I've operated 2m portable on a number of occasions now. Twice already
this year and a handful of times last year with various pieces of
equipment.
If you have a good take-off, even with just 5w and a modest whip
antenna you will get out pretty well.
### Operating Portable
When operating portable you want to keep your radio kit as compact
and light as possible. Only deviate from this basic principle if you
have a specific goal in mind and the extra weight and complexity will
significantly improve your chances of success.
### My setup
Personally I have found a 5w dual band hand held radio to be more
than adequate for the job and perfect for SOTA type activities. My
own radio is a Retevis RT85 with an extended 2800mah battery.
Coupled to this I use a roll up slim-jim 2m antenna and about 6m of
mil-spec RG58 coaxial with BNC connectors, male one end and female
the other. The male end attaches to a BNC adapter that screws onto
the top of the radio, the female end to the BNC connector on the
antenna. The antenna is suspended from a 5m fishing pole to get some
extra height.
Gear list:
* Retevis RT85.
* Retevis RT85 2800mah battery pack.
* 2m roll up slim-jim antenna with male BNC connector.
* 6m mil-spec RG58 (male BNC one end, female BNC the other).
* BNC to SMA adatper for the top of the radio.
* 5m fishing pole
* Two stretchy velcro straps (to tether the fishing pole).
### Other considerations
You may well need something to sit on. Often I found somewhere that I
could operate and tie the pole, but not some place comfortable to
sit. The floor has often been muddy.
A flask and some snacks (tea and biscuits?) if you will be out for
some time.
Even if it doesn't appear cold out, when you are stood on top of a
ridge or peak and exposed to the wind chill, you can lose a lot of
heat quickly. Take some warm layers and gloves.
A small notebook for logging your contacts, waterproof ones are
available from camping and outdoors stores. You could use your phone
but that could run down your battery and then you can't make a call
if you should have an emergency.
### Summary
In short keep it simple, keep it light and you will have plenty of
fun hilltopping / doing SOTA activations.
