It’s liberating to get away from civilization once in a while and enjoy the beauty of nature from a mountaintop far away. Even so, you’ll want civilization to be on standby in case something disastrous happens. For that, you’ll need a strong network connection and devices that won’t let you down.
Read on to learn everything you’ll need to stay in touch, even at the edge of nowhere.
The Challenges of Maintaining a Connection in Remote Areas
Several factors conspire to challenge keeping in touch with the outside world on hikes. After all, it’s called going off the grid for a reason. The most remote mountainous regions lack the electrical and network infrastructure necessary to support most forms of digital communication.
Even if you’re equipped with some devices we’ll discuss shortly, poor conditions and lack of preparation can become risk factors. So, equipment like satellite phones can still be useless if you don’t bring a portable charger. Extreme weather conditions are another challenge that can disrupt or even destroy infrastructure that supports other means of communication.
Which Devices Can You Still Use in Remote Areas?
Choosing the right connectivity equipment for hiking adventures depends on several factors. Are you scaling a local hill or the Arrigetch Peaks in Alaska’s Arctic National Park? Are you satisfied with essentials like calls and text messaging, or is having an internet connection non-negotiable?
Here are some of the tried-and-trusted tools and technology that people who love hiking swear by:
Portable hotspots
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots connect to nearby cellular networks and create a private Wi-Fi network for phones, laptops, etc., that are close by. This is great for digital nomads who want to be productive while taking in vistas of nearby cityscapes, but it is not so great for truly remote locations without cell tower coverage.
eSIMs
While eSIMs also depend on an existing mobile infrastructure, they may be a better solution than hotspots, especially when traveling abroad.
A chip inside your smartphone and the right eSIM service provider let you tap into any regional carrier’s network. Just pick a plan, like eSIM Costa Rica, and turn on the services to access the internet.
Satellite phones
Satellite phones are the optimal solution for the most extreme hiking enthusiasts. As the name implies, these phones depend on satellites orbiting the Earth rather than terrestrial networks. Therefore, the chance of receiving strong connectivity even in remote mountainous areas is extremely high.
The newest satellite phone models are portable and reliable. They feature enhanced battery life while weighing less and being more durable. They’re also highly resilient to extreme weather like rain and snowstorms and continue to function even if these phenomena damage the local infrastructure.
Other Considerations
How you plan and prepare for a hiking trip can affect your ability to get in touch with others as well.
For example, satellite phones need a clear line of sight to work properly. Establishing it can be challenging in mountainous environments where adjacent tall peaks and dense forests abound. Researching a trail beforehand and marking spots where establishing a connection is easier will greatly improve your experience.
There’s also the matter of a power source. Always top up your communication devices before setting off on a hike. Keep spare batteries and consider investing in a powerbank and solar charger to turn the lack of outlets into a non-issue.
Speaking of spares, it’s a good idea to keep a spare communication device handy as well. It doesn’t need to be another satellite phone. A less expensive satellite communicator can help out in a pinch, too.
Lastly, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with your communications devices before the trip and memorize local emergency numbers. You’ll be better able to recount the steps necessary to use the device and reach out for help should an emergency happen.
Get Ready For Your Next Adventure
With proper preparation and planning, we can guarantee you a great hiking experience. But before you make any purchases, it’s highly recommended to see what other like-minded people say about their gadgets and experiences with them.
Saily reviews and other testimonials are a great place to start your research and make informed decisions about your equipment that will help you achieve reliable connectivity in the mountains.