Can you hear me now?

[ismellbacon]

Question: What do you backcountry adventurous types use for two-way communication?

I'm looking at picking up some two-way radios, maybe Motorolas for the troop...

We just came back from a week long backpacking trip on the C&O towpath (amazing area). We were up on the western side that is more remote and I noticed that my fellow scouter and I had really really bad cell service most days, if any at all. For future expeditions we wanted to look at alternate communications means besides cell phones. I know that this will require a base camp of sorts to communicate with the radios, and then they could relay info via cell phones.

I'm not a HAM radio operator and would prefer not to go that route if able.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Sidenote: The Nomad Solar Recharger is a great little piece of equipment to have for those long treks!

Thanks in advance!

[Quailman]

With whom do you need to communicate? Will your group be splitting up? Need to check in with the Mrs.?

I did the vast majority of my backpacking before cell phones, so I'm not used to having voice communication capability. More recently I've carried a turned off cell phone for emergencies.

I always carry a signal mirror, which I know how to use, and a whistle.

[ismellbacon]

I would say yes to all the above...

Mainly, it would be for emergency calls though. For instance, a scout or scouter falls and gets a huge gash on a leg. We have the medical experience to treat such injuries, but extraction is of the essence. We want to be able to have quick communication with First Responders.

[FrankJ]

Personally if they are to far to yell at, I don't communicate with them. Another reason to stay current on WFA. When you are that for off the beaten path, nothing is fast.

In terms of emergency communications. Eastern Seaboard you are never really that for from cell service.

When I was at Northern Tier, I was given a radio that various camps monitor. Fortunately I never needed to see if it actually worked.

Satellite phone comes to mind. Expensive though. Can be rented.

Satellite emergency messenger like spot is another possibility
<http://www.findmespot.com/en/>

[ismellbacon]

That messenger service looks interesting. I like how you can download your treks as well. Thanks!