B.C. search and rescue crews warn hikers about trail apps

B.C. search and rescue experts are warning hikers during this unseasonably sunny October, saying free trail-finding apps on your phone don’t always have the best information and could lead you astray.

Recently, Alberta Parks said safety teams have had to rescue lost hikers who are using the popular crowdsourced hiking app AllTrails because some of the routes it lays out are wrong.

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Executive Director of BC AdventureSmart Sandra Riches says it’s something rescue teams have also encountered in B.C.

“There’s been reported issues in B.C. that have led to the similar situations that we’ve just heard about in Alberta. And crowdsourcing data can vary in quality,” she told CityNews.

“The first top reason for search and rescue in British Columbia is injury. The second one is getting lost and disoriented. Knowing how to use these navigational tools is critical,” she added.

Riches wants people to think of their phones as a secondary device when navigating and communicating outside.

Don’t just rely on trail apps

For those navigating a new trail for the first time, Coquitlam Search and Rescue’s Steve Chapman urges people to make sure the trail is going in the right direction with a map that shows elevation, and a compass that shows true north.

“Point the compass using the arms-length technique, make sure I’m lined up with the trail,” he said. “Turn [the] base plate here so that the arrow lined up with the base plate. Then, I’ll read at the top what that bearing was and hopefully, it will meet what I’m expecting.”

In a statement to CityNews AllTrails says “…users can help us maintain accurate and up-to-date trail pages by suggesting edits or leaving reviews. Also, we strive to work directly with parks and land managers to ensure the public receives the best possible information.”

AllTrails also suggests printing off the maps of its trails.

Plan ahead before you head out

While AdventureSmart hasn’t endorsed a particular app, Riches says the organization has collaborated with AllTrails, and another app called Trailforks, to share safety information.

Riches encourages hikers to check out the free AdventureSmart trip plan app, and to focus on the “three ‘T’s” – TRIP planning – TRAINING – and TAKING the essentials before heading out.

“We really want you to plan for every adventure that you do, no matter the season and the sport.”