Satellite Phone rental

[erle1139]

Our group is going to rent a sat phone for our back country hunt. I've never rented one before so I'd appreciate any input from those with experience. We only plan on using it for emergencies or maybe calling the outfitter. Anyone have a preference on phone type, company, plan, etc? There seems to be a bunch of companies renting several types of phones with all kinds of add-ons and such.

Thanks

[Jjamesdean]

Personally I really like the Delorme Inreach explorer. Is a little sat phone/gps. You can't call but you can send unlimited text messages and it has a SOS button. It'll run you about 350 plus 60 a month for unlimited messages and SOS.

[Indian Summer]

This is probably the most popular rental company. Good price and free incoming calls/texts.

http://www.mobal.com/satellite-phone-rental/

[erle1139]

Thanks guys, I'll check them out Indian Summer. I don't have a need to own, and we need voice more than text.

[ak32]

Personally I really like the Delorme Inreach explorer. Is a little sat phone/gps. You can't call but you can send unlimited text messages and it has a SOS button. It'll run you about 350 plus 60 a month for unlimited messages and SOS.

+1 on the delorme, nice little unit and even keeps track of GPS points for the tracking feature

[elkh00nter]

+1 on the DeLorme inReach Explorer. Just got mine a few weeks ago. Backup GPS, too. Messages include GPS location. You can also use them to contact other inReach devices.

I rented a phone years ago. I think it was a Globlastar. It worked on the very top of the mountain, but nowhere else. I would recommend something based on Irridium satellites, which I believe have better coverage.

[Bow4me]

+1 on the inreach. My only thing is that I wish I would have got the solar charger. On a week pack in trip it needs to be charged a couple of times. This year I'm bringing a quick charge and a small solar charger. Since it links to your smart phone you need to charge 2 devices and with only one quick charge it can't keep up. But when it's charged it's awesome!

[CurlyTail]

I agree go with an Iridium based Satellite phone and avoid Globalstar. Globalstar coverage has been unreliable in my experience. We also have an inReach which is pretty decent. You can get by on the cheap with inReach with a 4 month subscription and limited texts which is more that adequate for emergencies and to keep the wife from worrying about your health. An iridium based Satellite phone is by far the best but has an associated cost to consider.

[erle1139]

Great info guys, thanks