The next time someone tells you to go hiking, take their words seriously and actually go for it. A hike does not only provide healthy exercise and fresh air, but also provides many other benefits. Hiking can be seen as a self-care practice that covers all aspects of your well-being. The practice does not only promote physical fitness and longevity, but also enhances mental health.
In general, exercise can be a great stress reliever. The key difference between hiking and other forms of exercise is that it takes place outdoors in a natural environment. There are many other physical activities that rely on nature, such as river rafting and backpacking, but they tend to be more time-consuming and less accessible than hiking. There are many places you can hike, from city parks and public gardens to mountain trails.
Our constant dependence on computers and cell phones causes us mental fatigue, which can be relieved by walking in green spaces. Walking in nature can relieve stress, and studies have shown that outdoor activity reduces anxiety and rumination (thinking about the same concerns or regrets repeatedly), an important factor in preventing depression.
So, if you are convinced that you should go for a hike, then we have great news for you. We have compiled a list of apps that you will make your next hike a success. Make sure to check if the internet connection is fast enough to run these apps. So, before you start using these apps make sure to obtain a connection from a reliable provider like Cox Internet. Once you are done, download the below mentioned apps:
PeakVisor
The app displays the names and elevations of nearby peaks using augmented reality technology. With 3D maps and mountain identification features, users can navigate the outdoors in comfort and safety. This app lets users discover mountains, plan hiking routes, track outdoor adventures, and identify mountains in pictures. Winter sports are also possible with this app, since it is available for offline use.
There are two versions of PeakVisor: a free version and a pro version. Most of the features of the app can be used in the free version. There is a significant advantage to the Pro version – no need for cell service to identify peaks and maps.
FarOut
The FarOut app (formerly Guthook Guides) is popular among long-distance hikers, bikers, and paddlers. With its Check-in feature, users can stay connected with their friends and family around the world. The app offers more than 100 trail guides.
Using the GPS function of a mobile device, the app displays users’ locations along the trail. It is free to download the app, but each trail has to be purchased separately. There are trail guides available for thru-hikers and smaller ones for national parks.
AllTrails
This app is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, running, backpacking, cycling, or any other activity involving nature. Russell Cook founded it in 2010 with the purpose of creating an app for outdoor recreation. As one of the leading hiking apps in the world, AllTrails has over 10 million users from over 100 countries.
Besides being a route planner and guide for hikers, AllTrails also lets you share your experiences with outdoor junkies around the world. You can use this app if you’re just starting out on hiking adventures or are an experienced hiker looking to push the limits of your abilities. Both Android and iOS versions of the app are available.
The Recreation.gov
With this app, users can find and book campsites and activities across the country. It offers personalized recommendations, filters search results according to various criteria, and provides real-time information based on individual’s location and availability. Users can also scan QR codes to pay for campsites and activities on the spot, view reservations, and find tickets, tours, and permits through the app.
SkyView
This lightweight stargazing application has been around for over 10 years and has been upgraded many times. The app is available on iOS and Android and comes in free and paid versions with slightly different features. We love how easy it is to use and set up the app. The screen can be set to ‘night-view’ and the ambient music is switched off, which sounds a bit like a lullaby. Furthermore, you can increase or decrease the visibility of star magnitude, which is a measure of a star’s brightness.
Wrapping Up
That is all for this post. We hope these apps make your next adventure a huge success. let us know in the comments which app is your favorite.
References
12 Best Hiking Apps You Must Have in 2023 (wellplannedjourney.com)
8 Best FREE Hiking Apps for You to Download in 2023! (pilotplans.com)