Sat Phone Rental- Anyone do it before?

Joe5000

FNG
Joined
Mar 1, 2019
Messages
57
Hello- found some old posts debating whether to rent a sat phone or buy a garmin. I am looking for info from anyone that has actually rented a sat phone. Any companies to suggest? Thanks
 
Joined
Nov 1, 2019
Messages
340
I did it before the spot and stuff kicked off. Blue cosmos I think was who I was using. For letting wife know you are ok a Garmin is fine. For actually keeping her happy sat phone is better but expensive. Signal is lousy cuts in and out if you are in valleys or heavy canopy but when trying to work details & logistics prefer the sat phone any day. All depends on how much weight you want to deal with, how long you are out and what level of commitment you need. Had a few times I wish I had sat phone but did not. 90% time Garmin is fine just slow.
 

FLATHEAD

WKR
Joined
Jun 27, 2021
Messages
2,297
I've always went with Iridium. Very easy. They mail it to you with return box and label. You send it back when your done.
Get an extra battery.
 

Bubba

FNG
Joined
Apr 28, 2012
Messages
77
I have rented Sat phones and its costly each year. I ended up getting the GPS with spot. It bluetooth to my phone and is much cheaper.
 

Jimss

WKR
Joined
Mar 6, 2015
Messages
2,121
Sat phones are so expensive that I ended up buying an InReach. It's possible to set them up for a month or year depending upon how much you need it. I've used my InReach on several Alaska trips and it's possible to text either pre-made messages or text new messages that you make in the field. It is a fraction of the price of sat phones and works very well.
 

Legend

WKR
Joined
Jun 13, 2017
Messages
943
I have rented sat phones. You need to make sure the satellite provider is appropriate for the place in the worl you will be using it. I beleive i had an iridium in alaska.

But....i recomend you just buy an inreach and save some money.
 
OP
J

Joe5000

FNG
Joined
Mar 1, 2019
Messages
57
I assume this is a type of phone, not a company? Do you mind saying what company you used?
 
OP
J

Joe5000

FNG
Joined
Mar 1, 2019
Messages
57
I need the ability to make a phone call. Can I ask what companies you used?
 

Broomd

WKR
Joined
Sep 29, 2014
Messages
4,282
Location
North Idaho
Honestly, the phone/spot debate is really predicated on hunt and application.

I've DIY hunted for mountain goats on Kodiak several times and an actual phone is invaluable in that setting. I won't go without one.

Being able to communicate instantly with a transporter to get out before storms converge, meat spoils, injury gets worse, etc. is an incredible luxury. I'll always do it for certain hunts.

I used Satellitephonestore.com
 

h2so4

WKR
Joined
Oct 10, 2019
Messages
732
Location
Colorado
I’ve done both. I now have a garmin inreach. I won’t do a satellite phone again, it was not worth it and very clunky. Signal
Was not reliable for voice calls.
 

Trial153

WKR
Joined
Oct 28, 2014
Messages
8,227
Location
NY
I haven’t rented a sat phone since I got inreach …don’t plan on again either
 
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