Satellite Phones for backcountry hunting

[Onions]

Going on a trip to Alaska in two weeks. My wife would like to be able to stay in some contact, while I am gone.
Anyboby ever rent a Sat. Phone? If so who from?
Thanks

chris <><

[stabow]

I will keep an eye on this one, tried to buy one but couldn’t find anyone that sold them. Never thought about renting one. That might be hard to find also.....stabow

[hayslope]

Search on the net.  Lots of companies that rent or lease them.  Short term is expensive, but in some cases......worth it.

Make sure you get Iridium system phones.........

[Pete McMiller]

Chris,

Yes, you can rent sat. phones.  I've never done it but researched it a bit last year.  There are two types available and a per minute charge as well as a weekly rent.  If you Google Sat Phones I think you will get all the basic info you need.  For a real remote camp I would think it would offer great peace of mind for your wife.

[Bryan Burkhardt]

I've rented satellite phones for unguided hunts to Alaska...I use GMPCS and have been very pleased.  Using them again this year.

[wingnut]

JOhn Havard has rented one for our AK hunts and it's very nice to have.  I don't recommend doing a lot of talking unless you have deep pockets but it does ad a level of security.

In 2005 when we were hunting moose, Jason and I were flown out of camp but fog rolled in before John was able to go.  He was able to call the pilot when the fog cleared even though it hadn't elsewhere and get out later that day.

Mike

[hunt it]

I own my own and would never do without in the back country. Outfitter satellite rents them - make sure you get a Motorola Iridium System phone not a Qualcom.

[Doug in MN]

They are a great safety precaution and can make a life or death difference.

I know that having one with saved my father in-laws life.

[griz#1]

I rent one for my hunts from  mobal communications inc in new york. it runs about $60.00 dollors a week plus air time,last year air time was a $1.75 a min. & the phone worked just fine.

[Steve H.]

I have 4-5-6 times.  I use the SatellitePhoneStore.com, my oft partner said he found better rates with SatellitePhone.com (maybe plusral with s).

[Gary Logsdon]

I have rented an Iridium the last two elk seasons from Outfitter Satellite in Nashville.  I always drive down to their office and pick mine up.  They have another office in Alaska . . . of course you can order them online as well.  I've had a good experience working with them.

[Zbearclaw]

Not sure with who, but we are having one delivered to our bush pilot for Alaska.  

Fly out Tuesday morning, no ability to sleep...

I will verify who and post up.

Good luck on your hunt.

[Steve H.]

Hey Zeke, I fly out Tuesday too!  Out of where?  I'll be in Tok.

[Ken Taylor]

At caribou camp in Northern Quebec we use Iridium. A few years back, Global Star was better but in recent years Iridium have been more reliable although not perfect.

It probably depends on where in the world you are calling from and how many satellites that service your telephone that are in range.

[Zbearclaw]

kodiak, I feel like a pent up Billy goat about to get released to his harem!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Rent is so dear over here that I got sick of it and bought my own. It cost as much as a new rifle or top-of-the-line bow, but gives much reassurance when venturing into the wilderness.

[Onions]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.
I will do some looking thisw week for the best deal!
Thanks again

chris <><

[akdd]

Where are you going out of? You can sometimes get one delivered to the air taxi that is flying you out.If that is how you are going. This is what I did last year when I went to Kodiak and it work out great. For any fly out drop off hunts they give you a way of getting in touch with you air taxi if you need an early pickup. Here are a couple out of Anchorage. You want to get the Iridium phone.
 http://www.anchoragesatellitephones.com/aboutus.html
 http://www.tse-ak.com/default.aspx?cid=38

[akdd]

PM me if I can give you any more info.

[PAPA BEAR]

call this number..they have any phone you need and good rates.

explorer satellite
866-662-2665