Cell Phones On The Trail
From USHikingtrails
We've probably all run into the same situation: After a long and strenuous hike, you're enjoying the views, and the solitude, when someone's cell phone rings with a ringtone version of Elvis' "Love Me Tender" , and they answer it with their own version of the "Can you hear me now?" commercial. Annoying? Yes. But what does a hiker do?
The rules of etiquette that cell phone users should (and often don't) follow in a restaurant or theater should apply to their use in the wilderness as well.
Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics, the educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors, recently issued guidelines for cell phones on the trail. Their well-chosen words:
- It is recognized that many outdoor recreationists carry cell phones for safety and emergencies. Be considerate of other visitors: carry and use cell phones out-of-sight and sound of other people. Keep them turned off until needed or left in a pocket on the "vibrate" or "silent" ringer setting.
- Be self reliant, whether carrying cell phones or not. Don't leave ill-prepared or engage in risky actions just because you have a cell phone to call for rescue. Remember that in many remote areas cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent.
- Many people go to the out-of-doors to get away from technology. Please respect their desire for solitude and be considerate when using a cell phone.
Should you bring a phone with you on a hike? I do, because a cell phone can be a help in an emergency. But I usually leave it turned off. If my recreational time is interrupted, I want it to be my choice, not the caller's. Others maintain that cell phones give you a false sense of security, leading to hiker's going into the backcountry less prepared than they might otherwise be. I also agree with this position. Particularly in the mountainous areas of the western states, cell phone coverage away from cities and the main highway corridors is sketchy at best. But in an emergency, it at least provides a possible communication option that is not available to you if you don't carry the phone with you (not unlike carrying a space blanket - you may never need it, but it's nice to have if the need arises).
The bottom line: A cell phone is not a replacement for proper preparation for being in the wilderness. But if you do carry one, consider using it for emergency purposes only. If you must make or receive that call while on the trail, be considerate of other hikers sharing the backcountry with you.
--Ron 02:16, 10 August 2008 (UTC)
