Give yourself (and your family and friends) peace of mind next time you head into the backcountry. The SPOT satellite messenger tracks your location via a global positioning system and allows you to check in with predesignated contacts, request help from friends or family members, or issue an urgent call to emergency responders. (An annual satellite subscription is required.) Four different function keys allow you to transmit messages depending on your level of need. Built for the rugged outdoors, the hunter-orange unit can stand up to jostling, falling, temperature extremes, and up to 30 minutes in water. (Another plus: it floats.) The unit measures 4.38 by 2.75 by 1.5 inches, and weighs a little more than seven ounces. It’s powered by two AA lithium batteries.

Cost: $169.99.

Contact: SPOT, Inc., subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., (866) 651-7768; www­.findmespot.com.