After doing a little research to see how thruhikers stay in touch, it seems like many of them use this little gadget called PocketMail.



It works by making a phone call through your cell phone, allowing you to send and receive email. Can't access the internet or anything else though, but it's good enough to keep an up-to-date trail journal.

Some of the immediate downsides I see are the steep cost, weight, and the fact you have a cell phone and email at your fingertips. The pocketmail composer weighs a little over 8 oz plus a few more ounces for the cell phone. Probably just under a pound when its all added up. The PocketMail Composer costs $99 and a service plan for 6 months is $105.

To some, the added piece of mind may be worth it, but I think I would rather just stop in the libraries of trail towns every so often. I'm also not that fond of carrying any form of communication that may bridge the gap between the backcountry and the frontcountry. Isn't that why so many thruhikers spend months out backpacking? If I ever do a thruhike, I think I'll pass on the Pocketmail, cellphone, or pda gadgets and stick to the basics.