cosmokenney
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Cosmo
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2019
- Threads
- 40
- Messages
- 858
- Reaction score
- 592
- Location
- Loyalton, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 JLR (2-door)
- Thread starter
- #1
Calling on those more knowledgeable than me for some advice.
I'm not trying to start a CB vs. HAM vs. whatever debate here. I am a solo weekend warrior. I go fishing/hiking/back-country skiing in places where there is no cell service. And I have always just crossed my fingers. But, now that I have an even more capable vehicle, I'm sure there will be times I get myself even deeper into trouble.
My question is what is the best device to carry to get help? I mean if I'm stuck and there is no cell service (and there rarely is cell service where I spend my time).
But, let's talk about two different scenarios:
1. My vehicle is stuck in the back-county. I'm not hurt, but need help getting out because I tried to use my winch and failed. But I'm hungry and already drank the beer in my cooler.
2. I'm hurt and am having trouble getting back to my car. Or, I made it back to my car but I'm bleeding so bad I'm light-headed, and will probably pass out and drive off the edge of the road.
Mind you I'm no namby-pamby who throws up his arms at the first sign of trouble and calls in an emergency. I've had some pretty bad days in the back-county and still got my still got myself out.
But now that I'm in my 50's, the bones are getting brittle and I'm not as strong as I used to be. But I still have the desire to find out what's just around the next bend -- consequences be dammed. I'm sure some of you can relate.
I have been reading a little about the differences between CB and HAM and the hand-held units are interesting for sure. But between the two, which one can be used to call someone -- most likely someone I don't know -- and say I'm screwed, I'm 50 miles from civilization and my truck is on fire, can you send help? Which one is going to be more likely to have that "someone" on the other end listening?
Then there are GMRS and FRS? Are those any good? Or useful in the above scenarios?
Should I forget about "radios" and go for a spot/in-reach? I have wanted to get an in-reach for a long time but the cost of entry and monthly satellite subscription costs are big turn off for me. And, I personally think they charge way too much for a service that I will hardly ever use. Think about it, it's not like I'll be sitting there on the peak of Mt. Shasta texting selfies to my friends. In fact the only time I'll use it is when I'm truly screwed. So having to constantly pay for "cheap insurance" is somehow not appealing. Wish they had a pay when used deal.
I'm not trying to start a CB vs. HAM vs. whatever debate here. I am a solo weekend warrior. I go fishing/hiking/back-country skiing in places where there is no cell service. And I have always just crossed my fingers. But, now that I have an even more capable vehicle, I'm sure there will be times I get myself even deeper into trouble.
My question is what is the best device to carry to get help? I mean if I'm stuck and there is no cell service (and there rarely is cell service where I spend my time).
But, let's talk about two different scenarios:
1. My vehicle is stuck in the back-county. I'm not hurt, but need help getting out because I tried to use my winch and failed. But I'm hungry and already drank the beer in my cooler.
2. I'm hurt and am having trouble getting back to my car. Or, I made it back to my car but I'm bleeding so bad I'm light-headed, and will probably pass out and drive off the edge of the road.
Mind you I'm no namby-pamby who throws up his arms at the first sign of trouble and calls in an emergency. I've had some pretty bad days in the back-county and still got my still got myself out.
But now that I'm in my 50's, the bones are getting brittle and I'm not as strong as I used to be. But I still have the desire to find out what's just around the next bend -- consequences be dammed. I'm sure some of you can relate.
I have been reading a little about the differences between CB and HAM and the hand-held units are interesting for sure. But between the two, which one can be used to call someone -- most likely someone I don't know -- and say I'm screwed, I'm 50 miles from civilization and my truck is on fire, can you send help? Which one is going to be more likely to have that "someone" on the other end listening?
Then there are GMRS and FRS? Are those any good? Or useful in the above scenarios?
Should I forget about "radios" and go for a spot/in-reach? I have wanted to get an in-reach for a long time but the cost of entry and monthly satellite subscription costs are big turn off for me. And, I personally think they charge way too much for a service that I will hardly ever use. Think about it, it's not like I'll be sitting there on the peak of Mt. Shasta texting selfies to my friends. In fact the only time I'll use it is when I'm truly screwed. So having to constantly pay for "cheap insurance" is somehow not appealing. Wish they had a pay when used deal.
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