devices that lets you adjust settings, install software updates, and send messages via satellite. The app also imports your phone’s contacts, allowing you to text directly from ZOLEO’s dedicated phone number or email from your customizable ZOLEO email address. This integration turns your phone into a full-featured satellite communicator while keeping you connected when cell service is unreliable or nonexistent.
The app also supports the SOS feature. Unlike stand-alone mode, it allows you to engage in text-based chat with Global Rescue personnel. Just like the device alone, accidental SOS activation can be canceled if triggered unintentionally, and your location will continue to update every six minutes. This ensures emergency services receive real-time tracking, whether you’re stationary or on the move.
Another valuable text-based feature is Medical Assist. This service connects you with doctors to discuss medical issues or injuries that don’t require an emergency extraction while off-grid. In my opinion, this is one of the most useful features available. I always recommend that anyone spending time in the outdoors pursue Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder training. But the reality is only a small percentage do. Even with training, situations can arise that go beyond what’s covered in those courses. Having 24/7 access to medical advice from licensed professionals can help manage everything from minor injuries to waterborne illnesses while you’re still in the field. Best of all, there’s no extra charge for this service. In some cases, it might even help you avoid unnecessary medical bills once you return to civilization. It’s peace of mind that pulls its weight.
The app also includes a section for weather information based on your current location. While this might be an afterthought in day-to-day life, in the wilderness, accurate local forecasts can be critical. Knowing what’s coming allows you to plan movements, avoid areas prone to flash flooding, and stay ahead of unexpected severe weather — all of which can make the difference between a smooth trip and a dangerous one.
Both the ZOLEO unit and app give you access to the SOS feature, but when using the app you can have text-based communication with emergency dispatch personnel.
We covered how the ZOLEO works, but let’s cover a few of the practical applications of this versatile communications device:
In the Wilderness
The ZOLEO was built to be a reliable communication device when navigating the wilderness. Most remote areas have little or no cell service, and even smaller trail systems in rural regions can leave you disconnected fast. Staying in touch with family at home or members of your group while operating off-grid is important. ZOLEO provides that capability in a compact, nearly indestructible package.
Beyond basic communication, ZOLEO offers a lifeline to potentially lifesaving medical and emergency services. Emergencies are not limited to remote regions. They can just as easily happen in local state parks or small preserves. Two miles down, a trail can feel like a very long way if you or someone in your group can’t walk. ZOLEO helps bridge the gap between convenience and safety, offering peace of mind no matter how far you are from the nearest signal tower.
Not just for the wilderness, ZOLEO makes a great addition to an urban survival kit so that communication can continue if the grid is down.
The Concrete Jungle
The ZOLEO may have been built for the wilderness, but it’s just as useful during grid-down scenarios and other emergency situations in urban environments. We know our communication systems are fragile. Weather events and natural disasters can damage infrastructure and cut off traditional methods of communication. But if ZOLEO has a clear view of the sky, it can continue to transmit messages.
Access to medical professionals and the SOS feature can be lifesaving in an urban survival emergency, especially if you’re injured, trapped, or otherwise unable to move. ZOLEO gives you a direct line out when everything else goes dark.
Travel Safety & Security
Road trips can be fun, but an unexpected breakdown, medical emergency, or accident in a remote area becomes a serious problem if you don’t have cell service. Being able to contact others in these moments can save valuable time and help get the right services to your location quickly.
Using your cell phone while traveling abroad can also be expensive. ZOLEO works in over 200 countries, giving users the ability to communicate without relying on an international cell plan. It also provides access to emergency services if needed, making it a smart travel companion no matter where you’re headed.
The charging port is protected by a durable sealed latch to keep water, dirt, and grime out.
The MSRP of the ZOLEO is $199, placing it on the lower end of the cost spectrum for satellite communication devices. Like all reliable sat-com options, ZOLEO uses a tiered subscription plan. Pricing starts at $20 per month for users who plan to send 75 messages or fewer and goes up to $50 per month for those who need unlimited messaging. All plans include a dedicated phone number and email address, unlimited check-in messages, SOS services, and access to Medical Assist.
One optional add-on is Enhanced Check-In, which provides selected contacts with a breadcrumb trail of your movement. This service adds $6 per month to your subscription. Another optional feature is the Field Rescue Membership, which covers up to $50,000 of the cost of a single rescue and hospital transport. As with most insurance-type offerings, there are limitations and conditions in the fine print. However, the additional $40 per year is significantly cheaper than footing the bill for a wilderness extraction on your own.
The ZOLEO can be easily attached to your pack or gear, ensuring it is always in reach if you need it.
Cell phones have become the standard for communication around the world, but they’ve proven time and again to be unreliable in the wilderness and during emergency situations in urban areas. Having a backup communication method is essential for contacting others and reaching emergency services when it matters most. ZOLEO offers a durable, reliable, and easy-to-use platform for those who need basic messaging and access to emergency support. While the device does not support voice communication, it costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a satellite phone or for the training and equipment needed for more complex communication systems.
ZOLEO’s ability to function as a stand-alone device can be the difference between life and death in off-grid emergencies. Its capability to turn your smartphone into a satellite-based messaging system opens a wide range of practical and lifesaving uses. Even as modern smartphones begin offering limited satellite features, ZOLEO’s connection to the proven and stable Iridium satellite network makes it the more dependable and capable option.
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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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