Hiking is a great way to get away from the routine of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
In fact, hiking as a hobby is on the rise: according to Walk About Scotland, the percentage of people in the UK who identify themselves as hikers has increased from 16% in 2018 to 23% in 2020, and the numbers are only growing.
Luckily, there are some gadgets and apps that can help you stay safe on your hikes. Let’s take a look at them…
Essential gadgets for hikers
Hiking is a great way to get in touch with nature, but there are some gadgets that can help. For example…
1. GPS Devices
Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors, but one wrong move can put you off a dangerous path.
To make matters worse, hiking in remote areas with limited phone reception can make finding your way back even more difficult. With a GPS system, you can send and receive messages, track your location, and even send an SOS message if necessary, even in areas with no phone service. Many tracking systems also come with long battery life to help keep you safe throughout your hike.
2. Portable Power Bank
If you’re hiking closer to a city, cell reception may not be an issue, but battery life could be.
A power bank can charge multiple devices multiple times, so whether you’re using it for navigation or listening to podcasts, you’ll never run out of battery.
Finding a lightweight yet powerful charger, or even better, one that can be charged by solar power, is ideal for long hikes where access to charging stations is limited.
3. Headlamps
Not exactly the most cutting edge gadget, but certainly an important one: headlamps are great for night hikes and emergencies.
Finding a headlamp with long battery life and strong brightness will keep you safe on any hiking adventure.
4. Water purifier
You don’t want to be stranded without water during a long hike, but luckily, a water filter can provide you with instant access to clean drinking water in an emergency.
An ultra-lightweight water bottle is an excellent choice in this regard, acting as both a container and a water purifier, removing viruses, bacteria and protozoa, providing you with clean drinking water within seconds.
5. Portable stove
If you are planning on going on a long hike, a portable stove will allow you to cook hot meals and drinks on the go. With a lightweight design and easy setup, this equipment is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
A must-have app for hikers
In addition to a wide range of gadgets, the growing popularity of hiking has led to a rise in hiking apps. Below are some of our favourites:
1. Alltrail
AllTrails is an app that contains a database of hiking trails, and allows hikers to view reviews, photos, and detailed maps of these trails, making planning your hike easier.
The app also allows you to track your hikes and share your adventures with the community, making it a great app for staying up to date with the latest and greatest trail information.
2. OS Map
OS Maps is another route planning app that allows you to view, track and trace routes. The app covers over 600 hiking trails around Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is used by organisations such as The Scouts, DofE and the military.
3. Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS is the perfect app for anyone interested in outdoor navigation. The app offers numerous routes, GPS tracking, and offline access, making it the perfect tool for navigating remote areas and staying on course.
4. Peak Finder
PeakFinder is a great app for mountain-loving hikers. The app uses AR to provide information about the peaks around you.
The app makes planning hiking trails easier by allowing hikers to simply point their phone at a mountain to see its name and elevation.
5. Life 360
Life360 helps keep you safe by sharing your location with a select number of contacts, allowing them to track your progress and find you in case of an emergency.
It also comes with an SOS alert so you can contact your family immediately if you’re in trouble.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these gadgets and apps can help make your hike safer and easier. Happy hiking!