Cell Phones

[ben]

Hi hikers,

Which cell phones work best along the PCT? Which service? How much coverage - desert, above/below tree line?
How about the pocketmail device Yogi recommends?
I'm gathering all those bits and pieces for my thru. and appreciate your advice and words of wisdom.
thanks.

ben

[chai guy]

from here (http://www.fs.fed.us/pct/frequently_asked_questions.html#18)
Will my cell phone work on the PCT?

Don't count on it!!!! Coverage varies by service provider and type used but recent thru-hikers estimate that they had coverage abut 70% of the time on the PCT.


also worth noting from here: (http://www.pcta.org/planning/before_trip/health/firstaid.asp)

Cell Phones

Carrying cell phones into the backcountry is controversial. Be aware that carrying a cell phone does not guarantee your safety and is not an excuse for poor planning. Often, cell phones don’t work in the wilderness. Anything from rain, cold, heat, mechanical failure, and lack of service can cause them to malfunction.
On the other hand, there are many stories of people who’ve been rescued because they called for help using their cell phones. The decision is yours, just be careful not to let the possession of a phone (and the illusion of security it provides) tempt you into taking unnecessary risks.

I didn't take a cell phone with me, but my experience in general using a cell phone on the west coast, I find Verizon and AT&T to be the providers with the best coverage.

Be aware that once other thru-hikers know you have a cell phone, you will frequently be asked to use it. (I find this rude, but, that was what I saw happening).

Also, consider that one of the beautiful things about this hike is not having a phone number for people to call you on. YMMV.