Backcountry answers,
when data is gone.
One number, saved before you leave. Text it any question when the internet is gone.
An AI assistant on the other end of a text.
Your text reaches an assistant built for backcountry decisions. It checks weather, wildfire, and avalanche conditions where available, then texts back a short, practical next step.
- Save the number — takes 2 minutes Sign up once. We text you from the Backcountry Signal number — save it as a contact before you leave the driveway.
- Text from anywhere Trail problems, weather, first aid, gear failures, route uncertainty — anywhere your phone can send an ordinary text, even over satellite on supported phones.
- Get the next step The assistant checks live conditions when available and texts back a short, practical answer — not a lecture.
Today 6:42 AM
Pick a situation. Watch it answer.
These are the moments a trip turns on. Short questions in — the safest practical next step out.
Today 4:17 PM
Off-grid, communication stops. Your questions don't.
You can download maps and forecasts ahead of time — but the unexpected doesn't wait for signal. Backcountry Signal keeps one line open: a plain text message.
- Downloaded maps can't answer an unexpected question.
- Search and live forecasts are gone without a connection.
- SOS devices are for rescue, not everyday decisions.
- A text can still get out on one bar — or by satellite.
Back from the trail, in their words.
“Used it a few times on a hunting trip where we had basically no service. Mostly asked about weather and a couple gear questions. Getting an actual answer back over satellite was pretty wild.”
“I downloaded everything before the trip like I normally do, but ended up having a question I hadn't thought about beforehand. Sent a text and got a useful answer back. That's really the part I like about it.”
“I wasn't sure I'd actually use this, but I saved the number before a weekend in southern Utah. Ended up texting it about weather coming in that night and then again about a route the next morning. Simple, but really useful when Google isn't an option.”
Cheaper than one freeze-dried dinner.
Try it free, or grab a pass before you head out — whatever fits the trip.
See full pricing- FreeTry it before a trip. No card needed. $0 · 5 requests
- Trip Pass50 requests for one trip. Active for 14 days. $7.99 one time
- Season Pass250 requests for 12 months of trips. $34.99 one time
1 request = 1 message you send. Your full answer is included, even if it takes multiple texts to deliver.
Questions about passes, phones, or satellite texting? Read the FAQ.
Honest about what it is — and what it is not.
Backcountry Signal is decision support, not rescue. In an emergency, contact 911, satellite SOS, or local emergency services first.
- Advice, not rescue. Emergency services come first.
- Works only when your device can send a text.
- Answers can be wrong. Use your own judgment.
- Opt-in and private. Reply STOP anytime.
Save the number before you need it.
Create your account and we'll text you a verification code — save the number that texts you, and it's there when the bars aren't.