Whether you’re an alpinist, backcountry skier, or traveler, many savvy explorers now rock personal locator beacons, to call the cavalry in emergencies (storm, injury, getting lost, etc.). A light (10oz), super-reliable option is the ACR MICROFIX 406 GPS PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON ($599, acrelectronics.com). The streamlined MicroFix 406 features just two buttons: one to check the battery and one to activate the 406 MHz emergency signal — simply fl ip up the fl at, stainless-steel antenna and hold the power button for one second. Immediately, a GPS frequency detailing your location — complete with a device-specific signal — is sent via satellite to the nearest rescue authorities.

—Tucker Tyler