What apps do you use when going out on a hike? Last week, we asked and you answered. Whilst many hikers are understandably traditionalists and see hitting the hills as a key opportunity to escape from the screens of their smartphones, there are some apps out there that can enhance and complement the outdoors experience.
For some, immersing oneself in nature whilst having a few smartphone apps in the pocket just offers a little backup and a different dimension when in the wilderness. Check out these top 10 iPhone apps that will enhance your hike!
1. Sky Map
Want to know what planet and stars you’re looking at? Point your phone at the sky and Sky Map will tell you exactly what you’re looking at.
2. CAMRA Good Beer Guide
With full reviews of 4,500 top pubs, this app will help you find the perfect watering hole no matter where you are walking in the UK.
3. Map My Walk
Turn your iPhone into a walk tracking pedometer. Effortlessly track your pace, calories, distance and routes. Comment on the routes that you have walked and save them for future reference.
4. ForestXplorer
Find your nearest Forestry Commission wood, see what facilities are available and download offline maps. Also includes a useful tree ID guide to help you identify what you’re looking at.
5. Project Noah
Identify wildlife that you have seen and also view what other people have seen. Get involved in ‘missions’ such as photography competitions and recording butterflies.
6. Chirp! Bird Songs (Britain + Europe)
Learn to easily identify different bird songs with this app. Search results are displayed by most common first aiding easier discovery. App also includes photos and facts for each bird.
7. SAS Survival Guide
This app will help you indulge your inner Bear Grylls. The SAS survival guide is the definitive guide to surviving any situation. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or wannabe adventurer, this app covers just about everything.
8. GotoAID First Aid
A comprehensive first aid app created for the non-professional responder. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions for emergency situations.
9. Camera+
Add pro camera crispness to your iPhone. If you want to keep your backpack light and avoid lugging around a camera, this app is stable, easy to use and feature packed.
10. Tiny Flashlight
Easy to use and useful – just shake your phone to turn on/off the flash light and screen light. Super bright even if you set the display brightness to low.
Have your own hike enhancing apps to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!