If you fly often for business, a satellite messenger may be just the thing to stay in the cloud when you're above the clouds. And if your travels for fun take you into the wild, it could literally be a lifesaver.

Just ask retired Houston firefighter Michael Herrara. After breaking three ribs and his collarbone in a hard fall from his dual-sport bike in a remote area in Alabama, he hit the SOS button on his messenger. Within 40 minutes an ATV was on hand to transport him to a trauma center.

Features to look for in a satellite messenger include data speed, battery life, coverage areas, size, weight and ease of use.

And, of course, an SOS button.