Offline Weather Forecasts for the
Pacific Crest Trail.
From dangerous heat waves in the desert to late-season snowstorms in the High Sierra, weather on the PCT dictates your hiking schedule. Get hyper-local forecasts sent directly to your phone via satellite text messaging.
The Extremes
Of the PCT
The Pacific Crest Trail forces hikers to navigate massive environmental shifts. Knowing if you need to "siesta" through a 105°F afternoon in Southern California or cross Forester Pass before an incoming blizzard requires up-to-date data.
Because the PCT stays high on ridges and traverses deep wilderness areas like the Sierra Nevada and the North Cascades, hikers routinely go 5 to 10 days without a shred of cell service.
A Lighter, Cheaper Way
To get Weather
Traditionally, hikers carried a Garmin InReach or Zoleo to pull weather reports via satellite. But with recent smartphones (like the iPhone 14+ running iOS 18, or the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 series running Android 15+) now supporting satellite text messaging, that heavy, expensive hardware is no longer strictly necessary just to check the forecast.
- Navigate the Desert Safely Pull a forecast first thing in the morning to decide if you need to carry extra water or hike through the night to avoid dangerous heat.
- Coordinate Grid Accuracy Approaching Muir Pass? Send a text via satellite with your coordinates to get a hyper-local forecast based entirely on your exact GPS location, ensuring you have the best data for your current environment.
- No Subscription Traps Why pay $20-$35/month when you're taking zeros in town or waiting out snow? With SMS Weather On Demand, you pay absolutely nothing per month. You only pay a few cents for the exact weather requests you make on trail.
The ultralight choice If your phone can already connect to satellites, SMS Weather On Demand provides the critical weather data you need without adding a single ounce to your pack.
How It Works
The initial setup happens while you're online, so that you're ready to go when you're off the grid.
Get Set Up Online
Create an account to verify your phone number. Then use the "Add to Home Screen" feature on your phone to install and run our lightweight application so it can be used offline.
Go On Your Adventure
Head out even where there's no internet. As long as your phone has the capability to send texts or use satellite messaging, you're covered.
Request Your Forecast
Open the app from your home screen. It uses your GPS location and your selected forecast options to help prepare a unique text for your request.
Send and Receive
Just hit 'send' in your messaging app. You'll get a weather forecast texted back in moments.
Please note: Standard messaging rates from your cellular or satellite carrier will apply for the SMS messages you send and receive. Coverage and Deliverability are also dependent on the cellular/satellite messaging providers you use.
A Game Changer for Off Grid Weather
Test your satellite connection
Setup your account today. Your first few requests are free so you can test the system and verify it works on your phone.
Explore weather on other trails: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Wonderland Trail