10/02/2026
September is traditionally RCSAR's busiest month, and this year was no exception, with 13 calls for service. Our volunteers assisted a few hikers and mountain bikers, but it was mostly hunters who were calling for help. Many of those calls were for overdue parties, and a common theme with these revolved around technology - for better or worse.
In this day and age it is possible to be incredibly connected even while deep in the backcountry. Satellite technology is now found on devices that can send SOS/messages, internet routers, and phones that can text/SOS which allows users to communicate even when they are far from cell service. However, it is important to understand the limitations and implications of using and relying solely on satellite technology.
The ability to request emergency services from your cell phone via satellite is truly a game changer, but its important to take the time to figure out how to use the SOS feature before things have gone sideways and its time to press the button. What was a suspected false iPhone SOS activation - due to a trend we have seen with the false alarms: a single 'help me' message followed by zero 2-way communication - turned out to be some hunters actually in need of assistance, but unfamiliarity with the satellite SOS service prevented them from responding further. We will always treat these activations as real until proven otherwise (for instances just like this) but knowing how to properly use your technology is very important.
Many outdoor recreators rely on their cell phones for navigation apps these days, and of course the ability to call/text/surf when in cell service is a key feature too. But what happens if your phone runs out of battery? Can you still navigate? Can you alert the rest of your party if there is a change in plans? Always make sure to leave on your adventure with a full battery, and download any maps for offline use. But just as importantly, carry a backup like a paper map + compass or a power bank and try to conserve your phone battery. Cell phone technology is pretty incredible these days (especially when combined with satellite connectivity) but we would caution users not to put all their eggs in one basket, because if that phone becomes inoperable or gets lost, you might be out of luck.
One of the calls we fielded was from an anxious spouse, concerned that the location sharing app they were using to track their partner hadnt updated in several hours. Unlike urban areas, the rugged mountains of Colorado often have little to no cell coverage, and the app locator dot had stopped moving at the point service was lost. Here, reliance on frontcountry technology in a backcountry setting led to their cause for concern. A similar situation happened to a group of hunters who used their satellite messenger to update their family that they it was late and they were tired and having a tough go of it - but they did not activate SOS. We always stress the importance of leaving a plan with those at home and updating it if things change, and we applaud them for communicating such. These hunters were healthy, experienced, and prepared so when at first light their GPS locator began to move in the direction of the trailhead, the family was relieved and there was no need for a SAR response.
We always recommend carrying a satellite messaging device to supplement your phone when on adventures deep in the backcountry. These rugged little technological marvels have longer battery life and can send simple text messages or SOS activations without needing to aim the device at a satellite, like a phone requires. Some even have the ability to share a GPS track, get weather updates or do simple mapping, which further complements and provides redundancy to a cell phone.
One of the last calls we had in September relied on some very old technology; a well communicated plan. When a hunter didnt show up at the expected time and place, their party called 911, which set in motion a search. Fortunately the hunter was located soon after and was ok, they had just gotten delayed after successfully harvesting an elk. This goes to show that no matter what technology you rely on in the backcountry, the basics of safe outdoor recreation still apply - training, trip planning and taking the essentials.
