Much like many markets, there has been a real surge in digital advancements within the hiking sector. Following the wide-scale technological developments that have occurred within the travel and adventure industry, there are now several must-have apps and gadgets for those who like to explore the wonders of the great outdoors.
As a result, we’re going to look at some essential mobile apps and remote devices for anyone who enjoys exploring off-the-grid locations.
How and Why is Hiking Popular?
Over the last few years, there has been an increased focus within the hiking industry on ensuring variation regarding potential routes. As of 2018, approximately 17 percent of adults aged between 18 and 29 engaged in hiking, while 16 percent of those between the ages of 50 and 64 also opted to participate.
Generally, as an activity, hiking has numerous health benefits, including maintaining a healthy body weight and minimizing stress. Moreover, due to the popularity of this type of exercise across different age groups, it’s hardly surprising that trail variation, for example, has become central to modern-day tech developments in this market.
What’s Available?
AllTrails App
In line with the above statement, the AllTrails mobile app is undoubtedly a must-have app for avid hikers who are seeking to explore unknown locations. The app, which is available on both Android and iOS devices, grants users access to over 100,000 different trails, meaning that you can find new routes that can be filtered by difficulty rating, length, and other factors.
Moreover, outside of this sector, mobile developments have also been central to the approaches of traditional industries in seeking to increase portability and variation. This ranges from music streaming platforms such as Spotify that have revolutionized offline listening experiences to iGaming sites such as Mobilebet, which offers different poker variants including Caribbean Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha, Texas Hold’em and much more. It’s clear to see that transposing traditional formats into the digital world is a trend that’s not just exclusive to hiking.
While the primary purpose of the AllTrails app is to provide users with an immense level of choice in regard to potential routes, it’s also extremely beneficial from both a health-tracking and safety standpoint. The remote app records data relating to distance covered, elevation and speed, in addition to allowing users to share their performance stats to their social media accounts. Furthermore, and perhaps most crucially, the GPS tracking element of the app reduces the risk of getting lost, while you can also assign safety contacts who can track your route and progress.
goTenna Mesh
As the AllTrails App highlights, staying connected while off-the-grid is becoming increasingly critical with such vast numbers of people engaging in on-foot adventures across challenging and occasionally unpredictable terrain. The goTenna Mesh is not just practical for hikers but anyone traveling somewhere where there is no mobile signal.
The device, which attaches to your backpack, uses Bluetooth-LE to enable smartphones to send messages and location information across a range of up to four miles. Through the development’s private chat features, those traveling together who may have taken slightly different routes are able to stay connected due to the mesh networking technology. Additionally, all communication is encrypted on an end-to-end basis through a secure network that is available from any smartphone.
Communication and Variation is Pivotal
Similarly to other, more traditionally-digital markets, the hiking and travel scene has been modernized by remote technological advancements. While safety remains at the very forefront of modern-day developments, sustaining and growing participation through more extensive variation has become increasingly essential. As a result of that, AllTrails and goTenna Mesh are unquestionably worth exploring for those who enjoy off-the-grid exercise.
Photo Credit
Photo is public domain from pxhere
Contributing Author Bio
Mark Hill
Mark Hill is a specialist writer based in UK. He writes content for news networks, blogs and often writes technology reviews.
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