Mountain rescue organizations across the Atlantic are sounding the alarm that the newest generation of hikers – primarily those aged 18 to 24 – are now the most frequent callers for help on the trails. In the United Kingdom, the annual review from Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) shows that this age group accounted for 18% of all rescue incidents in 2025, double the share of the next highest brackets. A similar pattern emerges in North America, where the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) reports an 18% share of calls among its more than 90 member units.
Numbers Tell the Story
In the United Kingdom, 18‑to‑24‑year‑olds were involved in almost 400 callouts last year, more than doubling their 2019 total of 166 incidents. In the United States and Canada, the trend mirrors the British data, with teenagers and young adults leading the statistics. The nearest age brackets on either side – 13‑to‑17‑year‑olds and 25‑to‑29‑year‑olds – each accounted for only 9% of incidents in the UK and 11% in North America.
Social Media Influences
One prominent example is “Pepper,” a 27‑year‑old California‑based nature influencer with over half a million Instagram followers. Her “Get Ready With Me” videos showcase how to pack a backpack, tie hiking boots and even survive a bear encounter. While her content encourages outdoor activity, the very platforms that amplify her reach also blur the line between virtual adventure and real‑world safety.
Mike Trehearne, a certified mountain guide with more than two decades of experience, warns that reliance on navigation apps as the sole guide is a recipe for trouble. “If that’s all you’ve got, it’s pretty much a certainty that eventually you’re going to find some hardship,” he told CNN. He adds that today’s youth often cannot stay off their phones for more than ten to twelve minutes, a habit that can distract them from critical safety checks.
Real‑World Incidents
Recent rescues illustrate the growing risk. In England’s Lake District, a 16‑year‑old boy with a dead phone battery stumbled down a hill in a rainstorm, forcing rescuers to locate him by sight alone. In British Columbia, three teenagers became lost and dehydrated on an 18‑kilometer trail, relying only on printed Google Maps sheets. And in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo range, a 15‑year‑old slid 200 feet down a snowfield while attempting a solo three‑day hike guided solely by a phone map.
Calls for Better Preparation
Rescue agencies are not merely reacting; they are partnering with influencers to promote responsible outdoor planning. Both MREW and Parks Canada have collaborated with social‑media creators to share safety tips, hoping to reduce the number of young people needing rescue.
“Encouraging young people to use technology responsibly in the great outdoors could be preferable to them rarely being outdoors at all,” said a spokesperson for MREW. This approach aligns with the broader goal of fostering a love for nature while teaching the practical skills families need to keep their children safe.
What Parents and Communities Can Do
Parents, churches, and community groups play a vital role in preparing the next generation of hikers. Emphasizing proper gear, map reading, and the importance of staying within one’s skill level can help curb the rising tide of rescue calls. Local outdoor clubs and youth programs that offer guided trips provide a structured environment where young people can learn from experienced mentors.
As the popularity of hiking continues to rise, the responsibility to equip young adventurers with the knowledge and discipline to navigate safely rests on families, faith communities, and the outdoor industry alike. By combining modern technology with timeless wilderness wisdom, we can ensure that the great outdoors remains a place of health, character building, and safe exploration for all.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
