The satellite phones are absolutely great - if they work. Add a GPS and you are in business. The dropped calls by one of the manufacturers however, is so bad it has created rumors of bankruptcy. Monitor your provider.

Urban guests die in Idaho unaware that the whole world doesn’t have cell service.

FRS/GRMS works great to talk to the other sled that is lost with you. No one looking for you monitors FRS/GRMS. If you want to go the HAM route, declare an emergency, transmit "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" on IDAHO STATE COM (155.550) If you think Idaho SAR is in the area and looking for you - transmit on 155.160.

The standby recommendation of leaving details of your trip plan is greatly over rated. If you are lost, and can’t get one mile back to your rig, don’t rely upon your friend back in Boise to describe in great detail as to where your body is. He may be off 100 yards.

The “LIVE” experts always expound on the importance of staying put. In many cases they are correct. In many cases they are wrong. This year more have died with the vehicle than have died walking out.