How can we text directly between two phones using only WiFi?  No cell or internet access or other infrastructure.  Just two smart phones (android) within Line of Sight using WiFi, Bluetooth is too limited in range/power/channels.
There must be some way to do this?  Every ap I've tried needs internet or cell connection.  Usually to feed you ads.
Ideally just an ap that would allow two phones to link together, or more than two to form a mesh.  Texting at a minimum.  Other data/voice/pics would be even better.
Any ideas?

Thanks.

From a little bit of Googling it doesn't seem like what you want is possible.

ETA: At least on Android. Found this app for iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/firechat/id719829352?mt=8

If they're both iphones I think iMessage would do it.

Thanks.  I just looked it up.  Apparently there is FireChat for Android now.  Unfortunately it broadcasts to everyone.  Anyone in range can read the text, like being in a chat room, but it does the minimum I requested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FireChat

That sounds like a reasonable solution when out of cell phone coverage while hunting or camping.  Wondering how far the effective range is?

I've used similar low power devices with low gain antennas over a mile with direct line of sight (as in; I can see them in the distance).  Mountaintop to mountaintop, or cliff to beach, etc.  In rural areas there is little other noise for interference but some obstructions, like tree's and bushes, will reduce range to just a few hundred yards.  Maybe less.  UHF generally does not penetrate tree's, hills, reinforced walls or metal.
In urban environments range will be more limited by noise and heavy obstructions.

I've been in many situations where I can see the person, or I know they are on the opposite side of a sheet rock wall, or within shouting distance in the woods and we can't communicate due to poor cell service and/or no password for the WiFi.

I'll try FireChat, but I know I would rather have something that is private.  Something like Hamnet for Android is what I really want.

Viber, google chat, or any of a million other apps for just that purpose.

There is a device under development that is sold in pairs for
$150 that does this.  I am not at home to provide the link, but I considered buying it for use on cruise ships.  Claims the range is up to 5 miles I believe.

Might be called "Gotenna" or something similar.

Sounds like just the thing for hunting.  If you need more range, hand held radios are cheap.

Skype.

Viper

The apps you mention operate through an internet-based service.  Sounds like the OP is going to be outside reliable cell phone / internet coverage, and wants point to point or direct connection to another phone or data device.

The "GoTenna" device links to your phone with Bluetooth, then to another GoTenna which is also connected to a Bluetooth phone.  No cellular or WiFi network is used for this connection.

Here's a link to their website.

GoTenna

If they had been shipping in August I would have given it a try.  Seems like a decent system for hunters & hikers, etc.  My purpose would have been to communicate with others on cruise ships, but that's only because I go on cruises 3-5 times a year, generally with other family members and having our own comm system would be very useful.

My bad.  I saw "wifi", and thought they had the Interwebz.

ETA - reread,  network, no internet.