Antenna wire for lightweight portable operations
When building an antenna to carry to the mountains for a portable radio operation, a lightweight wire antenna is a good choice, and there are several good options for what kind of wire to use. I’ve tried both "polystealth" wire and Silicone coated wire in #26 AWG, but my favorite for SOTA is Teflon-coated multi-strand 26AWG.
My first portable antennas were built with polystealth (available from the Wireman, and a similar wire from DX engineering). I think the polystealth is very strong and great for stealthy fixed locations (I use it for that now), but does kink a bit if you are winding and unwinding a lot. It’s not bad, and winding in a figure 8 helps, but it still can be a slight issue.
The silicone coated stuff (I used BNTECHGO silicone wire from Amazon) is very flexible, but breaking can be an issue. If you’ve snagged it on something and yank, it will break, at least in 26 gauge. I also find it is so flexible it has a tendency to tangle a bit. It’s relatively inexpensive and available in lots of colors at online retailers.
As I said, my favorite is Teflon coated multi-strand. It slides easily over branches or through brush, seems better for not tangling or kinking, and has been plenty strong for me. I’ve used both 26 and 28 awg on EFHW antennas for well over 500 SOTA activations, including many winter ones, without any issues with breaking. You’ll find it is kind of expensive at electronics distributors like Digikey and Mouser. I was able to get some good quality mil-spec surplus from eBay at a good price, but what is available changes all the time. One example of what I bought is this wire.
I’ve also heard that BNTECHGO is selling Teflon coated wire in 28 gauge at good prices on Amazon, but I haven’t tried it myself.
A final thought about the far end of the wire. I generally add a bunch of very thin string at the end of the wire. That facilitates tying the end to a branch or bush or rock. It doesn't weigh much. I usually use roughly 12 feet on my homebrew antennas, which gives me a lot of flexibility in what it will reach to tie off to. I'm using "Nano-cord", which is thin, lightweight, and plenty strong.
For both antenna wire and string for the end, it is wise to use something in a bright color. It will help with not stumbling into it by accident (for both others and yourself), and makes it easier to find on the ground when you are done with your operating.
Building antennas is fun and a part of the hobby! Why not try a couple kinds of wire and let everyone know with a comment what your favorite is?!
Good luck, have fun, and 72/73!
Mike K6STR
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