Runners may need to consider a different set of safety precautions when training outside of cellphone reception. A lightweight satellite communicator, from tech specialist Somewear is positioned as a simple way to provide peace of mind for athletes and their loved ones at home.
Somewear (MSRP US$350) is a 4oz, hockey-puck sized device that pairs with a cellphone to provide global connectivity (SMS + email) as well as SOS emergency services via GEOS Worldwide.
According to Somewear, its app interface makes the device ‘the most user friendly satellite communicator on the market’. The company adds that ease of use is critical when time is of the essence.
The company notes that without a secondary form of communication, accidents can very quickly compound into something more serious. Gavin Woody, an ultra-runner, relied on Somewear to rescue him and his sister during a recent mishap in Washington’s North Cascades.
Suffering a severe ankle injury, Gavin’s sister was no longer able to complete the run and the two were stranded in the middle of a 60 mile traverse in rugged terrain. Out of options, Woody activated Somewear’s SOS feature which alerted rescuers to their predicament and location.
In addition to SOS and global text/email functionality, Somewear provides the following:
- Smart routing – automatically defaults to cell data when in range, saving sat data
- Mapping with adjustable tracking intervals – 10m-30m adjustable by 1m increments
- Hourly and 7-day weather forecasting
- Without cell phone pairing, Somewear features onboard SOS triggering and tracking initiation
- Unit floats – waterproof/shockproof IPX7
