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Poll: When you camp, do you normally have cell service?
- Thread starter old_man
- Start date
Enthusiast I
I don’t usually use my cell phone but I keep a spot satellite gps just in case there is trouble
Influencer II
I get everyone feels being off-grid is cool. Yet reality is, most everywhere is getting covered. It's not a bad thing really! I had spot where we hoped to reach out and report to Emergency Services. Even my radios didn't contact.
Most times I find we can connect. There are times I shut all the devices down. Most times I leave a device up as our main contact in case..
Most times I find we can connect. There are times I shut all the devices down. Most times I leave a device up as our main contact in case..
Advocate I
I may be in the minority, but I welcome the expansion of service options (wider cell coverage, GPS communication devices, Starlink, etc.) and improved connectivity. I’ve always been a solo traveler and hiker. As I’m getting older, I’ve finally admitted that I’m not bulletproof and may require assistance at some point - whether for my rig, a medical emergency or to assist another person. Knowing that I can get help is comforting, especially for my family. I’ll be investing in a Garmin InReach Mini before my 2023 summer excursions.
There’s always the option to “turn off and tune out.” Just power up when you want to check in, leave it off or on airplane mode the rest of the time. I also download music and podcasts for entertainment when driving through areas without cell service. Even on paved roads, I’ve driven hours with only 1x or SOS only service, seeing only a few other cars. There’s more traffic on Imogene or Ophir pass than some parts of Utah.
There’s always the option to “turn off and tune out.” Just power up when you want to check in, leave it off or on airplane mode the rest of the time. I also download music and podcasts for entertainment when driving through areas without cell service. Even on paved roads, I’ve driven hours with only 1x or SOS only service, seeing only a few other cars. There’s more traffic on Imogene or Ophir pass than some parts of Utah.
Pyrat
Rank II
Pathfinder II
Having just acquired my Sequoia, and it being the first off-roader I've had in decades, the last time I went "Overlanding" it didn't have a name yet and cell phones didn't exist. I'm kind of with ZombieCat, not being a spring chicken anymore, como has become more important. So far I have always had coverage but I am planning on adding a Weboost system to the rig and going further afield as the Sequoia gets updated and maybe even a sat phone.
Explorer I
For me its not about being "cool" - its all about getting away from the daily grind and rediscovering mindfulness.
It is still very common to be without cell service West of the Rockies when outside of towns/cities or major roadways as we have vast areas with little to no population. The attached 4G/LTE coverage map demonstrates this; the green-ish areas without coverage are the "remote" areas that the overlanders, those that I know anyway, flock to. The ROI on placing infrastructure in vast "unpopulated" areas is just not there so "growth" has been slow.
Advocate II
My intent of getting away from the concrete jungle includes disconnecting and resetting. Many places I go have no service and others I intentionally use airplane mode. I don't leave electronics behind, as I often download and read books/magazines while hanging out in camp. Yes, having service for emergencies can be valuable, but inreach, amateur radio, etc. can serve those needs too.
Off-Road Ranger I
Yes, exactly; leaving the rat race and all its entrapments far behind, only connecting with what is important. I do have a hobby room in the basement that lacks any adult supervision but it isn't all that important.
Enthusiast I
Most of the places I camp/hike are remote with no cellular service. It's nice to have service but I usually solo camp/hike and I like the solitude. I always file a travel plan with the family, and have a Garmin InReach Mini for daily tracking when driving. I send out updates when I start my hike, at the peak, and on my return. I keep track of the weather with the InReach and NOAA via GMRS radio.
Enthusiast I
Typically, no…I’ll be in an area without service. It’s nice to just put the phone away and enjoy the outdoors.
Red_Leaf_Overland
Rank V
Advocate III
Most spots I camp don't have cell service. Even the Provincial campgrounds most of the time don't have signal, the remote spots I go to definitely don't have signal.
All my maps get saved offline beforehand, or I carry hard copies. I usually carry information about lakes in the area ( depths, fish stocking info ...). All the best spots are the spots nobody else can get to lol.
All my maps get saved offline beforehand, or I carry hard copies. I usually carry information about lakes in the area ( depths, fish stocking info ...). All the best spots are the spots nobody else can get to lol.
P8trit
Rank II
Enthusiast III
Personally I don't care if it does or doesn't, it's up to each of us to choose to be with or without. I like having service so I can update maps or reroute without having to always download an area before because sometimes plans change. I also like not having to have 15 memberships to be safe but with that said being in the rockies I find most areas are spotty.
Traveler II
Heck, I don't even have cell phone service at my house!
When camping it seems that I have service about 1/2 the time. I generally don't use it.
When camping it seems that I have service about 1/2 the time. I generally don't use it.
Protector II
We try, but UK and Europe is not that easy anymore..
We did find somewhere in the French Alps tho..
Protector III
Most of the times I do not have cell service. I use Garmin InReach to communicate only for urgent matters
Enthusiast I
Where I like to go (CA/NV/AZ/UT) camping/hiking mostly no cell service. I carry a Garmin Inreach Mini to update family of my status and for any emergency. I have Sirius/XM in my truck to keep me company while traveling and stay current with news. If you have cell service it means you are too close to civilization.
