Gadgets, Apps, Electronics
Gadgets
SOS Beacon and GPS Tracker: I was opposed to the idea of a GPS tracker at first. What’s the point of going out to the mountains if you’re just doing everything possible to mimic the connectivity of normal life? Thru-hikers are so conscientious about every piece of gear — why add another unnecessary thing? But over brunch with some of Molly’s friends, one of them asked if I had an InReach. When Molly found out that such a device existed, she was all for it. And I, honestly, wanted to do everything possible to stay connected to Molly, if not necessarily the rest of the world. So I bought the Garmin InReach Mini.
Having used it for over a year now, I’m a huge fan. In addition to an SOS feature that automatically sends critical information to search and rescue and allows rescuers a mode of communication with you, it can be used to track your progress and allows friends, family, or social media to show your current location and recent tracks. You can send and receive messages using the Garmin Earthmate App which works seamlessly through a bluetooth connection to your smart phone. It’s not my favorite app for planning hikes, but it could certainly be used for that as well.
The website used to share your location information is highly customizable, has an option for password protection, and is very user-friendly. Molly and my family are all very happy that I have this gadget, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in venturing into the backcountry.
iPhone: Not much to say here. I’m using my phone for a lot including GPS tracking, GPS messaging, route-finding, weather updates, logistical planning, camera, website updates, and standard phone stuff like texting, calling, email, etc.
Kindle: I wasn’t interested in e-readers at all before the PCT. A friend recommended I bring one and it turned out to be a great recommendation. Settling down in my tent with my kindle every night is one of my favorite backpacking rituals.
Magnetic Compass: This may not qualify as a “gadget” per se, but I’m hoping to use my Brunton TruArc 15 compass and paper maps to follow the route as much as possible. My phone and apps will be there as a backup if I can’t find myself on the map.
Apps
GAIA: This is my favorite trip planning app. There are hundreds of different maps you can download and use offline: detailed topo maps, slope-angle shading, snow-depths, avalanche and weather forecasts, native lands, National Geographic Illustrated Maps, and so many more. Creating routes is easy and provides all the information you might need including distance and elevation change. Once on the trail it’s really easy to use the app to follow a route, or make on-the-fly changes, if needed.
Avenza: Jonathan Ley has done a superhuman amount of work to create topo maps of the entire CDT with detailed notes showing water sources, important trail notes, resupply options and so much more. I have these maps printed out on paper, but there are also electronic versions that can be imported to the Avenza GPS app, which can find you on the map and show you were you are. I haven’t actually used the app in the backcountry yet, but it seems easy enough. One complaint I’ve heard from other hikers is that if you venture off the map, then the app won’t be able to show you where you are. Stay found!
Guthook: This was by far the most popular app used by PCT thru-hikers in 2018. It sources crowd data for updates about water sources, trail details, campsites, and virtually everything else you might need to know. This isn’t as good for planning a hike, but it’s basically essentially once you’re on the trail.
Garmin Earthmate: This works with the Garmin GPS units, which in my case is the InReach Mini. It connects seamlessly through bluetooth, allows the user to send messages through an interface that’s similar to a smart phone text conversation, shows your location and tracks on a proprietary topo map, and so much more. I highly recommend both the InReach Mini and the Earthmate App.
Native Land: This is a great resource for seeing which Native Peoples occupied or used the land you’re hiking through. Many parts of what we now consider wilderness have been conveyed by history as being mostly devoid of human activity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Literally every possible place to get into what is now “backcountry” was previously used by Native Peoples for hunting, gathering, rituals, festivals, medicine, or any number of activities. Almost exclusively, Native Peoples have been promised continued access and use of these lands and resources only to later have that promise ignored. They have been forcefully removed, starved out, lied to, abused, or forcefully “integrated” to a point where these places could be perceived as “wilderness”. It’s important to remember and respect this history, and this app is a great tool for seeing whose lands you cross as a thru-hiker.
Electronics
Solar Charger: On the PCT I spent hours and hours posted up in coffee shops, laundromats, and hardware stores charging my backup battery. Molly found this really lightweight solar charger on Amazon, so I’m going to try it (link below). If it doesn’t charge well enough I may end up sending it home. But if it can spare me a few hours milling around at a coffee shop, that will be awesome.
Battery pack: It’s a brick in your pack, but if you’re bringing a smart phone or any other rechargeable electronics, I’d highly recommend one. Mine is a Zimi QB810 (10000 mAh); it’s relatively lightweight, slim, and provides just the right amount of charge for thru-hiking. (link below)
Earbuds: I debated bringing these on the PCT, but they ended up being critical. Music breaks up the monotony of the trail, and can help you fall asleep at night. Podcasts are great too.
Charging cables: Obviously.
2-USB wall adapter: I like the 2-USB option for those times when you end up in a coffee shop. Being able to charge the battery pack and the iPhone simultaneously greatly reduces the hours spent ordering black coffee and staring at your watch. (link below)
