The mountains are wild, a place to get away from connectivity. That’s why we love them. But sometimes, connectivity in wild places can keep us safe, especially if we’re traveling with a group while riding snow in the backcountry or out for a backpacking trip in the fast-approaching summer months. Which is what makes goTenna such an ingenious idea. The networking system allows you to stay connected, even when you’re out of cell phone coverage, creating a broader communication device out of your phone.
The ‘goTenna Mesh’ devices, as they’re called, are futuristic-looking boxes that are about two inches long that can be attached to a backpack or kept in your pocket. When you and your friends carry one, you can still text your partners to communicate about snow conditions, weather, or even routes. While you won’t be able to use a traditional phone call, by downloading free maps, goTenna allows you to share and discuss exact locations via text. The same can be said if you’re traveling with friends in a foreign country and need a way to communicate. They certainly travel light.
According to goTenna, the range is 40-60 percent better than walkie-talkies and is up to four miles in open locations and a half mile in congested areas like tree-lined canyons and gullies and connectivity improves with more devices (we tested that, and it’s true).
The goTenna would be perfect for outdoor groups or safety outfits like ski patrols or guide services, creating a one-stop shop out of the phone. Simply put, goTenna takes a device we use every day and makes it better.
Learn more at goTenna.com