Service Or No Service
When it comes to opinions on cell phones in the outdoors I see people going in all directions. Yes, when I leave town I like to get away, and having a cell phone on me while constantly checking it really defeats the purpose. Well, don't check it!
A cell phone can be so much more than just a cell phone, which we all know with smart phones and unlimited amounts of apps. If you are going to take a phone with you into the mountains to get away, you still can just don't check it! Even if you have service just slide your phone into airplane mode. This will allow your phone to remain on with the capability of accessing a majority of your apps without draining your battery, while the phone is constantly searching for service or roaming. I hear a lot of people suggesting to do this. That's good and all, but when putting your phone in Airplane Mode you also lose a lot of the phones capabilities that might be exactly what you need, or want it for in the outdoors. A lot of the apps run off the phones GPS which is turned off in airplane mode limited it's capability.
In no particular order here are a few benefits and uses with taking your cell phone on your adventures.
Camera: Some phones aren't even phones anymore, they're cameras that make calls! The megapixels on phones these days are as good as a lot of cameras out there if not better. Less is more and this can help you lighten your load if need be.
GPS: Our smart phones have GPS built into them. Many of you take advantage of this and have downloaded tons of different apps that allow you to track trails and such. These aren't fool proof though and a lot if these apps depend on a signal to provide data. It doesn't stop there though. The GPS can also act as a locator device if need be. The GPS works through triangulation and even when you don't have service the phone is sending out signals knows as PINGS that are looking for a connection. What this means is theses pings can be tracked back as long as your phone is on. In the event of an emergency or rescue this can and has saved lives.
Apps: Apps allow for endless possibilities. With Apps like books, trail tracking, survival tips, maps, constellations, field guides, and so much more, the phone makes a very useful and easy means to carry items that would normally take up a lot space and weight in your pack.
Music: I've seen a lot of people use music to charge them up on tough climbs and long trails. You got to do what you got to do I guess, but please be mindful of others and use headphones!
Magnifying Glass: You can use your phone's camera on its highest zoom level as a handy magnifying glass.
Signaling Device: I mentioned above the benefits of a ping. However we're not always out of service and I've been amazed on more than one occasion of some of the places that I've had signal, compared to the fact that I don't always have signal at home. Go figure that one? Now a-days you might be able to simply make a call from your location to get help. Even if your phone is dead you can the glass surface and the screens on many of them as a mirror/signaling device.
Those are just a few of the things your phone can double as or come in handy for you on your adventures. Some people like to not carry them at all, but there are many people who do. You're right either way, simply because you are already out there. We all like to say things like, "unplug" and "disconnect" but it's really about getting out and having a great time. How you do it is up to you. I personally like to think of it not so much as disconnecting, but reconnecting with myself and nature. Choose your adventure.
Menikmati,
Bunny
