The Ham Radio Guy

Thinking about taking your ham radio station into the field? Before you head out on your next POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), Field Day, or other portable adventure, this episode is for you!

In Episode 78 of The Ham Radio Guy Podcast, Marvin, W0MET, covers everything you need to know to make your next portable activation successful. From building the ultimate portable operations checklist to planning your trip, choosing the right gear, staying safe, and avoiding the common mistakes that every operator makes, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your very next activation.

Whether you're a brand-new amateur radio operator or you've completed hundreds of portable activations, preparation is the key to spending more time making contacts and less time realizing you forgot something important back at home.

In this episode, we discuss:

Portable ham radio planning

POTA (Parks on the Air) tips

SOTA (Summits on the Air) essentials

Building a portable radio go-kit

Portable antennas and battery options

Packing checklists and must-have accessories

Safety considerations for hiking and remote operations

Park entrance fees, permits, and operating hours

First aid kits, hydration, and emergency preparedness

Logging contacts in the field

Common portable operating mistakes—and how to avoid them

Portable operating is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio. Whether you're activating a national park, climbing a summit, setting up for Field Day, or simply operating from your favorite local park, a little planning goes a long way.

What is one item you never leave home without for a portable activation? Let us know in the comments!

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another ham radio operator. Your support helps us continue creating amateur radio content every week.

🎙️ Listen to The Ham Radio Guy Podcast
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

 
Affiliate Links
 
Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy
 
Hamstuffonline.com
 
American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.
ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10
 
County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO
 
Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.
 
Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24
 
Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 
 
https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231
 
Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping
 
Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB
you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy
 
Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl
SOCIAL MEDIA
 
https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 
 
https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy
 
Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
Sign up for the newsletter

BTECH UV-PRO IP67 Dual Band VHF/UHF  Btech UV-Pro

 
Affiliate Links
 
Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy
 
Hamstuffonline.com
 
American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.
ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10
 
County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO
 
Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.
 
Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24
 
Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 
 
https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231
 
Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping
Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB
you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy
 
Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl
SOCIAL MEDIA
 
https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 
 
https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy
 
Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
Sign up for the newsletter

Affiliate Links
 
Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy
 
Hamstuffonline.com
 
American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.
 
ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10
 
County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO
 
Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.
 
Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24
 
Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 
 
https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231
 
Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping
 
Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB
you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy
 
Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl
SOCIAL MEDIA
 
https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 
 
https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy
 
Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
Sign up for the newsletter

Affiliate Links
 
Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy
 
Hamstuffonline.com
 
American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.
 
ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10
 
County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO
 
Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.
 
Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24
 
Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 
 
https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231
 
Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping
 
Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB
you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy
 
Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl
SOCIAL MEDIA
 
https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 
 
https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy
 
Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
Sign up for the newsletter

I discuss tips, information and updates for Hamvention 2026 on things that will help you manuever Hamvention over the three days.