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11 Gadgets and Apps for Your Thru-Hike
Gear on the AT is always a topic of conversation among hikers whether they’re former, current, or aspiring thru hikers. From sleep systems to sock brands there’s something out there for every gear head. However just because you’re venturing off into the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to be totally disconnected from society and the technological world that we know. In this article we’re going to cover some electronic devices and applications that you may find useful on your next hike in what I’d like to call trek tech.
1. Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 Ultra Compact 10,000 mAh Portable Charger
Price: $22
Weight: 8.2oz
Ultra-High Capacity: Charges the Galaxy S5 two and a half times, the iPhone 5s four and a half times and other smartphones multiple times. Get it here.
2. Levin 6,000 mAh Solar Panel Dual USB Port Portable Charger
Price: $20
Weight: 5.3oz
The first rain-resistant &shock-proof portable solar charger on the planet; Solar energy technology, environmental friendly and could recharge itself under sunshine for emergency purpose when outside; can charger your iphone about 50% to 60% juice for emergency after being solar charged for 7 to 8hrs under normal sunlight. Get it here.
3. Guthook
Price: $10
iOS and Android
Guthook’s Hiking Guides the premier hiking trail guides for your smartphone. Whether you’re out hiking for a day, or walking the entire Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail, these apps give you a treasure trove of information to help you on your way. Designed and built by three experienced long-distance backpackers. Get it here.
4. AWOL Guide – PDF Version
Price: $9
iOS and Android
The A.T. Guide is the premier full-trail handbook for the Appalachian Trail. Get it here.
5. Kestrel Drop D1
Price: $89
Weight: 1.3oz
Know your temperature conditions anywhere with the small, rugged, waterproof Kestrel DROP D1 Temperature Data Logger. View temperature data wirelessly via Bluetooth Smart on your iOS phone or tablet with Kestrel Connect app. Get it here.
6. SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger
Price: $138
Weight: 3.2oz
Stay connected anywhere regardless of cell coverage! The SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger provides a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it and emergency assistance when you need it. Get it here.
7. AAXA LED Pico Projector
Price: $115
Weight: .8oz
The LED Pico is a true “pocket projector” at just 4.25″ x 2.36″ x 0.7″ in size, the LED-Pico is about the same size as most cell phones, yet is capable of delivering a stunning 60″ image in dark environments. Additional features include adjustable tripod, mini-HDMI support, Micro SD, USB port, composite video input, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The LED Pico’s lithium ion battery gives you upwards of 80+ minutes of operation! Strap this bad boy to a trekking pole and string up a piece of Tyvek and you’ve just turned the woods into your own personal movie theater. Get it here.
8. AYL Portable Min Capsule Speaker
Price: $16
Weight: 3oz
Plug and Play! Ultra portable and light weight design at just 3 ounces. The speaker is ultra small & portable and yet able to exert high quality sound. Get it here.
9. GoPro Hero 4 Black
Price: $340
Weight: 1.4lbs (Ship Weight)
The GoPro Hero4 Black delivers best-in-class video at resolutions up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps. Time-Lapse Video, Night Photo/Night Lapse, Protune(TM) for photo & video, SuperView(TM), high performance audio, Waterproof to 131′ (40m). Get it here.
10. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Price: $50
Weight: 3.9oz
Equipped with a fully waterproof construction and an incredibly bright 160 lumens, the Black Diamond Storm is our powerful, all-conditions headlamp. Get it here.
11. Diaro
Price: Free
Android and iOS
Diaro is designed to record activities, experiences, thoughts and ideas throughout a day and sync data across all your devices. It lets you organize your created diary / journal entries or notes from the past in the easiest way. Get it here.
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Comments 3
One more decent app that I would like to add into this list of apps and gadgets is Spyglass gps app. Using augmented reality, the app overlays compass, GPS and location info on top of visuals captured by an iPhone camera or the map itself. It can measure distance, sizes of objects, your speed, altitude and potential arrival time to the target. You can use it as a waypoints tool, sextant, compass, rangefinder, speedometer, inclinometer and more. here it is https://itunes.apple.com/app/spyglass/id332639548?mt=8&at=11lLc7&ct=c
Don’t get me wrong but as far as I see it, hiking is one of those opportunities to disconnect. No matter how much I’m tempted to take my iPad and a battery bank with me when I’m hiking, I leave them at home. It is tempting to watch movies while on the trail but it kind of beats the purpose for me, just as it would beat the purpose to stay connected all the time.
I want to congratulate you for precise and consise information on equipment needed for a successful hiking and camping trip. You have supply valuable information on how to proceed for a careful hiking adventure. Please keep up the good work. Sincerely, Hector D.