Get started

The first step takes about five seconds. The rest is worth doing while you still have service.

Step 1

Text TENT? to (406) 333-1298.

You are on the free tier from the moment the reply lands. Your phone number is the account.

Step 2

Set the phone up while you have service.

Save the contact so you are typing a name, not a number. Then add the Shortcut, which grabs your GPS and fills the message in for you, straight from your Lock Screen or your watch.

  1. Open the link.
  2. Tap Add Shortcut.
  3. That's it. It's on your phone.
Installing the Shortcut, start to finish.
Using it: one tap, coords sent, forecast back.

Step 3

Learn the satellite screen before you need it.

The first time you send a message over satellite should not be on a ridge in the dark. Your phone puts an arrow on screen and asks you to aim at a satellite that is moving, and you turn slowly until it holds.

On an iPhone you can rehearse it: Settings, then Apps, then Messages, then Satellite Connection Demo. Run it in the driveway.

Over satellite, a number that has never texted you cannot start a conversation. Text us once from anywhere with service and we can reply to you out there all week.

Connecting to a satellite on iPhone.

Step 4

Want more than the tent call? Pick a plan.

Upgrade any time. Your phone number is the account, so nothing changes about how you use it.

Free

$0

The fun question, answered.

  • TENT? verdicts, 5 a month
  • help, anytime
Choose plan

Tentcast

$29/year

The whole forecast, anywhere you stand.

  • TENT? verdicts
  • wx, fcst, and alerts
  • Any coordinates, not just yours

Tentcast Pro

$49/year

For people who live out there.

  • Everything in Tentcast
  • metar and taf for pilots
  • ask: backcountry answers by text
  • Custom units
  • Adjustable alert radius

The Shortcut works on every plan. What comes back is what your plan covers.