PBH,
We just finished a wilderness elk hunt where we walked in, but had gotten a radio from a outfitter who would come in and pack our elk out should we make it happen. Well, we went 2 for 2 on couple real nice bulls and we had a heck of a time reaching our outfitter by radio. We were only 8 miles in, but spent all day trying to reach him before finally making good contact. We climbed up and up trying to get a better signal, but the elevation did not help much. We finally reached him and he came in and packed our elk out as planned. However, we were starting to worry as it took us about 12-hours of trying before making contact. Also, no cell phone coverage anywhere, we were as high aas 11,047 feet and no cell signal.
So, with all this being said, my brother said he will rent a satellite phone on our next trip for sure. He looked into it on this trip and I thought he said it was about $300 rental fee + air time. If we go back to same the wilderness unit and use the same outfitter/packer then I am OK with the radio, but if we go to a new wilderness unit and have a first time packer,then will get the sat phone for sure. I am sure my bro will get the phone no matter what. Plus 8 days is getting a bit long on no contact with the wife and kids. Also, I believe Cameron Hanes takes a satellite phone with him on his wilderness hunts. I will email him and get his feedback and I beliewe he talks about this in his book as well.
Hope this perspective helps and enjoy the rest of your hunting season.
JL