Outdoor Gadget Fu: Beartooth Off Grid Commo Platform Recoil Staff February 22, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Bozeman, MT based Beartooth is releasing an eponymous device-with-app that turns your cell into a walkie-talkie even if there's no service, allowing you to talk or text — though only with other Beartooth users, if we're understanding correctly. The platform is now open for preorder. We'll let you know how they perform if we get a chance to try them out. Here's how they describe it (more detail and specs below): “Beartooth is a small device that works with your existing smartphone to communicate when you have no service. With Beartooth, you can talk, text, use maps, and share location to Beartooth users within range when you have no cellular service. Beartooth also works as a backup battery for your smartphone. Whether you are skiing fresh powder in the backcountry or dancing at Coachella, you can now reliably stay in contact with your group in ways that were previously unavailable.” From the Beartooth Off Grid Commo Platform release: No cell service? Separated from your group? Battery is low and there is no way to contact anyone? We all feel this frustration when encountering no service. Today a new hardware startup, Beartooth, is launching pre-orders for their off-grid communication device, ensuring you’re always connected with those around you. With Beartooth, users can talk, text, and find friends on a map, all without cell service or Wi-Fi. Beartooth, which is slightly larger than a deck of cards, pulls double-duty as a backup battery for your smartphone. Unlike traditional handheld radios that are cumbersome and difficult to use, Beartooth pairs with your smartphone to quickly and simply connect with other Beartooth users in range. No need to worry about confusing channel settings, radio protocols, and button sequences. All of Beartooth’s powerful functionality is available at the touch of a finger in a format easily recognizable to the user. Download the app, pair the device, and go explore. ‘Beartooth was born in Bozeman at Bridger Bowl Ski Area. Company cofounder, Kevin Ames, and I were separated with no service,' said Michael Monaghan, Beartooth CEO and cofounder. ‘After several hours we finally re-connected and promptly started working on a solution. Kevin is a former smokejumper and radio communications operator who spent his career working in environments with no cellular or Wi-Fi service. It was natural to enable the smartphone carried daily to communicate off grid.' Whether you are skiing fresh powder in the backcountry or dancing at Coachella, you can now reliably stay in contact with your group in ways that were previously unavailable. During the limited 30-day pre-order campaign, Beartooth is available for $249 per pair, 40% off the MSRP of $399. Beartooth specifications: 2.44in x 4.0in x 0.49in 4.5oz 3000 mAh Li-ion battery USB Type-C charge port Sub-1GHz license free bands Works with iOS and Android Phones Average range of two miles Beartooth features: Individual and group push-to-talk voice Individual and group text messaging Automatic or on-demand GPS location sharing Offline maps: High quality 24k topographic and street maps Battery backup: Recharge your smartphone Beartooth will start shipping to US customers late 2016. Pre-orders can be placed at www.beartooth.com. Learn more about the Beartooth Off Grid Commo Platform online, on Facebook or via Instagram (@beartoothradio). Explore RECOILweb:Bawidamann CCW Horizontal Mag CarrierMaggie: Arnold's new movie receives surprising early accoladesFN P-12 Shotgun - Rack and RollEric Anderson, RGW and SAI - Transformers rifles NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.