In this day and age, personal electronic devices like smartphones and tablets have become an extension of our own bodies. They are ubiquitous and have stopped being just a luxury to become gadgets that help us enjoy different experiences of our daily life to a whole new level. It is impossible to deny the importance of these devices or their usefulness and that is why today we want to bring them into our conversation here at Sudir Raju’s blog. A smartphone is an essential piece of survival gear if you are venturing into the outdoors and with some of these apps, it can be much more. You do not have to disconnect in order to enjoy your time with nature and we are sure that within this list you will find something that it was meant for you.
Gaia GPS
Gaia is a great choice when it comes to having a trusty GPS app on your phone. Many experts on hiking and the outdoors recommend Gaia due to its user-friendly interface and the number of maps it has available for the public. The price tag may seem a little high at $19.99 per year but the content that offers is well worth it. The app allows you to use historical maps, overlays and download maps for offline use. Gaia GPS is truly a great app for map lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Leafsnap
Leafsnap is an excellent app to help you identify botany specimens. By simply snapping a picture of a tree leaf you get a few options to choose from and further identify the tree by using information from experts from Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian. The app does need you to have Internet access in order to process your query. At this moment, the app only covers information on trees found in the Northeastern United States and Canada, but it is currently expanding to other areas of the national territory.
MapMyHike
MapMyHike works great for every outdoor activity, not just hiking. This app uses the sensors on your phone to track your pace, distance, location, navigation and even calories burned during your activity. On top of tracking your info, you can also download information about routes that other users have completed or that are nearby your location. The premium features are worth looking at since they allow you to do things like share your location live and some custom training information.
Star Walk
Start Walk is a great way for you to identify celestial bodies like navigators used to do back in ancient times. All it takes is for you to open the app and aim the camera on your phone at the sky. The app will start to track in real-time the constellations, stars, planets and satellites as seen from your actual location. All celestial bodies have plenty of information you can access and read right from the app’s interface. It also comes with a calendar of celestial events that will send you notifications so you don’t miss a thing.
Relive
This app gives you the best opportunity to turn your adventures in a short feature film. Relive takes your route and used a 3D map to create a video that includes any other videos or pictures you have gathered during your trip. It shares all the technical information on your trip and it links with other apps like Strava, MapMyHike, Garmin Connect and more. Relive is a great choice to share on social media all the information on your outings.
Yonder
Yonder is a great social app for outdoor enthusiasts. Imagine a Facebook or Instagram but made completely for people who share a love for nature and hiking, cycling and camping. Here you can easily share your experiences and also watch what is being shared by those in your circle.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a whole phenomenon on itself and downloading the app is the best way to get started. Geocaching is something of a treasure hunt that has participants all over the world who choose to find caches and share through them. People hide small boxes filled with objects and a log that other users can find and exchange for their own small offerings.
First Aid: American Red Cross
One of the most important apps you can download on your phone. First Aid: American Red Cross is the go-to app in the event of an emergency. Injuries are something you do not want to have when you are out in the wild, but they are a reality of life and is best to be prepared for them. The app includes quizzes and preparation checklists for you to be ready before you head out but also everything you need to aid someone in the event of an emergency. The menu makes it easy for you to find your emergency and it gives you detailed instructions on what to do. Another important feature is that it locates nearby emergency health centers and allows you to call for help.
Sudir Raju 