Planning trip to Alaska and have a question about comms

[khildebr]

Everyone told us bear spray was useless, just makes a bear madder.
But we did have 2 pistols and one rifle with us.
But keep in mind you cannot drive through Canada with them.

Canadian Boarder Security always joke that they allow US citizens to bring bear spray into the country because “Canadian bears like their meals seasoned”.

As for not being able to drive through Canada with firearms, not exactly true but there are limitations, requirements for transporting and a bunch of paperwork that needs to be filled out in advance and if you don’t have all of the “i’s” dotted and “t’s” crossed, can create a world of problems for you.

Bringing a Firearm into Canada | ezbordercrossing

How to bring a firearm and other weapons into Canada. Details on types of weapons, prohibited firearms, criminal record, regulations, required permits,

www.ezbordercrossing.com

It will also make coming back into the US a PITA. Probably best to have things shipped to a gun dealer in Alaska and pick them up once you get there if you’re driving through Canada on your way to Alaska like we’ll be doing.

 

[jm77]

If there’s Starlink service up there that might you’re best bet and would allow you to use your regular cell phones normally. I actually just got a Roamsat starlink setup for my truck. Pricey but it’s best of the best. Allows you about 8-10hrs of use without needing to be powered by the truck. I’d of course also have a Garmin inreach and my VHF Radio in the truck. Never rely on just 1 form of communication when going off grid.

 

[GordoJay]

iPhone 13 and later have a satellite SOS function. I switched to Apple because of it.

 

[khildebr]

If there’s Starlink service up there that might you’re best bet and would allow you to use your regular cell phones normally. I actually just got a Roamsat starlink setup for my truck. Pricey but it’s best of the best. Allows you about 8-10hrs of use without needing to be powered by the truck. I’d of course also have a Garmin inreach and my VHF Radio in the truck. Never rely on just 1 form of communication when going off grid.

iPhone 13 and later have a satellite SOS function. I switched to Apple because of it.

Have the Garmin with InReach and iPhone 13 covered. Took a look at the Roamsat setup and it looks interesting but as you said, is pricey. Seems like a VHF might be of use outside of between vehicle communication during Raptor runs. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[GordoJay]

I guess the question worth circling around to is: Who do you need to communicate with, and when? Sounds like it's not just for emergencies.

 

[khildebr]

I guess the question worth circling around to is: Who do you need to communicate with, and when? Sounds like it's not just for emergencies.

While the main reason is in case of problems either with the vehicle or medical (the InReach and/or iPhone SOS mode can handle those), the other reason would be to find out about issues on the road ahead and to occasionally check in with family during the trip (again the iPhone would be the primary method for that when service is available or texting via InReach). In the distant past (pre cellphone or GPS), I would use CB to hear about road issues but not sure if that’s something that would be useful in places like Alaska or if people are more likely to use VHF. There is also the possibility that I’m over thinking this and already have the tools I need in hand.

 

[Pikser]

I also installed a weBoost Drive cellphone booster with their OTA antenna.
Helped extend cell phone coverage.
Mainly used the Starlink for internet and FaceTime.

 

[Campbellsoutlaw]

Are you planning to pull a travel trailer up with you? It’s been on my bucket list for years…

 

[MDJAK]

I'm sure there are both sides to the coin, but I've seen many videos of bear encounters and I've never seen one where a person used bear spray and it not deter the bear. Naturally a firearm as backup is a must. Interesting how there are legal ways to bring one in stated above.

I see OP is from Pleasant Valley. Is that in California? How many miles round trip to you plan on doing?

 

[khildebr]

Are you planning to pull a travel trailer up with you? It’s been on my bucket list for years…

Had debated doing it but decided against it. Will be using the Milepost planner and booking overnight or longer stays at places along the route. Certain amenities that the wife has said “we will not be doing without unless absolutely necessary.’