Having an antenna above head height can make a big difference in signal strength. At the Fat Ass run atop Jones Peak, Rick used an 11 section collapsible carbon fiber "fishing pole" for the antenna mast that is easily put in a back pack. Collapsed, the mast is only 22.5 inches. Fully extended, they are about 15.5 feet, but the useable length for this application is 13 ft. Amazon has them for $17 - click here

For the antenna, he uses an Ed Fong DBj-2 dual band (2 meter/440) roll up antenna. This is a half wave antenna made from 300 Ohm TV twin-lead with 50 Ohm coax connected between it and the radio. It is completely flexible and can be rolled up into a coil for easy transport. The top of the antenna is fastened to the top of the antenna mast. These run $30. The web site is - here.

For more details or if you want Rick to make a group purchase to save a few dollars, contact Rick Besocke at Ki6ZKM at foothillflyers dot org.