Originally Posted by
Standalone
I do see many posts advising newbies to be sure to bring theirs in lists of "essentials."
I see this as good advice for newbies. A cell phone is the one tool that can compensate for just about any beginner mistake.
Lack of good rain gear, lights, pump, spare tube, chain tool, patch kit, allen wrenches, lock, or even wallet can all be absolved with a cell phone.