Are you planning to go on a trip to the wilderness? Or your friends are planning to go hiking this summer? If you are looking for the best backpack phones, then you are in the right place. We will give you a complete guide on how to find the best satellite phone for backpacking.
Well, no matter whether you are going to climb a mountain or planning to make tents in the wilderness, packing your backpack with all essentials always comes in handy. Satellite phones are one of these essential items that one must not forget. Most of the companies that sell such satellite phones are quite promising. But when it comes to showing performance, most of them fail to do so. Thus to make things a little easier for you, we have reviewed the best backpack phones in the market. You might like also to read articles about The 6 Best Satellite Phones and The 5 Best Headset Microphone for Recording Audio.
When it comes to satellite phones, different people have their requirements. Some people are looking for durability, whereas others demand primary email access — no matter whether you want a high-quality phone or a device with additional features. We have kept everything in account to make it easier for you. So, let’s start.
Top 6 Best Satellite Phones for Backpacking – Buying Guide
The top 6 satellite phones for your backpack have been listed below.
1. BlueCosmo Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 Satellite Phone Kit (SIM Included)
Bluecosmo Inmarsat satellite phone is easy and inexpensive to use. These satellite phones have the option of global SIM cards with different budget options. Moreover, there is no need to waste hours in activating the device. All you have to do is to visit their website and place your order for prepaid or monthly plans. Whether you want a monthly or a prepaid method of your SIM cards, you can order them and get started.
If you are facing coverage problems, then Isatphone is the best option for you as it offers worldwide coverage. This device will not only allow you to send or receive calls/SMA but also give GPS track of your location without any extra charges.
Although lithium-ion battery durable design is enough to prove the high quality of this device, the company offers 18 months warranty to clear your doubts. The device comes with its own AC and DC charger and cables. The packaging also includes a hands-free earpiece, USB cable, a holster, and a complete guide. So, it is ready to use right away.
In addition to all their unique features, these satellite phones are highly durable. It is resistant to water, dirt, and even shock. It can tolerate humidity of up to 95%. The temperature range at which it can work properly is also pretty good, i.e., 4 – +131 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, you need not worry about the low battery time. The device can last for 120 hours at a standby time and 8 hours straight on talking time. In the daytime, you need not worry about visibility as these phones are famous for offering enhanced daytime visibility.
In addition to the budget-friendly and easy-to-use phone, you can take advantage of their customer and support service. Bluecosmo is famous for offering a complete range of professionals to give support services to its customers.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.2 Ounces |
| Durability | Water, Dirt, and Shock-Resistant |
| Battery life | 8 Hours talk time and 160 hours standby time |
| Location Tracking option | Yes |
| Coverage | Global |
| Warranty | 18 Months Warranty |
- The satellite phone is sturdy and durable.
- It is budget-friendly and easy to use.
- The LCD screen offers enhanced daytime visibility.
- The antenna is not long-lasting.
- One can lose signals while using it due to the antenna.
- It does not work on the extreme north or south poles.
- The signals of the Inmarsat satellite phone keep on fluctuating.
- It has a heavyweight and bulky design.
2. Unlocked IsatPhone Satellite Phone Prepaid
Another addition to the line of Isatphones is Unlocked Isatphone 2. It has many unique and advanced features, but its only drawback is its high price. But the good news is that the service plans are quite economical. It comes with a 100 unit SIM card which 100 unit prepaid plans without any additional charges. One can get minutes whenever they want and can get the advantage of uninterrupted connectivity.
Another noticeable feature of this satellite phone is global coverage. No matter whether you are going off a road trip or hiking, you can send and receive messages or calls from anywhere at any time. One can also get the advantage of GPS location tracking without paying any roaming charges.
The satellite phone is designed specifically to tolerate water splashes, dust, or shock. So you need you to worry about moaning over a broken phone in the hour of need. Moreover, unlike other satellite phones that fail to function in extreme hot or cold environments, Isatphone 2 is designed to tolerate temperature changes. It can stand at +55C and -20C of temperature without any fluctuation.
The unique LCD feature will allow you to get an enhanced display during the daytime to allow proper visibility. Its battery time is also excellent and the same as the Bluecosmo Inmarsat Isatphone. It offers two years warranty to give assurance of its high quality. In case of any problems, you can take the help of their support system, which is available 24/7.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
| Durability | Water, Dirt, and Shock-Resistant |
| Battery life | 8 Hours talk time and 160 hours standby time |
| Location Tracking option | Yes |
| Coverage | Global |
| Warranty | Two years warranty |
- One can get emergency assistance by pressing the emergency button.
- It offers global coverage.
- The company provides two years warranty.
- This satellite phone is somewhat expensive.
- It is difficult to get a signal on these phones, hurdles and tall buildings can inhibit signals.
- It fails to work at the north and south poles.
- The design is not compact instead it is bulky.
- People demand extra features in this price range.
3. Garmin Handheld Satellite Communicator Navigation
If you are looking for a high-quality satellite phone at an affordable price, then Garmin Inreach SE+ will be best for you. It offers all unique and essential features at a low price. The device comes in two cool covers and comes in a classy-looking design.
After getting your favorable satellite subscription, one can enjoy unlimited two-way messaging by global Iridium satellite coverage. The phone supports location tracking and sharing option. Another cool feature offered by this satellite is that it allows you to connect it with your phone. One can download maps, NOAA charts using this feature.
Another feature that is offered by this device is that it supports a built-in compass and accelerometer. One also has access to emergency calling in case of an accident or mishap by generating an SOS signal.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 Ounces |
| Durability | Waterproof Design |
| Battery life | Up to 125 hours |
| Location Tracking option | Yes |
| Coverage | Global |
| Communication | Two-way Communication |
- The design of the device is durable.
- It offers GPS tracking.
- This satellite phone design is not easy to use.
- The signal fluctuates due to interference.
- The design is bulky.
- It does not have a built-in battery instead a lithium-ion battery is required to make it work.
- The customer support is very poor.
- The device stops functioning at the time of updates, so one has to keep visiting Garmin website before going on any trip.
4. Garmin Inreach Mini
If you are tired of carrying bulky satellite phones, then Garmin Inreach mini should be your first choice. It has not only lightweight but also a pocket-size structure. Once you have chosen your satellite subscription plan, you will not face any difficulty while using it. It offers two-way messaging and other unique features.
You can connect your Garmin Inreach mini with your mobile phone and get the benefit of Bluetooth sharing. There is no need to worry about the small display of these satellite phones, as it allows you to use your phone keypad to send or receive messages. Moreover, you will get all the necessary information about weather changes on your linked mobile phone or satellite phone. The phone offers 128 X 129 pixels resolution.
One can also enjoy the benefit of emergency connectivity or help in case of any dysfunction of the satellite phone. Their customer support service is available 24/7 for your help. Garmin Inreach mini also allows you to plan your trips by using an unlimited cloud storage feature.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5 ounces |
| Size of the Screen | 1.3 inches |
| Bluetooth Option | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes |
| Weather Information | Yes |
| Coverage | 100% Global Coverage |
- The phone has a compact and portable design.
- It supports Bluetooth.
- The battery drains quickly.
- There is a delay in sending or receiving messages due to signal problems.
- The customer service is terrible.
- The total expense of the device after adding prepaid or monthly plans is pretty high.
- Most of the text messages fail to deliver because of system issues.
5. Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone
If you are tired of having connectivity issues with satellite phones, then Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite phone is what you are looking for. It is not an inexpensive satellite phone, but the phone has a large number of cool and unique features that other satellite phones do not offer.
The structure of the phone is like a walkie-talkie. But do not doubt the durability of the phone due to the compact design. This satellite phone has passed the military-grade durability test. It is not only shock-resistant but also dust and water-resistant. In addition to the internal structure and screen, the keypad is also weather resistant. The size of the phone is not too large, but the keys have the necessary spacing between them to allow comfortable typing. The Iridium 9575 offers two-way SMS and email capability.
The calling through this satellite phone is also pretty good. The phone will not that more than a minute to connect to a satellite. One can enjoy its global coverage except for the extreme north and south poles. In case of any mishap or emergency, one can get the advantage of the SOS button. You can get help by ending your location or other ways in case of an emergency. Moreover, one can use this phone at a temperature as low as -10C and as high as +55C.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Battery Life | 4 Hours Talking Time and 24-30 Hours of Standby Time |
| Built-in Battery | Yes |
| Location Tracker | Yes |
| Built-in SOS | Yes |
- The structure and design of the Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone is highly durable.
- The device has a built-in location tracker.
- The phone is costly.
- People expect more features at this price.
- The battery time is not good. People do not expect 4 hours of talking time at this price.
- The phone has a bulky design.
- It is quite hard to activate it.
6. Bluecosmo Iridium Extreme Satellite Phones
Bluecosmo Iridium Extreme satellite phone comes with prepaid SIM cards. You can enjoy two-way messaging and calling without any hidden charges. Just choose your minutes plan and get started as it is easy to activate the phone without any additional fees. This satellite phone is of high quality, that is why it comes with 18 months warranty. Moreover, the company also offers 24/7 customer service to assist you in case of any emergency.
The blue cosmo extreme satellite phone allows two-way global coverage even in the polar regions. The iridium battery makes sure that you receive good connectivity while using it. The signal does not distort, unlike other satellite phones. It will not be wrong to call it the only global satellite phone as it is the only phone that works at the north/south poles, oceans, and airways. So, you do not need to worry no matter where you are headed.
The satellite phone has a built-in location tracker that will allow you to know or send your location anytime you want. SOS emergency button is also present at the top that will enable you to get any kind of assistance or help. It has a sturdy and durable design to help you in an emergency condition. In addition to the durable structure, it is resistant to dust and water. Moreover, the keypad is also weather resistant.
Satellite Phone Features |
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Battery Life | 3 Hours Talk-Time and 30 Hours of Standby Time |
| Coverage | Global (even at the poles) |
| Location Tracker | Yes |
| Warranty | 18 months |
- Bluecosmo Iridium extreme satellite phone has a sturdy design.
- It allows global coverage i.e., even at the poles.
- The phone features GPS tracking and navigation.
- The phone is pretty expensive.
- It is not a good option for making fast.
- Minutes of paid plan drain very fast.
- The phone does not work if there is any hurdle between it and the satellite. It demands a clear sky for catching a signal.
Buyer Guide
Different satellite phones have various features. One must keep the following features in mind before buying them.
Durability
Satellite phones are mostly used for hiking or other road/forest trips. There is a good chance of getting them wet or receiving shocks due to falls. So you must look for a sturdy and durable design. Most companies offer waterproof and shock-resistant satellite phones. Make sure you go for such phones that are durable even if you have to pay few m=extra pennies to get these features.
Coverage
Different satellite phones work in different areas. The coverage of some small phones is limited to the middle east while others work only in northern areas. The high-end satellite phones come with global coverage. So, make sure to check that the locality where you are headed to lies in the coverage area of your satellite phone. If your trip location does not lie under the coverage area of your satellite phone, then it will be useless during the trip.
Compact
Another feature that you must pay attention to is the portability of the satellite phones. A portable pocket-size phone is better than a bulky and large-sized satellite phone. Your phone must be portable enough to fit in your pocket or backpack. Else it will be hard to carry it around everywhere.
Battery-life
It is difficult to charge your satellite phone during your trip to the mountains or wilderness. Moreover, even if your satellite phones work with separate batteries, it is hard to carry too many cells with you during your extended trip. So, one should keep this feature in mind before buying a satellite phone.
Warranty
The warranty is proof of the quality of the satellite phone. If a satellite phone does not give assurance of at least one year of use, then do not go for such satellite phones. They will only disappoint you.
Location Tracker
Another essential feature of the satellite phone is tracking your location using GPS or other tools. This feature comes in handy during emergencies.
Built-in SOS
High-quality satellite phones come with a built-in SOS feature. This feature will help you to get emergency help in case of any emergency or mishap.
- Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Display Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.9in
- Routes: 20
- Waypoints: 500
- Display Resolution: 128 x 128 pixels
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