Have you heard the saying, “2 is 1, 1 is none”? If not, can you guess what piece of gear in the 10 Hiking Essentials that it most commonly refers to? Here’s a hint: forgetting this piece of gear is one of the most common causes of search and rescues in the mountains.
If you guessed headlamps, that’s correct. Many times, hikers will forget to set a turnaround time to ensure they’re back before sunset, or will assume their cell phone flashlight is enough of a light source. While your cell phone can be helpful, it’s best if its battery is reserved for its main purpose: calling for help if needed.
Here are some reasons why your cell phone flashlight just doesn’t cut it:
• If your headlamp dies, it’s easy to swap out the batteries. If your cell phone dies, it’s harder to find a charging outlet in the woods!
• When it’s cold out, your cell phone battery drains even faster. Unfortunately, this happens when you need it most - when temperatures drop at night, and when you’re at high elevations where the temperature is naturally lower!
• Your cell phone isn’t as durable as a backcountry headlamp. On rainy days with stream crossings elevated, your cell phone can easily fall into the water and be rendered unusable. Even if your cell phone still is on and not completely shot, it’s common for people to get locked out of their cell phone when it’s wet and difficult to use.
• Your cell phone isn’t hands-free. When you’re navigating stream crossings or scrambling up a rock in the dark, or really any time, it’s important to have both of your hands free in case you fall. A headlamp makes this easy by going right around your forehead. A cell phone, not so much.
• There are lots of backcountry accidents that can unfortunately happen even to the most prepared hikers, such as random ankle injuries. Don’t be one of the many search and rescues that could have been easily prevented by forgetting to bring a headlamp (or 2)
