Is there a reliable device that will detect falls and alert contacts in the wilderness? Apple Watches aren’t reliable re fall detection. I had a serious mountain bike crash last June and my watch didn’t send an alert. It does, however, activate the call alert every time I fluff pillows on my sofa.
“The ability to stay connected allows me to spend more time recreating outdoors, more often.” This is counterintuitive to those that aren’t out-of-signal often. Hiking maps, weather updates, the nearest town with a place to get fire wood, can all be found with a mobile connection and taken care of so the outdoors can go back to being enjoyed. I’m really happy you shared this and I think the topic came up on another post and someone mentioned coveragemap.com (or something similar) which isn’t as helpful as having having the map when you don’t have a connection; but, if you are headed to a new spot and can check the site before you leave, you’ll have a clue.
It’s pretty trivial to download or double-check what you need to ahead of time. More connectivity in the backcountry lowers the barrier of entry, but it does little to increase the utility of recreation for someone who is already prepared. A basic satellite device such as a Garmin Inreach or Zoleo handles the rest.
Just to cover your examples real quick:
- I check the weather forecast every day leading up to a backcountry trip, and I can pull a fresh forecast each morning from my Zoleo.
- Backcountry maps are downloaded ahead of time via CalTopo or a similar tool, annotated to the exact degree necessary. Physical maps may also be taken.
- I have the surrounding area downloaded on Google Maps, so that I can see the local road network and I can drive back from the trailhead with zero issues.
The biggest issue is Starlink…like Tesla, not a fan.
Is there a reliable device that will detect falls and alert contacts in the wilderness? Apple Watches aren’t reliable re fall detection. I had a serious mountain bike crash last June and my watch didn’t send an alert. It does, however, activate the call alert every time I fluff pillows on my sofa.
“The ability to stay connected allows me to spend more time recreating outdoors, more often.” This is counterintuitive to those that aren’t out-of-signal often. Hiking maps, weather updates, the nearest town with a place to get fire wood, can all be found with a mobile connection and taken care of so the outdoors can go back to being enjoyed. I’m really happy you shared this and I think the topic came up on another post and someone mentioned coveragemap.com (or something similar) which isn’t as helpful as having having the map when you don’t have a connection; but, if you are headed to a new spot and can check the site before you leave, you’ll have a clue.
It’s pretty trivial to download or double-check what you need to ahead of time. More connectivity in the backcountry lowers the barrier of entry, but it does little to increase the utility of recreation for someone who is already prepared. A basic satellite device such as a Garmin Inreach or Zoleo handles the rest.
Just to cover your examples real quick:
- I check the weather forecast every day leading up to a backcountry trip, and I can pull a fresh forecast each morning from my Zoleo.
- Backcountry maps are downloaded ahead of time via CalTopo or a similar tool, annotated to the exact degree necessary. Physical maps may also be taken.
- I have the surrounding area downloaded on Google Maps, so that I can see the local road network and I can drive back from the trailhead with zero issues.
The Resistance Rangers are back at it this Sat:
https://linktr.ee/resistanceranger
This the initial list:
https://shorturl.at/HmXbf
Also on BlueSky:
https://bsky.app/profile/resistancerangers.bsky.social/post/3lkk3dn6dys2m