Hiking can range in intensity, and even if it may look like a more involved form of sightseeing to some, it can be pretty challenging. This is especially true if you’re getting into the intermediate territory and are considering tougher terrains.
As the difficulty rating goes up,the risk factor rises too, and there are plenty of things that can happen when you’re alone in the wild. Thankfully, technology has blessed us with tons of tools that can make the trip much safer for everyone involved and greatly reduce the chances of tragedies. Here are some hiking tech tools that could literally end up saving your life.
Hiking GPS
This is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you can bring on any hiking trip, but it’s especially important if it’s your first time hiking in the backcountry. This is also important whenever you tackle a route that you’ve never been through before.
A hiking GPS device will do much more than show directions, however. A good tool will show you things like elevation, the number of miles you’ve traveled, and serve as a communication tool. This is why you must research the hiking GPS that is the best and pick one that will fit your needs and style of hiking. They will vary in size and shape and will have some differences as far as function goes, so take the time to do your homework and check out a few reviews before you make your decision.
Sun Powered Power Bank
Having your devices run out of power is one of the greatest fears of any hiker, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways that you can prevent running out. One is to carry a solid battery pack with you. An even better option would be to pick up a solar-powered one.
While most won’t keep your laptop alive, they will be more than enough to recharge a small device like a GPS or smartphone. You’ll also have the extra security that you’ll always have a backup plan if your main battery pack goes out as well.
Emergency Beacon
Even if you feel relatively safe, we see no reason for anyone to go out hiking without a tracking device on them. Some trails will even require that you have one. This might be less pressing if you’re traveling as a group, but it is absolutely essential if you’re traveling alone in tough remote terrain.
Anti-Shock Poles
Traditional hiking poles can be very helpful and will help you keep balance in tough spots. However, the way that many older models are made can make them uncomfortable. You can even start to form blisters after a while. This is why you need to look for more advanced anti-shock trekking poles instead. Also, look for those made from lightweight materials, like aluminum or carbon fiber, for instance.
Hiking can get dangerous, and your safety is your responsibility. However, all of these tools can remove many of the dangerous elements, and greatly reduce the chances for incidents.
