goTenna: The Wireless Silent 2 oz Communicator

Backpackers.com — Tech geeks and outdoor enthusiasts! This article is for you. Maybe you’ve already heard of goTenna — maybe not. In short, it’s a low profile, low weight, secure messaging system that syncs up with your Android or iPhone. You can send text messages and map locations to anyone that also has a goTenna (they are sold in pairs), within a four mile radius.

Yes, it’s a little niche. But for those that want something less obtrusive than your classic walkie-talkie situation, the goTenna is it. And the team that created it is answering questions on Reddit right now. You can join the discussion all day today — they’ll be around — or read through it later.

goTenna

Billed as the “high-tech buddy system,” goTenna serves as a communication tool for when you don’t have service. This, of course, appeals highly to backpackers. We never have service way out in the woods. If you’re meeting friends out on the trail, worried about getting lost, or just want to shoot love notes during an extended day-hike, this device will do it.

gotenna backpack wireless communication device

Of course the device has a handful of non-wilderness uses. Like in a natural disaster, when traditional communication services are cut or overused. Or at a festival when you can’t make a call. Or during a road trip when have no service. There’s a lot of use cases.

A Reddit user asked a pertinent question: “What’s the difference between these and a good pair of walkie-talkies?

Here’s the response, from the founders themselves:

“I’m biased of course, but here’s why I think goTenna is different — and better:

That 1.8 oz weight is a bit ridiculous when you consider the usual weight of a walkie talkie and batteries. Of course, you’ll need a charged smartphone to be able to communicate, but these days most backpackers and campers have one just for pictures.

The goTenna is bought in pairs — it’s pretty useless if you just have one. Nothing to connect to. A pair of goTennas is currently selling for $199.00, which is the company’s “special launch price,” and you can get $10 off per “referral” you make. Normally the pair goes for $299.00. See the manufacturer website for more on this. It’s pretty pricy, even at the discounted rate. But when is tech and ultralight backpacking gear not expensive?

gotenna device specs

Back when the product debuted in 2014, it won a number of tech awards and a coveted award by Outside Magazine. Since then goTenna has been featured and awarded “Best in Show” by GearJunkie. It’s disrupting things, as they say.

The product is ready to ship and would make a great holiday gift, if you’re willing to drop the cash. And, if you have any questions, check out the Reddit thread (or the more traditional and elaborate FAQ page). Enjoy!

All screenshots courtesy goTenna

Editor