Maine Outdoor Journal

I have been skeptical of using cell phones in the wild. Part of it has to do with a rejection of technology when I'm supposed be getting back to nature.

And the last thing I really want to do is make a phone call to announce, "Guess what, I'm on top of a mountain."

Although during my first trip to the summit of Katahdin I witnessed a thru-hiker call all his loved ones to announce he was through hiking the Appalachian Trail. He deserved that call.

But I carry a lot of stuff when I hike. A lot of it is for emergencies. I do have some luxuries such as a lot of candy and a small pad. The last thing I need is a piece of sensitive electronic equipment that is vulnerable to the elements and unlikely to work.

So I never thought much of taking a cell phone to call for help in emergencies.

Until now.

I interviewed a Maine game warden and a Coast Guard lieutenant about cell phones being used to call for help. Basically they said the GPS chips and cell phone towers really help find people in trouble.

There are some caveats. You need a back up method for getting help and to be prepared for the conditions. Preparation will go a long way toward preventing the need to call for help in the first place.

So I probably will still carry a cell phone on hikes and paddles. Yes I will make sure it's adequately protected from water and drops. But don't expect me to call you from the summit.