so i finally did my first summit activation last weekend up on a local peak, nothing crazy just a 2 pointer but man i was not prepared for how much fun that was. packed way too much gear obviously, brought the kx2 and my linked dipole and a whole backpack full of stuff i didnt even touch. took me like 45 minutes to get the antenna up because the trees were spaced weird and i kept dropping my throw line. but once i got on 20 meters the pile up was actually real, like people were actually waiting to work me, never had that happen before. made 12 contacts in about 20 minutes and then battery was getting low because i forgot to charge it the night before like an idiot. still counts though, qualified the summit and everything. already planning the next one, thinking about trying a harder peak and maybe bringing the 40m dipole too since it seems like the lower bands do better in the afternoon

haha the throw line struggle is so real, i spent probably 30 mins on my first activation just trying to get it over a decent branch. eventually just started using a slingshot and some fishing line and that made it way easier. congrats on the qualify though, 12 contacts is solid for a first time especially if you were nervous. the pile ups are addicting, fair warning

yeah 40m in the afternoon is the move, especially if your activating somewhere in the east and trying to work midwest stations. i dont even bother with 20 after like 2pm anymore. also get a bigger battery lol i run a 4ah lipo and it lasts me all day at 10 watts