SPOT + AirMarker: a safety duo for outdoor activities

When it comes to remote environments —such as trekking, mountaineering, open sea navigation, or expeditions in dense forests— planning is just the beginning. True safety lies in the ability to communicate and be located quickly if something goes wrong.

This is where two perfectly complementary devices come into play: SPOT’s satellite personal trackers (like the Spot Gen4 and Spot X) and the AirMarker visual signaling system. Together, they form a powerful combination of communication, location, and emergency signaling.

SPOT: Real-time communication and tracking, wherever you are

The SPOT device line was developed to offer a reliable form of satellite communication, even where there’s no mobile signal. With SPOT, you can:

• Share your real-time GPS location with friends and family;
• Send pre-set messages via SMS or email;
• Activate an SOS button connected to a 24/7 emergency center;
• And in the case of SPOT X, also exchange two-way messages with your team or contacts.

SPOT Gen4: Simple, lightweight, and rugged

Designed for use in extreme environments, the SPOT Gen4 offers:

• SOS button with automatic GPS coordinate transmission;
• Check-in with preconfigured messages;
• Activity tracking;
• Water and dust resistant design (IP68).

SPOT X: Complete satellite communication

• With a QWERTY keyboard and backlit screen, the SPOT X allows you to:
• Send and receive SMS and email messages;
• Sync with a smartphone via Bluetooth;
• Use waypoints and an integrated compass;
• Trigger an SOS with two-way communication with the rescue center.

Want to learn more about SPOT trackers?

If you want to understand all the SPOT models, features, and capabilities in detail, check out our full blog article: Everything about SPOT trackers.

Plus, Gear Tips offers a free online course about SPOT satellite trackers, where you’ll learn how to use each model in practice, understand tracking, SOS, and check-in functions, and receive valuable field usage tips: access the free SPOT course at Gear Tips Academy

AirMarker: Instant visual signaling for accurate rescues

Even when GPS data is accurate, finding someone in a dense forest, in low visibility or at night can be a major challenge for rescue teams. AirMarker solves this by adding clear, direct, and unmistakable visual signaling.

Two versions for different scenarios

Currently, there are two AirMarker models:

• AirMarker R.One – for land-based activities, such as trekking, mountaineering, and expeditions;
• AirMarker R.Four – for water-based activities, such as canoeing, rafting, and sea navigation.

AirMarker R.One: visibility that rises above the treetops

The R.One model is compact and fits into any backpack. When activated in an emergency, it releases a fluorescent orange balloon with integrated LEDs that can rise up to 45 meters high, tethered by a high-strength line made from high-performance synthetic fiber.

The balloon can be adjusted according to terrain and weather conditions, and can be attached to the victim using a carabiner integrated into the device. The body of the device is made of durable ABS plastic and includes:

• Launch unit with special helium cylinders;
• High-strength connection line;
• Balloon with integrated light, visible even at night.

AirMarker R.Four: signaling for water emergencies

Scheduled for release in mid-2025, the R.Four model was specially developed for water-based activities, especially at sea. It follows the same logic as the R.One, with adaptations for aquatic environments:

• The balloon rises up to 5 meters, an ideal height to be visible above the waterline;
• It comes packed in a waterproof dry bag;
• Equipped with waterproof LEDs and light sensor;
• The balloon is visible to radar from vessels or rescue aircraft;
• It uses the same high-performance components: synthetic line, helium, and light-equipped balloon.

To learn more about the product, visit the official AirMarker website: www.airmarker.swiss

Comparison of AirMarker size with other gear

Practical example: an accident in the Amazon Rainforest

Imagine someone on an expedition in the Amazon Rainforest, where trees can exceed 35 meters in height. During the trek, the person suffers an accident and is unable to move. By pressing the SOS button on their SPOT Gen4, their GPS location is sent to the rescue center.

However, even with the exact coordinates, the dense vegetation makes it difficult to locate the victim — both from the ground and the air. At that moment, the person activates the AirMarker R.One. The orange balloon rises up to 45 meters, above the treetops, becoming visible to the rescue team. With the help of GPS and visual signaling, the team quickly finds the victim’s exact location.

This hypothetical scenario was echoed by real accounts during the LAAD Defence & Security, the largest defense fair in Latin America. The AirMarker drew great interest from members of the three Brazilian Armed Forces, including naval infantry, who commented that in certain situations in the Amazon, the equipment would have been extremely useful in aiding visual localization through dense forest cover.

At the same event, Colonel Leite from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and a member of the elite PARA-SAR rescue team, added:

“In scenarios with limited access and visibility, such as the Amazon jungle, combining a reliable tracking system with a visual marker like the AirMarker significantly increases the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. These are complementary tools that enhance mission success.”

This kind of validation, coming from professionals who operate daily in extreme situations, shows how the combination of satellite trackers and visual signaling devices can be crucial — not only in military contexts but also in civilian activities in natural environments.

Simulation of AirMarker being used in a crevice accident scenario

SPOT and AirMarker: complementary technologies for efficient rescues

The integration of these two devices provides a robust solution:

• SPOT ensures reliable communication and tracking, even without cell signal;
• AirMarker provides immediate visibility, even in adverse conditions.

This synergy shortens search time, increases rescue operation efficiency, and most importantly, saves lives.

Distribution and the PROMEAL initiative

In Brazil, AirMarker is distributed by PROMEAL, a Strategic Defense Company with extensive experience supplying Operational Rations to the Armed Forces and institutions involved in emergency contexts and humanitarian missions.

PROMEAL identified AirMarker as the perfect complementary device for its marine survival kit — and is now expanding its application to the outdoor world, aiming to serve mountaineers, guides, civilian rescuers, field professionals, and adventurers exploring extreme environments.

Conclusion: your life deserves safety redundancy

Planning is essential. But even more important is having the right tools for critical situations. SPOT provides the emergency alert. AirMarker makes that alert visible. Together, they are an investment in peace of mind, efficiency, and real safety.

If you work or travel in remote environments —whether for leisure or profession— consider this combination part of your essential kit. Because in an emergency, visibility and communication save lives.

This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)