Survival Cellphones -- Is there such a thing?

If you want a phone that can withstand abuse, get a Motorola SAT phone and not TWO, but TRHEE battery packs (if it works for computer systems, it works for batteries), SAT phones are real battery drainers.
I know for a fact that Motorolas are tough because Motorola has some experience in making tough telecommunication systems for the Special Forces, and more to point, for the Navy SEAL´s (which means the phones are water and dust proof, too).
And if you´re skeptical about their toughness, I have confirmed that myself; a friend of mine has one, and it somehow (I don´t know how it could possibly have happened, I wasn´t threre) fell out of a window two stories high, and all it has is a small scrape on the tip of the antenna, and few minuscule markings. No marks whatsoever on the screen, inside or outside.
And it´s one of the lower models...
 
As with everyone else I don't think it's a bad idea to have a cell phone on you but to rely on one as a emergency peice of gear is probably asking a lot.

Up here in ND, the cell coverage is getting better but it's still pretty thin, esp if you get off in the boonies. Out in the badlands unless your close to the interstate or can climb to a hill top your not likely to get a signal. Way I figure it is if you are hurt or busted up bad you probably can't just hop on up to a hill top. It's funny we have guys come up here with thier "worldwide satalite paging" and what do you know they don't get paged for 4 days
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That said, I do a lot of mountain biking up here and I always put my cell phone in my pack. It's been pretty durable I've fallen on it a number of times and it's never taken any damage so far. It can sure make a bad situation easier and faster, but more of a luxury than a neccesity. It's one of those things where once all my other gear for emergencies I rely on is packed I'll pack the cell phone.

Todd
 
I'd add that I can think of two instances this year where hikers have used their cell phones to request help from mountains in the White Mountain range of NH.

Also, another was used to request medivac for a hiker who suffered a heart attack. Unfortunately, he didn't make it.

Mike
 
Regarding cell phones.

The real issue involves the coverage available on the hiking trail.

Antenna length will not significantly increase your coverage because the wavelength of the 800 MHz phone is only about 4 inches, and the 1900 Mhz systems about half of that. What may help is to take the telephone above the surrounding terrain and clutter (trees, structures, etc.). Radios work by transmitting energy and the surrounding terrain and vegetation will absorb the radio signal.

Increasing the power output on the cellphone will not improve your reach. Keep in mind that the phone works in two directions. In order for the system to work your phone will need to recieve a signal (instructions) from the servicing cell site, as well as transmit to that site.

I have used cell phones on some of the trails with good results (just make sure your boss and customers don't have your phone number
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). Generally cellular systems are deployed to cover developed areas and their access routes (roads). If you planning to hike within a few miles of a major road coverage will probably be good.

For example, one of the canoe trails I like to use tends to wind to within a few hundred yards of a state highway at several points. I take a cell phone along because I know that if we get into trouble we can access help from one of those points (far easier than a 25+ mile trek back to the staging area).

If you are heading out to more remote areas you will need to take a satalite phone.
 
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