Setups for SOTA on technical/exposed peaks

[HB9DQM]

@EA1PYM

For example, @Manuel (HB9DQM), looking at your photos I can’t quite see how you anchor it — I assume you’re using rocks around the base to keep it stable?

Yes, either I find some rock crevice to jam it into and add some smaller rocks to lock it in place, or I build a small cairn around the base. This works well enough unless the wind is very strong. I also carry some reusable zip ties in case there is a marker pole or a summit cross (only if nobody else is on the summit of course). And if there is snow, it’s a simple matter anyway

[F5MOG]

““I could use a lightweight 5 m telescopic fishing pole (around 600 g, very compact). However, I’m not entirely sure about the best way to secure it on the ground””

EA1PYM, The picture of a fishing rod holder may give you some ideas.

[OK2PDT]

@GM5ALX

I’ve made many SOTA contacts with the antenna wire lying on the ground.

Hi, I can confirm that it works with low impedance antennas. On Kralický Sněžník in a strong wind my antenna fell to the ground and then I made the necessary QSOs for activation. On the next hill I placed the radiator and counterweights on the ground at the GP antenna. Here too the activation was successful.
73 Jan

[IK2LEY]

I use Decathlon’s Lakeside poles, fiberglass, for my LW, from which I cut off the plastic ends and fitted them into holders, which have screw-on tips. They’re really handy, both for mounting them in the ground and for using rocks as a support.