8 Apps to Enhance Your Outdoor Adventure
The gentle rustle of leaves fills the air, rich with the scent of pine as you take out your smartphone. Embrace the technology instead of feeling guilty about it while enjoying nature! Numerous applications can significantly enrich your outdoor experience rather than detract from it—whether you require an offline map, an audio tour, or assistance in identifying whether you’ve come into contact with poison ivy or a benign shrub. (See also: 10 Smartphone Apps That Can Help You in an Emergency)
1. Bivy
Bivy serves as a compact shelter for backpackers, while the free Bivy app functions as an invaluable resource for outdoor enthusiasts. When exploring new areas, you can access it to seek out hikes, climbs, or paddling opportunities. Moreover, it enables you to document and share your adventures with a community of fellow explorers.
This app also alerts you when you’re veering off the intended path, a feature that would have greatly benefitted me last weekend while hiking with my family. We were following vague online directions to locate a waterfall, yet despite sticking to the suggested route, we never found it. Next time, Bivy will be our go-to. (See also: 10 Most Breathtaking Day Hikes in the U.S.)
2. PlantSnap Plant Identification
Among various plant identification apps, PlantSnap garners the most positive feedback from users on both the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
This application claims to recognize up to 90 percent of all plant and tree species worldwide. Although user feedback shows mixed results, it’s especially useful if you enjoy capturing images of flowers and shrubs but struggle with their names, priced at $3.99 on iTunes or available for free on Google Play. (See also: 6 Surprising Ways a Houseplant Can Save You Money)
3. HERE WeGo
Pitched as a free navigation app for urban settings, HERE WeGo proves practical for forest hikes due to its ability to download maps for offline use. Before venturing into the wild, save your route, allowing you to hike stress-free without worrying about losing signal. This feature is also beneficial for international travels without a data plan. (See also: 8 Ways to Save on Smartphone Costs While Traveling)
4. Just Ahead
I often find myself missing wildlife encounters or stumbling due to my fixation on guidebooks. Just Ahead offers audio guides for various National Parks, including iconic areas like Yosemite, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, so you can keep your eyes on the scenery. While its in-app purchases range up to $19.99, consider that these professionally crafted tours are narrated by experts and contributors to National Geographic and other respected publications.
You can explore without the fear of losing internet access; the guide downloads directly to your phone and functions without a cell signal. (See also: How to Save on National Park Visits in 2018)
5. Sky Guide or Star Walk 2
These two applications leverage augmented reality and GPS functionality to display stars and celestial objects in the direction your device is facing.
Sky Guide, priced at $2.99, is exclusive to iPhone users, while Android users—and iOS users—can opt for Star Walk 2, which comes in both free and $2.99 versions.
6. Maprika
Although Maprika markets itself as a skiing app, its capabilities extend beyond that. It assists in navigating hiking and biking trails, helps locate restrooms at theme parks, or guides you around college grounds. A standout feature is that it shows your precise location on the map, resembling those friendly “YOU ARE HERE” markers found in public spaces. Additionally, it allows you to track friends or family members while hiking. (See also: 6 Cheap Date Ideas for Nature Lovers)
7. ChirpOMatic or Bird Song ID
Much like the astronomy apps, ChirpOMatic, available only on iPhone for $3.99, delivers the best experience in this category. Android users can try Bird Song ID, priced at $4.99.
Dubbed “Shazam for birds,” these applications enable you to record bird calls, analyze them, and identify the species you hear. User reviews vary, with some enjoying the app’s effectiveness while others find it less reliable.
8. AllTrails
AllTrails is a widely-used mapping app that offers essential features for trail exploration, including directions and user feedback. Recent comments can alert you to potentially treacherous conditions, such as snowy trails or dried-up waterfalls. With over 50,000 ratings on iTunes, there’s a strong chance that someone has recently traversed the path you wish to embark upon.
The premium Pro version, costing $29.99 per year, allows for offline map downloads, custom map creation, and real-time overlays showing route conditions like heat or air quality, all while eliminating ads found in the free version. (See also: 7 Affordable Destinations for Nature Lovers)
