How to stay connected outdoors when you’re off the grid
My family loves exploring the outdoors, whether it’s hiking local trails or planning a trip to a new national park. One standout memory was visiting Zion National Park with my brother and dad to hike The Narrows. It’s among the most iconic hikes in the park—a slot canyon where the river is literally the trail, and you have to wade through it at knee-height.
A couple hours in, with water getting deeper and the footing worse, I slipped and started going down. It was a comically slow descent, like an overgrown tree falling in the forest. As I realized I had no chance of recovery, the only thought in my mind was the phone in my back pocket.
In a last-ditch effort, I launched my phone toward my dad on higher ground. Somehow, he managed to catch it. Before I went under, I felt relief that my phone was saved.
Preparation matters off the beaten path
As the weather warms, millions of people are returning to the outdoors, from nearby trails to more remote backcountry. And many heading into the wilderness will arrive underprepared, with risks going far beyond a water-damaged device.
The National Park Service responds to more than 10,000 incidents each year, often in remote areas where rescue is a challenge. While you should always consult the official NPS Trip Planning Guide, your phone can also be a major help, but only if you set it up before you head out.
Verizon satellite messaging
Cell service in the backcountry can disappear quickly. Most people know this, but it’s still easy to find yourself instinctively reaching for your phone only to see “No Service.”
That’s where Verizon’s network comes in, with integrated satellite connectivity available on select Android devices and the iPhone 14 or later. This allows you to send and receive text messages virtually anywhere, whether you’re checking in with family, sharing your location, or letting someone know you made it back safely.
In a true emergency, dedicated SOS features remain the fastest way to get help, but satellite messaging can still be a great way to stay connected when you’re outside of cellular range.
Here are a few tips for using satellite messaging:
Navigating offline
Before you hit the trailhead, download offline maps. In your preferred map app, search for your destination and save the area ahead of time. Once downloaded, your phone’s GPS works independently of cellular service, so a blue dot will still show your location on those maps, though accuracy may vary depending on your surroundings.
To preserve battery, switch to airplane mode, but remember to turn it off when you need to send a message or share your location. If your phone is constantly searching for signal in a remote area, it can quickly drain your battery. For longer treks, carry a portable power bank to make sure you stay charged.
Protecting your phone
Modern smartphones are built with an IP68 water-resistance rating, allowing them to withstand accidental submersions. However, trail conditions involving moving water and abrasive silt can challenge even the best seals.
Adding a waterproof case or pouch gives you an extra layer of security, especially on hikes that involve water crossings. Floating pouches with lanyards—like the Pelican Marine Waterproof Pouch—are simple, but effective. It keeps your phone accessible, and if it slips, it won’t disappear in the water.
And even with the right gear, things can still go awry. Services like Verizon Mobile Protect can offer peace of mind by covering issues like water damage and cracked screens, often with same-day replacement options so you don’t have to pause your trip. This plan also covers lost devices, just in case your phone slips into a canyon mid-selfie.
By taking these steps, you ensure that the next time you’re wading through deep water or navigating a remote trail, your phone is a reliable tool, not something you’re desperate to toss to higher ground.