Meshtastic devices for off-grid tracking
A LoRa mesh node extends Rec Life group tracking miles past the last bar of signal. Pair it once over Bluetooth and your group's positions and messages ride the mesh.
What to buy
Elecrow ThinkNode M5
Field-tested with Rec LifeThe node Rec Life is built and field-tested with: ESP32-S3, GPS, e-paper display, clips to a pack strap. Pick the 915 MHz version for the US.
Any Meshtastic-compatible node
Rec Life speaks standard Meshtastic over Bluetooth, so other nodes work too — browse the official hardware list and buy from the maker it names.
Retailer links are provided for convenience — prices, stock and regional variants change, so check the seller's page. Rec Life isn't affiliated with these sellers and doesn't earn from these links today.
Before you order
Match the frequency band to your region
915 MHz for the US, Canada and Australia; 868 MHz for Europe. The app helps you set the LoRa region after pairing, but the radio hardware itself is band-specific — buy the right one.
Pairing takes one tap
In the app: Profile → Off-Grid Guide → Meshtastic node (or the group screen’s "Connect Meshtastic node"). Power the node on, disconnect the official Meshtastic app if you use it — a node allows one Bluetooth connection — and tap Scan.
What it does in Rec Life
Off-grid group tracking: your group sees each other’s positions over LoRa mesh miles beyond cell coverage, alongside Bluetooth for close range and the network when you have it. Group messages travel the mesh too — encrypted with your group’s key.