For those that do a good bit of international travel, what is your preferred brand/model of satellite phone? Mine will be used for emergencies and to stay in touch with my family while hunting in remote areas of the U.S. and abroad.

Any thoughts, successes or failures?

I am currently looking at the BlueCosmo Inmarsat and the Iridium 9555.

It depends on where one is travelling. My Inmarsat sucks above the Arctic Circle for example. It is best in Africa however.

I have both the Iridium & the Inmarsat. The one I choose depends on where I am going.

Ok thanks. Don't have any trips to the arctic circle planned but one never knows. My immediate needs are Africa, Central Asia and Montana.

Another option is Garmin inReach Explorer+ . It does have an emergency button but it is basically text messaging a phone number or an email address.

It is also a GPS with topographical maps either on it or iPhone app that it connects via bluetooth.

The tracking feature when turned on permits those you provide access to track you at a web site in real time.

I was very happy with the features at my August hunt in Zimbabwe.

I have an inReach and like it, I want a phone though.

Example: my hunt ends early and I need to call the airline to change my flight(s).

Inmarsat works best for me in Africa.

Renting or buying?

I bought mine but renting might be a better option for some.