Part 2 – Communication / 5 in a series about smartphone apps for hiking and backpacking.
I believe Communication is the number one priority for carrying a smartphone while hiking or backpacking. Of course, if you have been using a smartphone for any amount of time, you have both a phone call and a text messaging app already installed. A useful reminder here is to make sure you have all the relevant contact numbers up to date. If you know you will be staying at a particular hostel or motel, add their local phone numbers to your contacts. Are you sending a resupply box someplace or using a particular shuttle driver; add their local phone number to your contacts. The point is you will use less power if you do not have to use mobile data on trail to find a number you know ahead of time you might need. Of course, this all presumes you have mobile service. I also carry a Garmin inReach Mini, primarily as a SOS device and backup satellite communications with my wife when I do not have mobile service. The Garmin specific Earthmate app connects my inReach by Bluetooth to my smartphone and makes messaging easier than using the inReach’s internal T9 style interface. I also recommend updating your Emergency Contacts, Address, and Medical Info in your phone’s settings; this will be available on your lock screen for first responders in an emergency when you may not be responsive. A popular messaging app that works over Wi-Fi, as well as internationally for free, is WhatsApp. I keep WhatsApp on my phone, along with the included phone and messaging communications apps. And of course, email; I am a Gmail user, easy and reliable. Communications apps are essential and you should maintain sufficient power in your smartphone to send out messages when it truly matters. I recently upgraded my power bank to a Nitecore NB10000 Gen II Ultra-Slim Power Bank, 10000mAh, at 5.3 oz.