Wired senior associate editor Adrienne So tried to test the incident detection feature with her Garmin Venu 2S and couldn’t activate it after a simulated fall, so we can’t say for sure what happened during a real event. How well will it work? Still, So says she generally feels safer on runs thanks to the Garmin’s location tracking. Like most of these wearables (except the Apple Watch, for which you can set up a separate cellular plan), you have to have your phone with you for it to work. And of course, you have to make sure that you activate these security features first.
More Safety Accessories
If you’re off the grid…
If you’re a frequent tourist or hiker, or otherwise frequently away from cell service, most of the products here won’t help you in an emergency. This is where a satellite messenger comes in.
We have a guide with some selections for different situations. Spot But its two-way texting, mapping, and tracking work independently, so if your phone is dead, broken, or MIA, this thing will get the job done. we really love garmin inreach miniBut now it has been discontinued and is available for use only.
I’ve talked to many self-defense teachers over the years who always recommend flashlights as personal protective equipment – yes, even more than mace or pocket knives. A flashlight obviously illuminates your path when you’re walking in the dark, which can help you see someone covered in darkness, but there are two other reasons why it works. Holding a flashlight near someone’s eyes will distract them, hopefully long enough for you to look away. I’ve almost been blinded by the iPhone’s camera flash, so imagine thousands of lumens beaming directly at your eyes. If it was really a kind stranger asking for directions and there were no threats, you really didn’t mean them harm, and you’ll be far away before you know it. (Sorry, stranger.)
If that fails, you can use it to, obviously, hit them. A piece of metal to the face will hurt worse than your fist, and you won’t be hurt in the process. Swing and run well. Of course, though, like any weapon, it can be taken from you and used against you, so keep that in mind.
The Infinity X1 flashlights are bright. I used a 4,000-lumen one, which made the room brighter than my actual lighting. It’s out of stock as of this writing, but an even brighter 5,000-lumen light is also available. Both have two cores, one that holds the battery and one that is rechargeable. It can also charge your phone, so it’s not a bad idea to have on hand for emergencies. It’s heavy and long, which is good if you need to carry it around, but it won’t be easy to keep in your purse.
Cheap Options: Any flashlight with some weight will do, and there are a few others we really like. WIRED writer Matt Janser recommends the 350-lumen Fenix E20 V2 ($45) In your guide to building a home emergency kit. It’s compact, so it won’t be much of a problem to throw in your bag, but it’s still made of tough metal. For even less, author Laurin Stramp recommends the 900-Lumen Anker Rechargeable Boulder ($34), which also has a strobe function. It’s very small, but it will still hit harder than a single fist.
How we tested
We tested built-in smartphone functions, third-party apps, Internet-connected devices, and other personal safety devices designed to let you contact help when you need it. Where applicable we set off panic buttons and talked to respondents, or studied training exercises provided by companies. Most products are able to signal to you when you need help without you needing to speak to someone, so you don’t have to dial a number or voice your concern when it’s unsafe for you to do so.
None of these products provide a comprehensive solution for every scenario, but each of them offers some type of protection. In some areas it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon, such as a knife or pepper spray, and using those items can put you in more danger. So the methods we are highlighting here are an alternative to waving arms.
We conducted our testing with inclusivity in mind, acknowledging that different groups may have different personal safety needs or feel unsafe in situations where others do not. While we think women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community will benefit most from some of these products, cisgender straight men are also at risk of violence, even if they don’t hear the same warnings as us. Much of this advice focuses on one-on-one violence, but mass shootings are also a fear Americans continue to grapple with. These things may help you get in touch with support quickly, but they have not been tested for that type of chaos.
