ARVA Evo4 Beacon

The Evo4 is the newest beacon from Arva, replacing the Evo3+, and is, overall, a very intuitive and affordable option for the casual backcountry traveller. At a reasonable $290, it features a large digital display, utilizes an easy-to-use red pull-tab to toggle between Send and Search modes and has a flagging feature to assist in multiple burial situations. Similar in size and shape to the BCA Tracker DTS, the Evo4 is noticeably hefty, but feels solid, with a hard plastic shell encasing its three antennae. Unfortunately, this does make it a bulky beacon to keep in your pocket, and, as such, the Evo4 comes equipped with a harness. 

PROS:

• Easy to read screen
• Easy to toggle between send and search
• Flagging feature
• Comfortable strap
• Similar size to competitors at the price point

CONS:

• Doesn’t make a sound when it turns off
• The strap is the on/off switch
• Not easy to do fine search because of strap system
• Beacon is too bulky to wear comfortably in pocket