You might be one who loves to stray away from the crowds, or perhaps you simply love to “turn it all off” – the work emails, the cell phone calls and notifications- all of it. I know that I love to do this about once a month; where I can camp, hike, or fish completely off- grid with my dog, Chloe Rue at my side!
As an American millennial, I rely on my cell phone heavily. I use it for everything! To know where I am going, update social media, take photos, to share my location with family; to occupy my mind at nightfall- of course there are countless reasons why using your cell phone in an off-grid situation is tempting; however it does not always work the same when you don’t have cell reception.
So I’d like to share some tips I’ve learned for being on an off-grid adventure with a dog! Let me start by recommending a great read about free camping here! I have dog friendly backpackong recommendations here! And keep an eye out for a conversation with my brother about dog friendly fishing! These are awesome resources for finding budget friendly adventures this summer ♡
Communication Communidalmation
It is no joke! When you are traveling solo at ANYtime, you want someone to know where you are, and what your plans are. Plans change, that is understandable. But a general itinerary gives my family such incredible peace of mind. ♡
You can:
- Share your trail plan- you plan to camp at such and such spot by such and such time.
- Share your fishing spots- you’ll be at this lake the entire weekend, or share the multiple spots you want to try.
- Share your campsite! If you use freecampsites, it’s very easy to share the link with someone who wants to know. Otherwise communicate the name of the site and where it is located.
- Always being sure to have appropriate permits, and to log-in and out of trails is also good for your safety! Plus it’s fun to look through trail logs and see where everyone is from.
These seemingly simple forms of communication can help immensely if you ever are involved in a search and rescue situation. Knowing a general plan of your whereabouts can definitely save your life! I think about the traveling nurse in Hawaii who fell off a cliff. It took about 4 days for her to be found and rescued- and she was alive and well! Always communicate your plan for your dog and your own safety.
Hapupy Mappy
If you know me, you know I LOVE our planet and will always strive to protect it. Meaning, I’m not a huge fan of paper. BUT paper maps are extremely helpful in an off-grid situation. What if you drop your phone off South Sister Mountain? (That actually happened last summer) even with a downloaded map; if you lose your phone you are out of luck! Paper maps are a good idea when you are off grid!
You can also use a handy dandy Garmin device (it’s worth the investment, especially if you’re off grid solo like me). These satellite devices give you a method to communicate with first responders if you are in need of help; and can also give you a LOVELY off-grid digital map when you need it.
I do like to use my phone primarily, and will download the maps from all trails for whatever hike I am planning. I also download directions for being offline on Google maps! This way you can’t lose your way to your off grid adventure.
Emergency Puparedness
As always, it’s important to be ready for the worst! Some of my favorite dog safety accessories are my dog emergency harness! This thing allows you to strap your dog to you and walk with them; like an extra backpack. It’s definitely essential to carry along when you’re without cell reception.
I also am prepared with extra food, an emergency first aid kit and a charged, old cell phone just in case. Always remember dog booties and high calorie food for them too!
Plus, did you know you can still make an emergency call when you are without cell reception? As long as your phone is charged; someone will know that you’re in need of help. It’s important to mention there is a degree of off-line-ness where this wouldn’t work. Phone’s can use other networks for emergency calls; but with no signal from any wireless network; you would need to have a satellite communication device.
Heres a Nifty Check List
Now that you’re all ready for your incredible, enlightening time away from all technology; let’s talk about what you’ll want to bring (of course be sure to remember everything you need for your chosen activity- camping, swimming, hunting, star gazing- all require different equipment, be sure to remember that list too!)
- SOS device or Garmin
- Paper Map of area
- Emergency Dog Harness
- First Aid Kit (Humans and Dogs)
- Extra Food
- Entertainment for Evenings
- Share Your Itinerary
- Download Google map, trail map, audio books etc
And just an extra trick! When you’re off grid, go ahead and turn that phone onto airplane mode. You can still take photos; but this way you aren’t wasting battery as your phone tries to find reception constantly.
What is your favorite place to explore off-grid? When I was in Ireland, a man shared his favorite vacation was on a beautiful ocean island, where cell reception and technology didn’t exist… Do you have a favorite Island escape? Or maybe you have a secret fishing spot, a backpacking oasis or a free campground tucked into a national forest that you love?
Well whereever you go, Chloe Rue and I wish you the best of barking adventures! Enjoy those happy trails and happy tails. ♡
Find BarkingEmbarkers on Social Media! You can find us on our
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Check out our brand new Youtube Channel with a PCT “Captains Log” journal right here.
You can also ALWAYS reach out with questions by emailing us at barkingembarkers@gmail.com.
