> The only issue I see is that cellphone battery life is terrible compared to inReach like devices. Not sure I'd want to depend on it for longer than a few hours.

I think it depends on the application you're using it for.

If you're constantly using the gps - yeah, I'd definitely agree with you.

But if you're using it purely for emergency communication, you can just turn off the cell phone, and it should be fine.

It's also possible to pursue a hybrid approach by bringing a battery to change the phone.

> you can just turn off the cell phone, and it should be fine

Cell phones are far more sensitive to temperature issues than dedicated devices.

And when you do have an issue no external battery is going to help you because they are also sensitive.

> It's also possible to pursue a hybrid approach by bringing a battery to change the phone.

Or, as I have done on multi-day trips, a solar panel and a battery.

ah yes, let me just trust a glass screen with a cold sensitive battery during an emergency