Terms of Service

Last updated: May 9, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using HikeSafe — whether as a hiker (account holder) or as an emergency contact receiving notifications — you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you may opt out of SMS notifications by replying STOP to any message.

2. Description of Service

HikeSafe is a hiking safety notification application. It allows hikers to share their hike plans and status with the emergency contacts and followers who have opted in to receive them, via SMS, email, and a web dashboard.

3. SMS Notifications

By being added as an emergency contact on HikeSafe, you consent to receive SMS messages including:

  • Hike departure notifications
  • Check-in updates from the hiker
  • Safe return confirmations
  • Overdue and emergency (SOS) alerts

Message frequency varies depending on hiking activity. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. Reply START to re-subscribe. Reply HELP for assistance.

4. Not a Substitute for Emergency Services

HikeSafe is not a replacement for calling 911 or other emergency services. While the application includes overdue alerts and SOS features, it depends on cellular connectivity, internet access, and third-party SMS delivery. It may fail, be delayed, or be unavailable. Always carry appropriate emergency equipment and follow standard backcountry safety practices.

5. No Warranty

HikeSafe is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The operator does not guarantee that notifications will be delivered on time or at all. SMS delivery depends on third-party carriers and providers outside our control.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the HikeSafe operator shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the service, including but not limited to failed or delayed notifications.

7. User Responsibilities

As a hiker using HikeSafe, you are responsible for:

  • Obtaining consent from individuals before adding them as emergency contacts
  • Providing accurate hike plans and return times
  • Marking yourself as returned when you complete a hike
  • Not using the service for spam, harassment, or any illegal purpose

8. Emergency Contact Enrollment

Emergency contacts and followers opt in to HikeSafe notifications themselves via a public enrollment form invited by the hiker. By submitting the enrollment form, the contact:

  • Provides their own phone number, email address, and/or WhatsApp number for the delivery channel(s) they select.
  • Acknowledges the message frequency disclosure and the "Message and data rates may apply" notice for SMS.
  • Consents to receive HikeSafe safety notifications until they unsubscribe via the "Manage your notifications" link sent in every message footer, or by replying STOP to any text message.

Hikers using HikeSafe represent that they invite only people they have a pre-existing relationship with and a legitimate reason to keep informed about their hike status. Hikers may not use HikeSafe to send invites to people who have not agreed to receive the invitation.

9. Privacy

Your use of HikeSafe is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your information.

10. Changes to Terms

These terms may be updated from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

11. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact the HikeSafe instance operator (the hiker who added you as an emergency contact).