The Spot Beacon is a personal satellite phone / emergency beacon that uses a private network instead of bothering the feds when you’re in trouble — and it’s also more affordable. At $150 (with a $100 / year subscription), it’s definitely less of a hit to the wallet than the 5 to 6 hundred the government-network beacons will run you.

Despite the lower price, these are a bit fancier — it also tracks your progress in real-time on Google Maps (!!!), and can contact your friends and relatives via phone, email, or text message if you’ve got a non-emergency situation or just want to let them know you’re ok.

Moms everywhere will approve, once the product launches on November 1st.

Via The Goat.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.