[pct-l] satellite phones?

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

We have spent a lot of time in the inner reaches of the High Sierra exploring canyon after canyon. We have travelled the Crest and the Divide. Where the canyons fell toward the east and west toward civilization, as in Oregon, some places in Washington, and on the Divide near cities or major highways, regular cell reception, at least text messaging, may have been possible. However, when we were in a "hole" of convoluted canyons where we surrounded by ridges, yet had clear view of the sky, cells never worked and sats did. If disaster struck in a creek crossing, the need to communicate out was paramount and, thus, we carry sat phones. 

My question for the community is, will a HAM radio accomplish the same?

Mtnned
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Candy Smith 
  To: ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com 
  Cc: Melissa Caster ; pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 9:44 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] satellite phones?


  Maybe this is my own ignorance (likely it is), but I feel like if you have the right cell phone carrier you might be able to get some moderate recepion on the trail. I know in a lot of VERY primitive areas in Oregon I've been able to get reception with a verizon phone on the trail, in areas that other phone servers wouldn't work. it might be a more fiscally reasonable idea to invest in a go phone or pay-by-the minute plan from a cell company than to get a satellite phone. 

  Again, I can only speak for the Oregon sections, but I just thought I'd throw that one out there.


  2009/5/4 <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>

    Hi, Wren,

    Nearly on every of our trips out, whether the Snow Courses, Kennedy Meadows
    snow and creek crossing training trips, JMT, CDT, or other adventures, we
    carry satellite phones. Except for the expense, they have served flawlessly
    as long as you follow directions and are patient. Contact with the outside
    as needed relieves worry and concern at both ends and is definitely good for
    coordination of resupplies!

    Mtnned

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Melissa Caster" <rain_caster at yahoo.com>
    To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
    Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 8:38 PM
    Subject: [pct-l] satellite phones?


    i have someone willing to deliver re-supply packages as i go along the trail
    i just need to be able to let them know where i will be, does anyone have
    experience with or suggestions on the use of satellite phones?
    wren



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  Best Wishes,
       Candy Smith