Why not use cell phones when hiking? Because one, it distracts you from the beauty surrounding you; two, it annoys wildlife, including your hiking partners and anybody else within earshot; three, you’re in nature – try to leave the technology at home.
And four, it’s dangerous. Herewith a post from the fascinating blog Hiker Hell (all about hiking mishaps):
Cell phone usage while driving can be dangerous, but a man on Mt. Whitney proved that cell phone usage and hiking can be just as hazardous.
A 28-year-old man walked off a 25-foot cliff while talking on his cell phone. The man from Brea, Southern California (about 10 minutes from where I live), already reached the summit and was on the switchbacks above Lone Pine Lake when his phone rang.
The man was talking on the phone and walked right off the trail and over a 25-foot cliff.
Inyo County search and rescue volunteers and China Lake Mountain Rescue Group reached the man after midnight. He was complaining of back pain and head injuries.
Rescue teams packaged the man onto a litter wheelbarrow and hoofed him down the trail. They reached the trailhead 2 ½ hours later.
I do frequently take a cell phone with me when I hike alone, but I keep it turned off. I confess to calling my sweetheart from summits to tell her I love her and miss her, and that the scenery is stunning. But that’s it.
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