Advice on satellite devices for backcountry hiking/camping in the U.S. with little to no cell service
Posted by elevationjunkie25@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 43 comments
Planning a multi-day camping and hiking route in the U.S. where cell coverage is a lot of the time spotty or nonexistent, and looking for guidance on which satellite device makes the most sense for safety and basic comms. I've heard some good things about Bullitt Satellite and the Motorola Defy - any thoughts or recommendations would be great! Thanks
SnooLobsters1308@reddit
How backwoods? Many backwoods trails in USA have lots of others on them.
Garmin Inreach has been the gold standard. Irridium satellites are still IMO "the best", easiest to get signal, total world coverage. Zoleo is cheaper than garmin, also uses the irridium network. Motorola Defy is smaller/lighter, so could be better, has torqued some folks for almost going out of business and switching stuff around. Seems Ok now.
By far the most common on trail is the garmin inreach.
Cell phone plans are becoming more common, just in the last few months. (other than just pure SOS that's been around longer). Specifically I've used the Tmo service in September, more as practice, worked fine / easier than my inreach.
On trail, I'm not "ultralight" but, "somewhat light". :) I have a smaller-ish android phone and a garmin inreach mini. I carry a battery for the phone, and use that most of the time for maps / navigation, txt to family, music, etc.. The inreach is a backup. ALSO, I have a "good" compass with a local topo printed map when I hike. So, I've dual redundancy the true ultraights will lol at. :) If I was doing a regular trail like the AT, with so many folks on it and a marked trail, I might just take the phone + battery.
genesysguy@reddit
Starlink Mini
Holiday_Albatross441@reddit
That might be the best option but once you add a battery to run it and something to charge the battery it's quite a bit of extra weight. Also it may not work well if you're hiking in a forest where it can't see much of the sky.
Relative_Ad_750@reddit
The same is true of other satellite-based options.
thrwaway75132@reddit
No, garmin in reach is tiny. Tmobile satellite texting is weight you were probably already going to carry.
Starlink Mini is 2.6lbs and has no built in battery. Anker 27k prime is 1.4 pounds. So you have 5 pounds of extra weight for a whopping 4 hours of internet connectivity.
Go light, us a messenger only (or t-sat which works with a few map and weather apps as well).
standardtissue@reddit
If you have an iphone you may want to research what satellite capabilities are already built in.
i-Hermit@reddit
What about radio?
Senior_Green_3630@reddit
CB and HF radio may be a better option.
Paranormal_Lemon@reddit
Who are you going to reach in the middle of nowhere with a small handheld? It would be an alternative if there were no sat comms but there are lots of reliable cheap options now.
Senior_Green_3630@reddit
There may be CB repeater stations or a big hill will improve communications. At my local tourist lookout, only 350 metres above sea level, my CB radio has picked up vehicles 100 kms away, very clearly.
Paranormal_Lemon@reddit
If it's somewhere in the US with no cell coverage there's a good chance there is not even a small town within that distance. Also betting on CB for atmospheric bounce is not a good bet, it can work in ideal conditions but it is not large enough wavelength to work reliably. And a handheld is very limited by the short antenna, usually to a mile or two line of sight. CB repeaters are pretty unheard of. Unless you are in range of known repeaters and you know they are monitored at all times you should stick with sat comms. A few hundred for a device and a few dollars a month, there is no reason not to.
i-Hermit@reddit
I'm just learning about radios so that's why I suggested it. Also, this is preppers :)
Paranormal_Lemon@reddit
Oh cool. It's not a bad suggestion, and a few years ago might have been your only option.
There are some UHF/VHF ham repeaters where I camp, you have to be on the hill tops to hit them, in the valley though you won't even get GPS.
You should look into GMRS especially if you have repeaters in your area.
i-Hermit@reddit
Yeah, it's cheap, lightweight, not subscription based.. unless you need to be calling to check on your cats or your stock portfolio while camping, I think radio would be a good option.
enigmadyne@reddit
maybe it is just me but... getting away or prepping either nothing or ham radio... you can get starlink and laptop for streaming movies... and take the starlink with you and use wifi... cellphones like google and iphone have emergency sat service. But I believe you get out to learn how to survive in bad times so learn new skill not trust current tech but alternative coms.
HudyD@reddit
If you want something simpler and cheaper, the Zoleo device pairs with your phone and switches seamlessly between cell, Wi-Fi, and satellite. It's more of a communication bridge than a full GPS tracker, but the message reliability is great, and plans are more flexible
RichardBonham@reddit
I own an iPhone 12, but AFAIK newer Apple and Android phones will access satellite networks for emergency calls when cellular signal is absent.
73-68-70-78-62-73-73@reddit
How reliable is it, and do maps/compass/nav functions work reliably?
PNWoutdoors@reddit
Gps has always worked without cell signal, just download your maps for offline use.
The satellite texting on Pixels works fine. I've used it on two camping trips when there is no service.
Paranormal_Lemon@reddit
You also don't need GPS to use maps, and you still get a compass without GPS signal
RichardBonham@reddit
The free app Topo Maps allows you to access and to download (at your choice of two resolutions) USGS topographical maps of the US.
Within the map there’s a wealth of options including setting waypoints and adding notes.
It requires GPS sat lock, but not WiFi which allows you to use it for navigation and orienteering.
alphatango308@reddit
Hey what's the app? I'm not seeing it on the Google play store. There's
US Topo Maps And Topo Maps+
Is it one of these by chance?
RichardBonham@reddit
I have iPhone and it’s just called “Topo Maps”
YankeeDog2525@reddit
iPhone navigation works just fine without any cell or the new satellite reception. It has a GPS chip that works even in airplane mode. You need the right app and usually have to download your maps ahead of time.
I have seen other folks newer iPhones work in areas without cell. But the inreach and spots reportably work better and are more reliable.
LucyB823@reddit
What about one of those walker talkies with a SIM card that never expires? I have no experience with it but seems like a good option for an emergency only situation.
Tytoalba2@reddit
Cellular network only
ec6412@reddit
I have an iPhone 14 with satellite texting. You should know that there are at least two different modes with the iPhone. Mode 1 works with any carrier and is an iPhone feature. This one requires you to point the phone at the satellite and texts are very slow and it feels like you have to “enable” it when you want to send or receive a text. It does not feel always connected.
The other mode is through T-Mobile (USA). This works through Starlink satellites and is much better. It is faster, does not require you to point the phone, connects automatically and feels seamless. This costs me $10 a month, and I feel it is well worth it.
Danjeerhaus@reddit
Remember that there are websites that let you rent satellite phones. No, I have no idea of the pricing, but, I know they are out there.
You can always look into ham radio or AMATUER radio. In many cases, ham radio clubs have set up repeaters for radio coverage in wilderness areas. These are not guaranteed communications, but... It is something you can research.
Yes, they make a hf (world wide radio) that is about the size of a walkie-talkie. It is low powered though.
With AMATUER radio, you need to know what you are doing. In this news story, his signal went about 45 miles, but he knew about the repeaters in his area and in the process of getting his license, he learned about radio waves and how they travel.
Here is that story, about 6 minutes.
https://youtu.be/EDwKfqExDz4?si=fisgS7d8kOFgv5cB
More_Mind6869@reddit
I get the security angle. I really do.
But I gotta ask, Are you prepped for No Digital Devices ? No gps no satellite? No cell?
It's not entirely impossible given where things are at today.
It's just funny scary how many hundreds if not thousands of miles of back country, wilderness, and isolated places I/we traveled through during the last century, with just a compass and a map. Lol
For "preppers" to be reliant on that tech may need an issue if ya can't also navigate by compass, stars, etc.
ISeeReydar3@reddit
Well, no harm in being able to get an SOS out.
My personal preference would be a small ham band transmitter designed to send morse code or PSK31 from a phone.
More_Mind6869@reddit
I said I get that.
But an SOS is more likely the less truly prepared and skilled and aware you are.
Does one rely on a digital system and lose self reliance and skills and awareness ? I hope not ...
Like, do you know what to do when there's an injury that requires an SOS until help arrives ? That could be as important as a sat phone. No point in watching someone bleed out after you sent an SOS.
winston_smith1977@reddit
I did some tests of the satellite function on an IPhone 15 this weekend. Terrain was mountains in SW Idaho with no cell service. I wasn't able to get connected at all in deeper creek beds, essentially canyons about 900 feet deep, 50-100 feet across at the bottom, with 40 degree slopes. It did work in wider sections.
It's slow; connecting takes a minute or two, and you have to aim the phone at the satellite and manually track it to stay connected.
It's better than nothing, but not something I could depend on, given the highest likelihood of injury would be in the worst terrain.
drnewcomb@reddit
iPhones have backup satellite messaging and T-Mobile has satellite backup on some of their newer phones and higher tier plans.
SpaceGoatAlpha@reddit
Alternatively, LoRa radios with gps.
r/meshtastic or r/meshcore are the most popular and easiest to use protocols.
Long range text communication including the ability to have automatic broadcast of GPS info for individual radios. I like to explain it to people as "walkie talkies for text messages."
This will allow for easy communication and geolocation within your local group/area, but is not a method for contacting emergency services.
On a camping trip or vacation everybody carries one, have one mounted up high at base camp, every dog has one on their collar. Throw one on a small drone or a big tethered balloon to act as a line of sight relay in areas with irregular terrain where other radios lose reception.
Read the wikis in the subs and their website for a good intro.
bocker58@reddit
iPhone 14 and up have satellite texting for free via imessage.
Also T-Mobile and Rogers both have Satellite to Cell service which allows texting and light internet usage as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
mediocre_remnants@reddit
/r/WildernessBackpacking is probably a better place to ask about backpacking gear.
But I personally use a Garmin InReach Explorer+. I know some folks that rely on the satellite communication abilities in the latest iPhones and some Pixel phones on T-Mobile. Some people like the SPOT tracker.
The cheapest devices will basically be emergency-only, they are essentially locator beacons if you need to be rescued. More expensive devices will let you send messages to friends/family, check weather, etc. Those ones will have service plans.
CloudFrog21@reddit
That’s super helpful, thanks! I’ve been looking into the InReach models too, do you find the subscription costs reasonable for what you get? I’m debating whether the messaging and weather updates are really worth the extra monthly fee compared to just having an SOS-only option.
daneato@reddit
I have an InReach, I just paid for the SOS and basic text messaging. (I never used either, but had it for peace of mind.)
One thing I like is that I have had it turned off and in a drawer for years and don’t have to keep paying. If tomorrow I decide to adventure I can reactivate.
I never did more than a weeklong backpacking trip, and I would check the 10 day forecast before I left.
icthruu74@reddit
I have a Bullitt messenger but dropped service after the free trial year ran out (I was an early adopter not sure what they offer now). It worked OK but required an app on both ends. The recipient also needs to download the app and create an account and then actually LOOK at the app every once in a while. Every single message I sent one person was never looked at because they didn’t open the app the entire week I was off grid.
Now I have an iPhone with satellite (which is included in the price of the phone) and sends via iMessage (and maybe text, not sure on that one) so no extra app etc. I’ve only used it once or twice, but it auto fails over to sat if cell isn’t available. It takes a couple minutes to acquire sat lock and send but seems about on par with Bullitt.
x_3mta3@reddit
I always take my Garmin InReach with me in the backcountry
slogive1@reddit
T mobile
73-68-70-78-62-73-73@reddit
Garmin is another manufacturer to look at. The Garmin Inreach 2 will facilitate text messaging, and minimal navigation. A subscription is required. There are more feature rich devices offered by Garmin as well.
Holiday_Albatross441@reddit
I'd start by looking at the phone to satellite plans that have started appearing recently. I've never used them but it may be you don't need a second device any more.