Black Packing Light
  • Sections
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Boot Camp
  • Treks
  • Gear Swap
  • Forums
  • Deals
  • Gear Reviews
  • Subscribe
  • Sign In
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • New? Start Here
  • Newsletters
  • Calendar
  • Articles
    • Recent Features
    • Gear Reviews
    • State of the Market Reports
    • Gear Guides
    • Skills & Techniques
    • MYOG
    • Science, Technology & Testing
    • Stories
  • Learn
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
    • Online Course
    • Guided Treks
  • Community
    • Forum Index
    • Recent Forum Posts
    • Trip Reports
    • Film Festival
  • Gear
    • Guide’s Gear Recommendations
    • Gear Reviews
    • Gear Swap (Buy/Sell)
    • Gear Deals
    • Find Gear on Sale
    • Gear Lists
    • Make Your Own Gear
    • Gear Forums
  • Write for Us
  • Submit a Product for Review
  • Advertising Info
  • Jobs
  • Help / Support / Contact
  • Policies & Terms

Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Science & Technology / Theory & Modeling / Expedition Blogging, Part 1: A Satellite Phone-Based System

Expedition Blogging, Part 1: A Satellite Phone-Based System

by Ryan Jordan on September 3, 2014 Theory & Modeling

Enjoy this free preview of Members-only content.
Login or Subscribe to see it all.

This articles launches a new series at BPL that will address satellite communications technologies and systems suitable for the solo traveler who desires or needs reliable two-way data communications beyond simple text messaging (e.g., email), or the ability to publish long form text (and perhaps, photos), to a blog or other platform.

The idea for this series grew out of my own experience putting together a satellite-based data communications system for managing ongoing business while in a remote (not necessarily wilderness) location, and for publishing blog posts and photographs from expeditions that were being monitored in real-time by my family, friends, colleagues, and the occasional journalist.

Part 1 describes the use of a refined, and reliable system (including some of its iterations with respect to data communications and power supply) with a traditional satellite phone as its central communications unit (combined with external data router and data entry / read devices). Part 2, to be published later this fall, will address so-called "BYOD" (bring your own device) systems that include a satellite-connected data router combined with a smartphone, the latter of which handles all voice and data exchange with the router.

”Our snacks and water ran out on Monday as we reached the summit of Salt Mountain and cliffs that provided an impasse. We descended into the headwaters of the aptly named Cliff Creek, where we found water in a tiny snowmelt brook, and cooked dinner. We had a few hours of daylight remaining so after a lengthy debate of “Should we camp here?” we saddled up and starting trekking back up the hill. A few hours later we found ourselves in a tiny meadow just big enough for our shelters, and with feet starting to blister and legs getting tired, we’d call it home for the night. Another tiny snowmelt creek flowed adjacent to camp, which had expansive views of the massive Sphinx Mountain to our south. During the waning light of dusk, Andrew was pointing uphill and saying “bear…bear…bear…” It took a second to register but I grabbed my bear spray as I caught a glimpse of a large black mass happily jogging into camp. We came together to watch a large healthy black bear stand up, size us up, and then proceed to run off in a panic. Nobody went pee alone that night.”

ARTICLE OUTLINE

  • Introduction
  • System Application
  • Basic System Components
    • Satellite Phone
    • Data Router & Router Power
  • Computer & Software
  • External Power
  • System Comparisons: Bob Marshall Wilderness vs. High Uintas Wilderness
  • Philosophy
  • Part 2

# WORDS: 4420
# PHOTOS: 8

--- end of free preview ---

To read the rest of the article, please Login or Subscribe.

Access to the rest of the content on this page
requires either a Premium or Unlimited Membership.

Subscribe

Your membership fees have helped sustain the creation and curation of quality information, education, and community at backpackinglight.com since 2001.


Related Content


Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Learn About the Gear That Works

New! My Personal Recommendations: Lightweight Backpacking Gear from 2018
by Ryan Jordan, owner/publisher

Today’s Gear Deals

» Current REI Coupons & Rebates «

REI:

Patagonia:

Backcountry:

Sierra Trading Post:

Mountain Gear:

Cabela's:

Visit All BPL Gear Deals »

ADVERTISEMENT

Subscribe Right Now

Receive new Members-only content, gain access to 2,000+ articles in the archives, and become a part of the most passionate community of backpacking experts in the world.
Subscribe Now
  • Backpacking Gear Reviews
  • Backpacking Skills
  • Backpacking Trips
  • Backpacking & Outdoor News
  • Outdoor Recreation Science & Technology
  • Backpacking Courses, Webinars & Other Events

Follow Us

Reduce your pack weight to less than 10 pounds right now.

Download our Printable Ultralight Backpacking Gear List & Watch our Core Principles of Ultralight Backpacking Video!

More @ Backpacking Light

  • About Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us
  • Submit a Product for Review
  • Sponsored Hikers
  • Help / Support / Contact
  • Terms & Policies

Call Us

Membership Sales & Support: 406-640-HIKE (406-640-4453) | About

© Copyright 2001-2019 BEARTOOTH MEDIA GROUP, INC. | U.S. Library of Congress Serial Registration ISSN 1537-0364
BACKPACKING LIGHT® and the FEATHER/MOUNTAIN icon are registered trademarks granted for exclusive use to Beartooth Media Group, Inc. Subscribe here.

  • Subscribe
  • Log In
  • My Account
  • Forum Profile
  • Private Messages
  • Newsletters
  • Help Desk
  • Unlimited Membership Portal
  • Help / Support / Contact