A useful safety plan names the route, the expected return time and the person who will act if something goes wrong. TrailsPals helps record and share that plan. It does not replace preparation, emergency communications or the person you ask to watch.
What does TrailsPals help me set up?
Start a journey on your iPhone, set an expected return time and send a Guardian watch link to someone you trust. They can open the link in a browser, see the last received position and check the plan status. Have them test the link while you still have connectivity.
What happens when a journey is overdue?
The watch page can show an overdue or missed-check-in status based on the plan and the updates received. This tells a human to check the situation; it is not confirmation of an emergency. Agree in advance when your Guardian should try to reach you and when they should contact local emergency services.
Do not assume an automated notification has been delivered or read. Connectivity, account setup, notification permissions and device state affect alerts. Your Guardian should know how to open the link and check its last-update time directly.
What does SOS do?
The app's SOS feature can send your request and location to eligible nearby TrailsPals users and supported Guardian recipients. Sending and receiving require connectivity and the relevant setup. Recipients may not be available or able to help. TrailsPals does not dispatch emergency services and cannot guarantee a response.
For an emergency, use the local emergency number or an appropriate emergency communication device. Some phones support separate satellite emergency features; availability depends on the phone and region. Plan communications before entering remote areas.
What should I do before leaving?
- Tell your Guardian your route, companions, return time and agreed escalation plan.
- Check the trail's official access and condition information, weather and daylight.
- Confirm your phone has enough charge and the app has the required location permissions.
- Open the watch link together and check the last-update time.
- Take navigation and emergency equipment appropriate to the trip.
The National Park Service's hiking safety guidance provides preparation advice. Our day-hike checklist links to further primary sources.
Which features are included?
TrailsPals is free to download with basic recording, sharing and SOS features. Optional Pro includes audio voice memos and additional planning options. Limits and offers are shown in the app. Choose your plan before leaving and test the particular Guardian features you intend to rely on.
Can it help on a multi-day journey?
Recording days keeps the trip together. Available Guardian options can include check-ins and planned off-grid periods. A planned communications gap needs an agreed return-to-contact time; it is not evidence that the hiker is safe. Check the available options in your app version before relying on them.
Read how live sharing works, how to record a route and our source-based solo hiking guide. Guidance is published by TrailsPals; send corrections through contact.