Backpacking...

[Tom Butler]

I always told myself that I was philosophically okay with dying in the wilderness. If I didn't return home my family would figure out that something must have happened. Turns out that my family doesn't exactly share my philosophy, so last spring I bought a Garmin InReach Mini 2. It's light at less than 4 oz and low in bulk, but to make the best use of it I also have to carry my smart phone with me on hikes. I understand that most people do, but I always left my phone in the car since I don't plan to make phone calls while on the trail. Since I'm over 70 my wife was not liking me to go hiking solo. So now I carry the Garmin and my phone and consider the extra weight as just part of the price to be able to continue hiking in my senior years. I send a message home each night indicating where I am and as proof that I'm still alive and well.

Things do happen in the wilderness. Just yesterday I read/watched a video of a long distance hiker I follow who experienced a heart condition far from a trailhead and had to use the Garmin for a helicopter ride out to a hospital. It's like insurance; better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I totally get this. I don't want to go out being a blob. After my dunk a few years ago, and with so much to live for, the grandkids especially, I'm not going before my time. God has had a chance to take me a few times and I don't think he's done with me yet. My wife and I have casually talked about one as I'm always alone and sometimes out of cell service. I always leave a note exactly where I'm going and a return time I'll stick to though. That's how we've handled it until now. I think we'll revisit this.
Thanks for posting a reminder everyone.

 

[Draketake]

Thanks all.

Tom Butler We've been doing it that way for the last 40 plus years. I include my vehicle Info, probable camp spot locations, entry exit points etc. Ive gotta think about this a little harder I believe.

Be safe.

Bob

 

[NukeLDO]

Thanks all.

Tom Butler We've been doing it that way for the last 40 plus years. I include my vehicle Info, probable camp spot locations, entry exit points etc. Ive gotta think about this a little harder I believe.

Be safe.

Bob

Spend the money, buy the thing, and buy peace of mind that help will come when you or someone you're with needs it.
I was on the Garmin monthly plan that I just activate when I am planning to go backcountry. So I activated it for her when she was planning her 6 day hike. Still pay an annual subscription fee.
Just got the bill for all the texts back and forth between me, her, emergency services helicopter, EMTs, etc....and it was an additional $30 over the monthly activation fee.
Saved a person's life. I'm good with that and would and will do it again.
Services turned off for now as the white stuff is starting to fly in the higher elevations and no backpacking trips planned in that!

 

[mcswny]

Spend the money, buy the thing, and buy peace of mind that help will come when you or someone you're with needs it.
I was on the Garmin monthly plan that I just activate when I am planning to go backcountry. So I activated it for her when she was planning her 6 day hike. Still pay an annual subscription fee.
Just got the bill for all the texts back and forth between me, her, emergency services helicopter, EMTs, etc....and it was an additional $30 over the monthly activation fee.
Saved a person's life. I'm good with that and would and will do it again.
Services turned off for now as the white stuff is starting to fly in the higher elevations and no backpacking trips planned in that!

This is what I do. I closed mine out last week.

 

[Coach Potter]

My backcountry adventures have usually tended to revolve around hunting and I’m late to the game as I’ve only been at it a few years. This summer I plan to do some fishing trips. I don’t love still water but I love the places they are located in. Fortunately, I live in a part of the country that has some remote moving water as well.

 

[mcswny]

My backcountry adventures have usually tended to revolve around hunting and I’m late to the game as I’ve only been at it a few years. This summer I plan to do some fishing trips. I don’t love still water but I love the places they are located in. Fortunately, I live in a part of the country that has some remote moving water as well.

I really wish my neck of the woods had more backpackable rivers. I’m doing my favorite in 2 weeks, but it’s like a 7 hour drive so I usually can only do it once a year

 

[Coach Potter]

I really wish my neck of the woods had more backpackable rivers. I’m doing my favorite in 2 weeks, but it’s like a 7 hour drive so I usually can only do it once a year

Seven hours is a poke…makes a guy feel like he needs more than a couple days with 14 hours of driving. That said, the excitement and anticipation around those annual events is pretty dang hard to beat.

 

[Coach Potter]

I’ll be excited to see your pictures!

 

[mcswny]

Seven hours is a poke…makes a guy feel like he needs more than a couple days with 14 hours of driving. That said, the excitement and anticipation around those annual events is pretty dang hard to beat.

Yeah, we do Thursday to Sunday. We'd go longer but he's in his last term for an MA in Botany and I have a 6 year old . Report to come!

 

[Sir Homey]

Aint no country like the high country.

+1 for the Garmin InReach. If the fish are rising and you’re going to extend your stay ping your wife so she doesn’t think you’ve been mauled by a bear and call the sheriff when you’re late.


Hiking/backpacking always go hand in hand with fishing. Why else would you drag your ass all the way up there? Add a float tube for extra suffering/enjoyment.

A collective source of high country info is tempting but is there a more tight-lipped individual than a high country fisherman? You’d need Secret Service-level vetting and top secret clearance for such an online resource.

 

[Eastside]

Good thread and information. I’m about to head into places with limited cell reception and need to reactivate my InReach account.

 

[Phil K]

I finally activated my Spot Gen4 in preparation for this year's trips. It's got pretty basic functionality; pre-entered text messaging, but most importantly has the SOS button in case things go really wrong. I expect to be doing solo off trail stuff, and it seems like a reasonable precaution..