WIRED Senior Associate Editor Adrian So tried testing the incident detection feature on her Garmin Venu 2S, but it failed to function after a fake fall. So I'm not sure how well this would work in a real incident. Still, Thor says he feels much safer while running thanks to Garmin's location tracking. Like most of these wearables (with the exception of the Apple Watch, which can have a separate cell phone plan), you need to have your phone handy for this to work. And of course, you should always enable these safety features first.
Other safety accessories
If you're off the grid…
If you're a frequent camper or hiker, or if you're frequently away from cell phone service for other reasons, most of the products here won't help you in an emergency. That's where satellite messengers come in.
We have a guide with several options for different situations. Spot X is outdated and won't work for ocean crossings. However, two-way texting, mapping, and tracking work independently, so this feature will work even if your phone is dead, dead, or MIA. We love his Garmin inReach Mini, but it's now discontinued and only second-hand versions are available.
I've talked to several self-defense teachers over the years, and they always recommend a flashlight over, yes, mace or a pocket knife as a personal safety device. Flashlights may help you find someone hiding in the dark by clearly illuminating your path when you're walking in the dark, but they work for two other reasons: there is. Shining a flashlight into someone's eyes will disorient them long enough to hopefully escape. Imagine thousands of lumens shining directly into your eyeballs as the flash from your iPhone's camera nearly blinds you. If it's not a threat and it's a genuinely nice stranger asking for directions, you won't actually harm them and they'll be far gone before you know the difference. (Sorry, stranger.)
If that fails, frankly, you can use it to attack them. A chunk of metal hitting you in the face hurts more than a fist, but you won't get hurt in the process. Take a good swing and run. Of course, like any weapon, it can be taken from you and used against you, so keep that in mind.
The Infinity X1 flashlight is bright. I tried a 4,000 lumen one that lit up the room brighter than the actual light. His even brighter 5,000 lumen light is also available, although it's out of stock at the time of this writing. Both he has two cores, one that holds the battery and the other that is rechargeable. You can also charge your mobile phone, so there's no harm in keeping it on hand for emergencies. It's heavy and long, which is useful if you need to swing it around, but it's not easy to store in a bag.
★ Cheaper option: Any flashlight that has some weight to it will do, but there are a few others that I really like. WIRED writer Matt Janser recommends 350 lumens. Phoenix E20 V2 ($45) In our guide to creating a home emergency kit. It's compact so you can throw it in your bag without getting in the way, but it's still made of durable metal. Writer Lauryn Strampe recommends her 900 lumen for an even lower price. Anker Rechargeable Boulder ($34)It also has a strobe function. Although fairly small, it still packs a more powerful punch than a single fist.
Test method
We tested built-in smartphone capabilities, third-party apps, connected jewelry, and other personal safety devices designed to help you get help when you need it. We activated the panic button where applicable, spoke with responders, and took training provided by the company. Most products can let you know you need help without having to talk to anyone, so you don't have to dial a number or voice your concerns out loud when you're in danger.
None of these products provide a comprehensive solution for every scenario, but each provides some form of protection. In some areas, it is illegal to carry concealed weapons, such as knives or pepper spray, and using them can put you at greater risk. So the method we're talking about here is an alternative to brandishing your weapon.
We test with inclusivity in mind, recognizing that different groups may have different personal safety needs or may feel vulnerable in situations where other groups do not. I worked on it. While we believe women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community will benefit the most from these products, cisgender straight men also may not hear the same warnings as we do. are also at risk of violence. Although most of this advice focuses on one-on-one violence, mass shootings are also a fear that Americans constantly battle. These may help you contact support faster, but have not been tested against such disruptions.
