Do you bring a Sat phone/SPOT etc?

LitenFast

WKR
Joined
Jan 29, 2013
Messages
425
Location
Ellison Bay, WI
Just thinking about my first backpack hunt in Sept in CO, how many of you carry something like a sat phone, DeLorme inReach, SPOT, ACR etc? Looks like we could rent a sat phone pretty cheap in Gunnison.
 

Matt Cashell

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
4,500
Location
Western MT
I carry a SPOT2 and really like it. It lets my wife know everything is OK, and help is a button's push away.

I am really interested in the newer, smaller DeLorme InReach, but frankly I don't know about the 2 way communication. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I kind of like the comm going one way...
 

littlebuf

Banned
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
1,983
I had the spot. sold it,dont really like paying for subscriptions. but that's just me. I have my phone with me and try to send out a text from somewhere every day to my wife. most of the time you can find a spot with service somewhere on the hill.
 

Trout bum

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
244
Location
Colorado
Still using Spot gen 1. It has worked well. Fortunately, I have never had to use the 911 button but it is nice to know it's there if needed. I just check in every couple of days when hunting solo.
 

Aron Snyder

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Messages
5,014
Location
The Wilderness
I have the 9555 Sat phone and have been happy with it, but it will cost you for sure.

They can be a PITA too, especially if you're in a timbered area or valley.
 

Rocky

WKR
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
365
Location
SW Washington
I carry my gps and my phone. If I were going solo i think I would take a sat phone or an acr beacon just in case.
 

Aron Snyder

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Messages
5,014
Location
The Wilderness
As much as I'm in the field (Solo especially), that's how I justified it.

I also need it for business too and that allows me to write it off for taxes:)
 

kaboku68

WKR
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
397
Location
Alaska
Sat phone for me. Rentals aren't bad. Tried Spot. Sat phone is worth it for calling the Air Charter.

Sincerely,
Thomas
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2012
Messages
682
Location
North Idaho
I carry a SPOT2 and really like it. It lets my wife know everything is OK, and help is a button's push away.

I am really interested in the newer, smaller DeLorme InReach, but frankly I don't know about the 2 way communication. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I kind of like the comm going one way...


Where did you see that they are improving the InReach?
 

shaun

WKR
Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
1,492
Location
Central CA
I also need it for business too and that allows me to write it off for taxes:)[/QUOTE said:
I am curious because we do a lot of work at hydro plants that are well out of cell range if I can swing the same thing!
 

blb078

WKR
Joined
Dec 18, 2012
Messages
306
Location
Wentzville, MO & Port Charlotte, FL
I'll more than likely be getting a spot II but I like the idea of texting back/forth w/the In Reach. Would really like a sat phone but the prices are pretty high so maybe next year or two since I've spent so much this year.
 

shaun

WKR
Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
1,492
Location
Central CA
Perfect! Now it doesn't seem so bad I've been wanting to pull trigger for awhile now on one now I think I will have to
 

Sawtoothsteve

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 24, 2012
Messages
108
Location
Idaho
ACR Beacon for me. Not so concerned for me, but it gives the supportive wife peace of mind, and would be selfish of me not to take precautions so I can be there for the kids.

I do prefer the one way communication. One of the main benefits of hunting wilderness to me is to disconnect from the business of life and work. I also am not a fan of creating a scenario with pressure to "check in" by a certain time, or having the very tool that is to create peace of mind at home actually create anxiety because I miss a check in or the message fails to send.
 

jmez

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
7,404
Location
Piedmont, SD
I use a spot. and to be honest, its retarded to go into the back country without at least a spot. I mean its $100 and $100 for a subscription that will save your life its a no brainer.

I agree. I was hurt badly deer hunting close to home. Had I been in the back country on the side of a mountain somewhere with no communication I may not be here typing on this forum today. No one should ever go out there without something.
 
Top