Cell phones in the wilderness

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Again and again I see in tips about hiking in the wilderness the advice to take along a cell phone. The tipster usually provides safety reasons for the advice. The reasoning goes something like this: If you get in trouble, all you have to do is dial a number and help will be on the way.

Here are some cogent arguments against packing along your smartphone.

Argument #1: It is unlikely that you will find a reliable signal any distance beyond the trail head. So, the weight of the cell phone is basically useless weight.

Argument #2: Given the spotty or downright nonexistence of a cell phone signal, relying on a cell phone for calling for help will only give you an ill-founded confidence. Relying on a cell phone for rescue purposes in the wilderness is about as sensible as relying on a canoe full of holes.

Argument #3: Carrying and relying on such a device can give you a false sense of security that can lead to dangerous behaviors that you would never engage in otherwise.

Argument #4: Putting your trust in an electronic device whose reliability is highly questionable, in addition to giving you very little increase in safety, can keep you from doing other things that would go a lot farther towards increasing your safety. Some of these other things include carrying proper survival equipment, carrying a more reliable emergency device and increasing your survival knowledge and skills.

Argument #5: Even if you do find a signal in the wilderness, your ring tone and your conversation are a breach of etiquette in a place where people seek solitude and tranquility. A cell phone in the backcountry must never be used for casual conversation.

If you do decide to take along a cell phone for safety purposes, keep in mind these things:

1. If you don’t get a signal where you are, walk around a bit to increase your chances of finding one. Go to a ridge or a summit for better reception.

2. Carry a satellite phone for emergency rescue. It will be much more reliable than the regular cell phone.

3. Only use your cell phone when absolutely necessary. Don’t abuse the rescue service that you might get with a call. Rescue operations involve huge amounts of financial and human resources.

4. Program into your phone the emergency number that you will use if needed.

5. Be prepared to give very precise details about your problem and your location if and when you make a call.

6. Give your number immediately in case there needs to be a callback.

7. Communicate your most important message immediately in case you lose the signal or your battery goes dead.

8. Keep your cell phone turned off until you absolutely need it for an emergency call.

by Richard Davidian, Ph.D.