Even though you might be escaping to the Great Outdoors to get away from the hustle and bustle of the high-tech world, these gadgets can also come in pretty handy. The can help you to prepare for your trip, plan out your route, and even locate you in the event that you become lost or need guidance. Here are six of the best apps you should download before planning and undertaking your next hiking adventure:
- MotionX-GPS
MotionX will tell you where you are on a map. It also tracks where you have been, the distance you’ve hiked, height climbed, and your median and maximum speed. You also have the option to post this information directly to Facebook and Twitter. You and your friends can post and share waypoints with each other or the world. If you are worried about not having a connection deep in the woods, the app allows you to download the maps ahead of time so that you can access them offline.
- Peaks
Have you ever wondered about the name of a mountain in the distance? With Peaks you can find out. You point your cell phone in the direction of the mountain that you’re curious about, and it automatically gives you the peak’s information. On top of the name, it will tell you the distance, location, and height of the mountain. The app works all over the world and comes preloaded with over 500,000 peaks.
- Google Sky Map
You just have to point your phone at the sky, and this app will show you the constellations. Users are able to locate planets, deep sky objects, grids, and also search for specific objects. The interface is simple and straightforward and, by most accounts, the app is accurate. It’s a great way to teach kids about astronomy, and it’s a nice way to pass the time while things are winding down after you’ve set up camp.
- Trimble Outdoors Navigation
Similar to MotionX, Trimble allows you to see where you are situated on a map with GPS. It also allows you to preload maps so that you’ll have them if you lose a connection. Users have 68,000 U.S. and Canadian topographical maps to choose from and a built-in compass. Many locations have five distinct maps: terrain, topographical, aerial, street, and hybrid. You can also set waypoints, find other waypoints, automatically upload your trail videos to YouTube, and view guide tips from people who have hiked along the trail before.
- National Parks by National Geographic
National Parks helps you explore U.S. national parks with your phone. There are GPS coordinates for thousands of points of interest that will be displayed on your map. There are the editor’s recommendations, must-dos, and photographs from National Geographic’s photographers, as well as destinations based photography tips. There is even a space to make up your own itinerary. Your GPS will recognize when you’re in a national park, and you’ll be awarded a badge. The app was awarded the Apple Design Award in 2012 for strong attention to detail.
- AccuWeather
This app will give you accurate weather predictions. It can sense where you are through your GPS coordinates and give you relevant hourly forecasts, extreme weather reports, and comprehensive radar maps. With the recently added MinuteCast feature you can receive accurate weather forecasts for your exact location instead of just the town or county in which you're located.
