06/17/2026
Summer is here, the temperatures are climbing, and folks are heading for the hills. Before you point the truck toward the mountains and tell your family, “I’ll be back later,” let’s talk for a minute.
First off, if you’re headed into the backcountry, tell somebody exactly where you’re going. “Up in the mountains somewhere” is not a location. Neither is “that one trail by the trees.” Let someone know which trailhead you’re using, what route you’re taking, when you expect to be home, and when you’ll be back in cell service.
Bring some basic first aid gear. Out here, help isn’t always five minutes away. If you’re riding dirt bikes, hiking, hunting, or exploring old roads, having supplies to treat injuries until help arrives can make a big difference. A splint in your pack beats trying to build one out of sagebrush and duct tape.
If you’re planning a hike, know your limits. If your normal exercise routine consists of walking from the recliner to the refrigerator, maybe don’t start with a ten-mile hike at 2:00 in the afternoon. Bring plenty of water and pay attention to how much you’re using. A good rule of thumb: when you’ve used about half your water, it’s probably time to start heading back.
Most newer cell phones can contact emergency services by satellite when you’re outside of cell coverage. If you have to use it, stay engaged with dispatchers. They may need additional information to get the right resources headed your way. And save some battery life—you can’t text us from a dead phone.
Stranded on the side of the road with no cell service? Many phones can also request roadside assistance by satellite. Just type “roadside” and follow the prompts. Pretty handy when your truck decides it would rather spend the weekend in the woods than you do.
We’d much rather see your vacation photos than organize a search party. Have fun, stay safe, and remember: preparation weighs a whole lot less than a rescue helicopter.
