Do you bring a Sat phone/SPOT etc?

[LitenFast]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[jmez]

I carry an ACR beacon.

 

[Aron Snyder]

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.

 

[actionshooter]

Have done the spot for 3 years, my buddy is getting the Delorme for this year.

 

[Rocky]

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]

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]

Sat phone for me. Rentals aren't bad. Tried Spot. Sat phone is worth it for calling the Air Charter.

Sincerely,
Thomas

 

[Darren Best]

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?

 

[Lawnboi]

SPOT 2 here. Good piece to have. Im glad iv got it, and its worked flawlessly for 2 years running.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Where did you see that they are improving the InReach?

I saw a print ad, but I found this just now:

http://blog.thegpsstore.com/2013/03/just-announced-delorme-inreach-se-2-way.html

 

[Darren Best]

Hmmm interesting, although I was really hoping they would put it on a diet.

 

[shaun]

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]

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.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I'm sure you can....

The bend you over on the minute plans, so I write those of too.

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!

 

[shaun]

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]

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]

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.