Friday thoughts - It's good to talk.
- Rhys Dobbs
- Sep 12
- 6 min read
Staying Connected: Communications in the Mountains and Remote Settings
Heading into the mountains at the weekend? Whether you’re planning a gentle hill walk, a multi-day trek, or a remote expedition, one of the most overlooked parts of preparation is how you’ll stay connected. In the outdoors, communication isn’t just about convenience – it’s about safety, coordination, and peace of mind.
From checking in with your team to calling for help in an emergency, the tools you carry can make a huge difference. But with so many options available – mobile phones, two-way radios, satellite phones, and modern devices like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 – it can be hard to know what’s best for your trip.
This week’s blog takes a closer look at the technology behind each option, the pros and cons, and where they shine in the real world.
Mobile (Cell) Phones
Technology:Mobile phones operate using terrestrial cell towers that transmit voice, text, and data over radio frequencies. The strength and reliability of service depend on how close you are to the nearest tower and whether the landscape allows an unobstructed signal. In mountainous or wilderness areas, steep terrain, valleys, and remoteness can easily block coverage, leaving you without a connection. Smartphones, however, often come pre-loaded with offline GPS mapping apps, compasses, and emergency features, which can still be useful even without a signal.
Pros:
Lightweight and multifunctional: A single device for communication, navigation, photography, and information storage.
Familiar and user-friendly: Most people are confident using mobile phones in stressful situations.
Emergency features: Many smartphones now support emergency SOS via cell towers, and some newer models even offer satellite SOS capabilities (though coverage is still region-limited).
Widely accessible: Nearly everyone already owns one, making it the default option for most trips.
Cons:
Coverage limitations: Signal is patchy or non-existent in many mountain and remote regions.
Battery life: Drains quickly, particularly in cold or wet conditions, or when running GPS/navigation apps.
Fragile: More vulnerable to damage from drops, moisture, or extreme weather compared to purpose-built outdoor communication devices.
Dependent on infrastructure: In disasters or very remote zones, local networks may be down or non-existent.
Best Use: Cell phones are best suited to lower-level trails, valley routes, or trips near populated areas where coverage is likely to exist. They are also an excellent secondary communication tool, especially if used with offline navigation apps and paired with a battery bank. For more remote or high-risk environments, however, they should never be relied upon as your sole method of communication.
Two-Way Radios
Technology: Two-way radios (often referred to as walkie-talkies or handheld transceivers) operate on VHF (Very High Frequency)or UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio waves. They transmit directly between radios, without the need for external infrastructure, though some regions also have repeaters that extend range. The signal travels in straight lines, which makes terrain and obstacles a major factor in range performance.
Pros:
Instant team communication: Quick push-to-talk functionality makes coordination easy, especially in climbing, skiing, or search and rescue scenarios.
Independent of networks: No reliance on cell towers, satellites, or subscriptions for basic operation.
Durable and weather-resistant models are widely available for outdoor use.
Group-friendly: Multiple radios can operate on the same channel, allowing whole teams to stay connected.
Some radios in mountain regions are tuned to monitor emergency channels, enabling you to reach local rescue services.
Cons:
Limited range: Usually effective only over a few kilometres, depending on terrain. Mountains, forests, and buildings can all interfere with signals.
Line of sight dependent: Best performance is achieved in open areas, ridgelines, or with direct visibility between users.
Not suitable for contacting family or emergency services over long distances, unless you are in an area where specific emergency frequencies are monitored.
Battery management: Rechargeable units need careful planning for multi-day trips unless spares are carried.
Best Use:Two-way radios are excellent for team expeditions, mountain rescue operations, or group activities where close coordination is vital. They are particularly useful for ski patrols, climbing teams, and guiding groups. While they lack the global reach of satellite devices, they excel at short-range communication where reliability and speed are key.
Satellite Phones
Technology:Satellite phones operate by connecting directly to satellites in orbit around the Earth rather than relying on land-based cell towers. Networks like Iridium, Inmarsat, and Thuraya each use different constellations of satellites to provide varying levels of coverage – some offer near-global access, while others are limited to certain regions. Unlike mobile phones, which require you to be within range of a cell mast, sat phones only need a line of sight to the sky. This makes them one of the most dependable tools for true wilderness communication.
Pros:
Global or regional coverage (depending on the satellite network used), allowing you to stay connected far beyond the reach of traditional cell service.
Direct voice communication with emergency services, support teams, or family members – which can be faster and clearer than text-based alternatives during a crisis.
Proven reliability in extreme environments, from deserts and oceans to high mountain ranges.
Many models also allow basic text messaging, email, and GPS location sharing, adding flexibility for both safety and coordination.
Cons:
High costs: Both the devices themselves and the ongoing call or subscription charges are significantly more expensive than other communication options.
Bulky and heavier compared to devices like satellite messengers (e.g. Garmin inReach Mini). This can be a drawback for lightweight expeditions.
Clear sky required: Dense forests, canyons, or poor weather can block the signal, making communication unreliable in those situations.
Slower data speeds compared to mobile networks – not ideal for browsing or large data transfers.
Best Use:Satellite phones are best reserved for remote expeditions, polar travel, ocean crossings, or high-altitude climbs where no other reliable communication exists. They are the go-to choice for professional guides, explorers, or international teams working in isolated environments where a voice call may literally save a life. For any trip where robust emergency communication is non-negotiable, a sat phone is the gold standard.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Technology: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communication device that connects to the Iridium satellite network, which provides truly global coverage, including oceans, poles, and remote wilderness. Unlike a satellite phone, it is designed for two-way text-based messaging, location sharing, and emergency alerts rather than voice calls. The device pairs with the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone, making it easier to type, view maps, and manage communication. It also integrates GPS navigation features, allowing you to track your route, drop waypoints, and share your position in real time.
Pros:
Lightweight and compact (weighing just 100g), making it an easy addition to any kit without weighing you down.
Two-way communication, so you can both send and receive messages—crucial for reassurance in emergencies, especially if awaiting rescue instructions.
SOS functionality: An emergency button links directly to Garmin’s 24/7 International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC), providing rapid contact with local search and rescue teams.
Integration with smartphones allows for easier typing, map overlays, and weather updates.
Battery efficiency: Depending on the tracking interval, it can last from several days up to weeks, making it highly reliable for extended trips.
Additional features include downloadable weather forecasts, breadcrumb trail tracking, and trip planning via the Garmin Explore platform.
Cons:
Text-based only: No voice calling, which can feel limiting compared to satellite phones.
Subscription required: A monthly or annual plan is needed to unlock satellite messaging and SOS features. Costs vary depending on the level of use (occasional vs. expedition).
Typing on the device itself is slow and fiddly; pairing with a smartphone is almost essential for convenience.
Dependent on satellite visibility: Like sat phones, it needs a reasonably clear view of the sky—deep valleys, canyons, or heavy tree cover can reduce connectivity
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Best Use: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is ideal for solo adventurers, lightweight expeditions, or as a reliable backup to radios or phones. It’s particularly valuable on trips where reassurance is as important as emergency coverage—such as long-distance treks, solo climbs, or off-grid expeditions. Its mix of compact design, SOS monitoring, and real-time tracking makes it one of the most practical tools for modern explorers who want global communication without the weight or cost of a full satellite phone.
Final Thoughts
No single device is perfect. Radios are excellent for team comms, cell phones for convenience, sat phones for robust global calling, and the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for lightweight, reliable SOS and tracking. The smartest approach is to layer your options – carrying the right mix depending on your trip, location, and group size.
To learn more about staying safe and connected in the mountains, join our Mountain Safety Course – because preparation is the key to adventure.
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