Some hikers think that walks must be done device-free to fully embrace being off-grid. However, utilising certain technology will only enhance your experience, without diluting the wonderful sense of escape hiking in the countryside brings.
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Discover devices designed to help you navigate unfamiliar terrain and perform at your best, and ways to welcome home comforts into your evenings for valuable moments of relaxation, none of which will prevent you from staying present in the spectacular landscapes you encounter.
1. GPS devices and digital maps
Being able to orientate yourself is essential, even on walking holidays following well-established routes with physical waymarks. You never know when the weather might shift or whether trails have been altered due to safety concerns.
Using a GPS device helps you stay on track effortlessly so you can walk with confidence, and the robust design means it’s better protected against bad weather and battery-draining cold temperatures than your smartphone or paper maps which soon become outdated.
Many apps also allow you to download maps before you set off, which proves essential in areas with weak signal where GPS devices can also falter. Before you set off, plan your route and save it offline so you can follow it even without mobile data.
2. Power solutions
You quickly notice how much you depend on battery life once you spend full days outdoors, especially if you’re using devices frequently for navigation or taking photos and videos. A reliable power bank ensures you can keep your phone and GPS device running while exploring, minimising the risk of you being unable to contact anyone for help in emergency situations.
Solar chargers are great for longer summer hikes in hot places. These use panels to harness the power of the sun and convert that into electricity for your phone, an eco-friendly way to keep recharging.
This is also useful if you’re camping overnight without easy access to plug points. Bear in mind that these work when you walk in open, sunny areas rather than woods and shaded valleys.
3. Entertainment apps
Even the most committed walker enjoys a change of pace once the day’s miles are done, but carrying books and games is inconvenient and uncomfortable. Thankfully, your smartphone can provide endless things to do without weighing down your pack – all you have to do is download a selection of apps before your trip.
Consider the quick-fire fun of online 90-ball bingo games or popular puzzles, and the joy of longer-form games in various formats. You’re also just a few taps away from extended entertainment you can enjoy at rest like books, music, audiobooks and podcasts.
Remember that most apps let you download content to enjoy offline at a later date, supporting the limited connectivity in nature.
Wearable gadgets
Serious about performance, or just interested in your stats? You’ll benefit from wearable tech like smartwatches, which track progress and effort in real time.
Monitor aspects like your steps, heart rate, and elevation gain for a clearer idea of how demanding your journey is proving to be and get personalised recommendations for factors like pace and rest stops to keep yourself going strong. You can also view maps at the touch of a button, helping you stay on course if you deviate from the route.
When hiking over several days, you begin to understand your limits and adjust your walking rhythm accordingly. This awareness helps you avoid burnout and maintain steady progress, for a safe and enjoyable walking holiday.
Safety equipment
You add an extra layer of reassurance when you carry tech designed for emergencies. Personal locator beacons and satellite messengers allow you to send your location even when you lose phone signal, potentially lifesaving if you get into trouble in remote regions where help can be hard to find.
You can instantly alert emergency services with precise coordinates, and some models also allow you to send simple messages to family members, so they know you’re safe. Learn how your device works before you travel and keep it easily accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.
Simple safety equipment like head torches shouldn’t be overlooked either, providing vital visibility in dark or stormy conditions while leaving your hands free for scrambling and acting as a valuable smartphone light backup.
