The Great Outdoors; Hiking and GPS Tracking
How do you keep yourself safe when enjoying the great outdoors? Nature is beautiful, but if you get lost, joy and fun turn to panic and worry. All the trees look the same, and where’s the darn trail? Which way is North? Is the sun setting? Uh-oh.
GPS trackers for hikers can mean the difference between getting home safely and needing to be rescued. They’re wonderful, infinitely useful items to have on you, and can help you get your bearings better than cellular services, which may not be available where you are. Even the most seasoned hiker can need help sometimes! And this is where GPS trackers for hikers come in.
GPS units for hikers are generally hand-held devices that use GPS as opposed to cellular technology to help you find your way back. This can be much safer than relying on an app on your phone, as the data on your phone is reliant on cell services, which may be inaccessible on remoter trails. GPS services, however, are generally much more reliable outside of civilization, as the satellites are always above head, and transmitting.
It’s common for GPS trackers for hikers to be on the small side, and touch screen. This allows you to fit these devices into any backpack or even a pocket, and navigate their features easily. The best GPS trackers for hikers will be encased in thick rubber, and resistant to water, moisture, heat, cold, and drops. Not 100% impervious to anything at all, but tough enough to survive a normal hiking or camping trip.
Other neat features found in many of the newer devices include the ability to send and receive text messages, take and send photos, and dial 911. That’s right! This can be invaluable in emergencies, as you can send photographs of your location, call emergency services, and communicate quickly, even if you’re in rugged terrain, and miles from home or from a cell tower. The use of satellite technology makes all of this possible. These are extra features not found on every GPS, but they’re neat tools to have on hand, and can be extra helpful if you get lost, and need to reach out to someone quickly.
These GPS trackers are also fairly easy to use, read, and carry and have exceptional battery life. Other models to consider include GPS smartwatches, which use satellite technology to keep you connected and oriented in a wearable and compact format. They tend to have excellent battery life, and as they just strap to your wrist, are simple to take with you. If you’re ok with the smaller format, a GPS smartwatch can be a valuable and worthwhile companion outdoors.
Whether you go for a hand-held model or a wearable GPS watch, make sure that you buy a device that can stand up to rain, snow, and some degree of shock from drops. Make sure the battery life is sufficient for your needs, and be sure to charge up your device before going on a hike or a camping trip. These amazing and impressive little GPS devices can keep you safe, on track, and connected no matter where you go.