One of the youth expedition organizations I advise was asking about current peer practice regarding communication devices carried on trip. I went to the internet world to ask my grads and working guides what they are carrying on trips these days:
In more detail, here is the break down:
In more detail, here is the break down:
There were 307 responses, however individuals could select more than one option, and many individuals either carry more than one device or carry different devices for different trip types. For example, VHF radio is typical of sea kayak guides, however that same guide may also carry a satellite phone. Likewise, a cell phone may be sufficient for one trip type, and that same guide may carry a SPOT device or satellite phone on more remote trips.
This data confirms the trend towards InReach text/email and SPOT over satellite phone. In particular, Globalstar users have been experiencing reliability difficulties, and this data indicates guides have moved away from that network and toward Iridium. I will do this survey again in a couple of years and see what we come up with.
Only one respondent carries a PLB (personal locator beacon), typical in the far north and for sailing open water.
Only one respondent carries a PLB (personal locator beacon), typical in the far north and for sailing open water.
This survey was posted on the Canadian Freelance Instructors page and the Algonquin College Outdoor Adventure Programs Alumni page (1805 and 808 members respectively) on August 31, 2017.