Some day the point of the great outdoors is to escape screens. We reckon you should take your phone with you, because it can be a vital tool for everything from directions to survival.
Get started
Take things offline: Internet signals aren’t a given. So when heading into the wilderness (or even spots that aren’t that remote), download offline maps and contact details, and carry paper copies of the same.
Power up: Some campsites will have power. Not all of them will. And if you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can’t plug your iPhone into a tree, no matter how hard you try. So invest in a power bank and charge it before you leave.
Fire up Find My: Heading somewhere remote? Let loved ones know, and turn on Find My to share your location. Also consider using Check In to give everyone added peace of mind.
Be prepared: Beyond your iPhone, think of other gear that could come in handy when you’re miles from help, such as a headlamp, reflectors, food, water treatment tablets, insect spray, and repair tape.
Think local: If you’re looking for a campground in your general region, find regional guides and forums that give you insider info. Do digging beyond Google Maps and TripAdvisor to unearth the best places in your area.
Download these apps
All Trails (free + IAP): Scout nearby trails for cycling and hiking, keep track of where you are, and get notified when you wander off course.
Footpath (free + IAP): Sketch lines on a map with your finger and Footpath will turn them into editable routes you can peruse, save, and share.
Camping Checklist – Pro (free): Build a checklist for your adventure, either from scratch or by making use of a number of handy built-in templates.
iOverlander 2 (free + IAP): Find nearby campsites, hotels, water, and other key places when in the wilderness – although note you’ll need a subscription.
Atlas Obscura (free): Uncover hidden wonders and curious oddities, contributed by a global community of keen explorers, rather than heading to the usual tourist spots.
WillyWeather (free + IAP): Get immediate access to upcoming rainfall, wind, and temperature forecasts, with graphs that leave you in no doubt what’s going to happen – and when.
Weatherian (free): Combine forecasts from a range of sources, to better prepare yourself for the conditions ahead, rather than relying on one source that might be an outlier.
Night Sky (free + IAP): Explore a virtual night sky while under the real one, to identify what’s overhead or make plans to be outside to see key celestial events.
Connect this hardware
Elecaenta portable solar panel ($89/£59.99): Use this foldable, waterproof solar panel to charge your devices when you’re miles away from mains power and your other chargers have run out of juice.
mophie powerstation pro XL ($199.95/£209.95): Charge up to three devices at once – or one several times – with this monster of a power bank that’s nonetheless small enough and light enough to stash in a bag.
Otterbox Defender (from $64.95/£42.99): Ensure your iPhone is safe from any bumps and falls during a camping trip or hike by encasing it in one of these extremely tough and durable cases.
JBL Flip 6 ($129.95/£129.99): Annoy the local wildlife with your taste in music by way of this rugged and surprisingly powerful wireless, waterproof Bluetooth speaker.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (from $799/£799): Power up your adventures with this Apple Watch for extreme users, complete with extended battery life, Action button, super-bright display, and built-in siren.