Communication is Key: Best Ways to Communicate on the Trails
When traveling in remote places, ensuring you have a way to communicate with others is essential and can even be life-saving. If you are traveling to areas with little or no cellular service, it might be pretty tough to figure out what you might need in order to stay in touch with others and the outside world. We’ve put together a list of equipment that will help you upgrade your communication game even on the most remote adventures.
Signal Boosters
If you’re traveling to a place that still has cell service, but not quite enough to make calls or text, a signal booster would be a great option for you. Signal boosters simply take the weak cell service that you have and boost it to cover a wider range so that you can still use any of your devices that have access to cellular connectivity.
Signal boosters do not create a cellular service that is non-existent so it’s not always the best option if you are traveling to an area where you won’t be able to get any sort of connection. Most people tend to add a signal booster on top of the other options we mention below because they aren’t always the best option but can be super handy in places you still do have even a little bit of service.
Satellite Phones / Messengers
Another way to still be able to communicate while off the grid is by using a satellite phone. Satellite phones work differently than your standard cell phone because they use satellites instead of cell towers to be able to gain access to a communication network. Satellite phones can basically be used anywhere on earth but there are a few downsides.
Since they use satellites to communicate, you have to be outdoors and have a clear space between the phone and satellites, meaning it can be harder to use in places such as thick forests or anywhere there is something between the phone and the sky. This also means that if you are in severe weather, it may disrupt your communication. The phones themselves can also get pretty expensive in price, so if you do choose to go with one, I would definitely consider if it fits into your budget. Most satellite phones also require you to purchase a plan, but they work as a prepaid plan so you can purchase more time before your next adventure.
If you choose to text instead of call, you can also pick up a satellite messenger, so it’s based on preference and what you would find best to communicate.
HAM Radio
A popular but often overlooked piece of communication equipment is a HAM radio. HAM radios are used all around the world as a type of two-way communication. HAM radios are probably the best way of communicating in remote areas, but what stops most people from using them is that they require a certification in order to actually be able to communicate with them.
You can get a HAM radio in a traditional style “box” but with technology advancing as much as it is today, you can even get a handheld one if you’re going to be on the move and would like to keep it with you.
Walkie-Talkies
A simper form of two-way communication is through the standard walkie-talkie. Almost everyone has used one before and they are relatively simple forms of communication with someone who is on the same channel as you are.
They can be great if you are going on a trip with someone who is going to be in the general vicinity as you are as they have a shorter range they can communicate, usually anywhere between 1 and 5 miles. Also since most of them are relatively small, they can be easy to keep with you or in a backpack in case you need to take it with you anywhere.
So which is the best choice?
To choose the best one, it would really depend on how you will be using it. The best overall would be the HAM radio or satellite phone. If you are going to be near the person you want to communicate with often, then the walkie-talkie will probably be the best. No matter which piece of equipment, we do highly recommend getting a signal booster to keep with you as it will allow you to use your cell phone and internet service over a cellular connection.
Recommended Gear
Here is our list of recommended gear for each category so you know where to find it!
Signal Booster
Satellite Communicator
Spot X Satellite Communicator (2 Way Text Messaging)
HAM Radio
Radioddity GS-5B Handheld HAM / Amateur Radio
Walkie-Talkies
Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio (2 Pack)