The mountains have a certain allure to them. Those who have spent time sucking thin oxygen will tell you great stories of danger, misadventure, and pure excitement. Mountaineers constantly face challenges, but have no problem going back and doing it all over again. This mystical appeal to the mountains is largely ineffable; we can’t quite describe why we enjoy immersing ourselves deep in the wilderness...we just do it, and we love it.

Why Preparedness Is Key

While a passion for the outdoors and the wanderlust for exploration are primary qualities of just about any mountain-goer, true mountaineers know the importance of being prepared. With rapidly changing weather patterns, various wildlife encounters, and sheer isolation away from civilized life, a fun backpacking trip can quickly turn into a life or death situation. It’s for these reasons — and more — that Outfitter Satellite carries the most comprehensive selection of satellite phones for sale.

A Reliable Line of Communication Thanks To Our Mobile Satellite Phones

It’s easy to look at one of our bulky satellite phones for sale and think to yourself, “Man, this really looks like an early 90s Nokia brick.” It’s true that our satellite phones certainly don’t look that pretty, but that’s a small price to pay for having a communication device that works practically anywhere on planet Earth. No matter the weather or where your current coordinates are located, you’ll never have to look at a screen just to see the two dreaded words: “No Service.”

Feel free to learn more about our handheld satellite phones including the Iridium and the Thuraya, or check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide to see what satellite phone option is right for you. Below, we’ll be taking a look at several of the most important items you could possibly bring with you on a wilderness trip. Let’s get started.

First, Ask Yourself These Questions

In everything that you bring along with you on your travels, you should be able to answer “yes” to these two important questions:

• Can you respond positively and effectively to an accident or emergency?

• Can you spend at least one night (possibly more) in a warm and dry environment?

From a basic first aid kit to a rain jacket and a tent, the items that you bring along with you are designed to serve one (or both) of the above purposes.

Navigation Tools

Obviously, you’ll need to know where you’re headed, and it’s also good to know your exact position with the help of GPS technology. This is especially important if you’re deep in the backcountry, miles away from trailheads or even trails themselves.

While there’s nothing wrong with a tried-and-true map and compass, plugging your route into a GPS-based device (with backup batteries or chargers on-hand just in case) is an easy and effective way to be sure of your location and that you’re headed where you’re supposed to. Yes, this also includes bringing a satellite phone with you so that you can communicate with emergency authorities and provide them with your coordinates.

Water Purification Systems

If you’re not packing clean water on your person — and even if you are — you’ll still want to carry some form of water purification in the event that you unexpectedly run out of water. Water is obviously essential to our survival and drinking raw lake or river water means that you’re running the risk of giardia (which, trust us, is no fun).

Whether you’re using a carbon water filter pump, a water purification straw/bottle, or iodine tablets, make sure that you have clean water to draw from.

Plenty of Lightweight, Packable Food

Of course, second to water is food in terms of survival (warm, dry shelter is also up there). You’ll want to pack more food than you realistically expect to consume throughout the duration of your trip. A great way to pack a maximum amount of food with relatively minimal weight is to bring dried foods that expand with hot water, as well as a number of protein bars and other ready-to-eat food.

Warm, Waterproof Clothing

Hypothermia is very real and, sadly, many mountain climbers and explorers have succumbed to it over the centuries. It’s not just the sheer cold that subjects people to it, either. It’s the combination of being wet and cold that rapidly drops your body’s internal (and external) temperature. Hypothermia is no joke, and it’s absolutely essential that you bring along high-quality, durable, warm, and most importantly, waterproof clothing. Never trust that it won’t rain or storm during your trip.

Your clothing should also double as sun protection, as intense sunburn is also no joke. Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended, if not essential.

A Headlamp Or Flashlight

This one is pretty self-explanatory.

Shelter

If your tent can’t hold up to keep you warm and dry in the wake of the elements, you’re going to have a miserable trip. A light, emergency bivy is something that you should carry on your person at the very least (for a quick, makeshift shelter), but a full-on backpacking tent is better for complete waterproofing.

A Knife And The Ability To Start A Fire

Though most people bring small stoves along with them, having any way to create heat and cook food or heat up water is a necessity for your trip.

Stay Prepared With A Satellite Phone

Contact with the outside world is incredibly important — neigh, essential to your survival — in a dire situation. Outfitter Satellite can help. Set foot in the world’s most remote places with confidence by getting one of our satellite phones for sale.