Cell service fading out on trails I've hiked for years

What's your backup plan for emergencies when cell service is gone?

3 comments

3 Comments

Yikes, that's a real worry on remote trails. I carry a satellite messenger that can send emergency signals even without cell service. Also, a old school map and compass never run out of battery. What's your go to safety gear?

james7671mo ago

Duct tape is my weird must-have... rolled around a water bottle so it doesn't take space. That and a loud whistle, because your voice gives out way before rescue might show up. Water purification gets overlooked but giardia is no joke on day three. Practicing with your gear in the backyard beats fumbling with it when you're cold and scared. Also, a few big orange trash bags are cheap and work as a rain cape or emergency shelter.

emma_clark1mo ago

Actually, @james767 has a solid point about the duct tape, but I learned the hard way that the adhesive can totally fail if it gets cold. I rolled it on my bottle like they said, but during a cold snap it just peeled right off when I needed it. Now I use a few wraps of gorilla tape or strapping tape instead, that stuff STICKS no matter what. Still a huge space saver on the bottle, just a better material for real weather.