Tracking Hikes

Tracking your hike can be a game-changer, allowing you to capture the full details of your adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, having the ability to monitor your progress can add a new layer of satisfaction to your outdoor experience. In this post, we'll explore how using an app on your phone or a smartwatch can help you track your hike, and we'll look at which device might be best suited for your needs.

Why Track Your Hike?

When you track your hike, you're not just recording the path you took—you're capturing a wealth of data that can help you understand your performance and plan future hikes. Here are some of the key metrics you can track:

• Total Elapsed Time: Know exactly how long your hike took from start to finish.
• Elevation Gain: Track how much elevation you’ve gained during the hike, helping you understand the difficulty of the trail.
• Distance: Measure the total distance covered, allowing you to compare different hikes.
• Heart Rate: Monitor your heart rate throughout the hike, giving you insight into your fitness level and how your body is handling the effort.
• Pace: Understand how quickly you’re moving, which can help you set and achieve personal goals.

Additionally, many apps and devices offer the ability to view your hike on a map with GPS, which is not only cool but also useful for revisiting your favorite routes or sharing them with friends.

Choosing the Right Device

When it comes to tracking your hike, you generally have two main options: using your smartphone or a smartwatch. Each has its pros and cons, so let's dive into them.

Smartphone Apps

You likely already own a smartphone, and there are plenty of apps available that can turn it into a powerful hiking companion. Here are a few popular hiking apps:

1. AllTrails: This app offers detailed trail maps and reviews, along with the ability to track your hike in real time.
2. Gaia GPS: Known for its topographic maps, Gaia GPS is great for off-the-beaten-path hikes and includes detailed tracking features.
3. Strava: Originally designed for runners and cyclists, Strava is also popular among hikers who want to track their progress and compete with others.
4. Komoot: Komoot provides route planning and navigation, as well as offline maps for areas with poor signal.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Features: Apps often provide a wide range of tracking options, from basic metrics to detailed maps and navigation tools.
• Easy to Use: Most apps are user-friendly and require minimal setup.
• Versatility: A smartphone can serve multiple purposes during your hike, from taking photos to providing emergency contacts.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Tracking your hike with a smartphone can be a major drain on your battery, especially if you're using GPS and other power-hungry features. For longer hikes, you might need to carry a battery pack.
• Size and Weight: Smartphones can be bulky and might not be as convenient to access during your hike compared to a smartwatch.

Smartwatches

If you’re looking for a more dedicated hiking device, a smartwatch might be the way to go. Many modern smartwatches come equipped with GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and even maps. Here are some top smartwatches for hikers:

1. Garmin Fenix 7: This rugged watch offers extensive GPS and mapping features, along with long battery life, making it a favorite among serious hikers.
2. Suunto 9 Baro: Known for its durability and long battery life, the Suunto 9 Baro is designed for multi-day hikes and challenging environments.
3. Apple Watch Ultra: The latest from Apple, this watch has improved battery life, GPS accuracy, and fitness tracking features, making it a solid choice for day hikes.
4. Coros Vertix 2: Designed for extreme conditions, this watch offers exceptional battery life and is perfect for mountaineering and long-distance hiking.

Pros:

• Portability: Smartwatches are lightweight and easy to access during your hike.
• Battery Efficiency: Many hiking-focused smartwatches have longer battery life compared to smartphones, with some capable of lasting several days on a single charge.
• Dedicated Features: Smartwatches often come with specialized hiking and outdoor features, such as barometric altimeters, compass, and weather tracking.

Cons:

• Screen Size: The smaller screen size can make it difficult to view detailed maps or navigate through complex menus.
• Battery Life: While better than smartphones, some smartwatches still need to be charged daily, especially if you’re using GPS continuously.

The Benefits of Tracking Your Progress

Tracking your hike isn’t just about the data—it’s about the progress you make over time. By recording each hike, you can see how you’re improving:

• Faster: Track your pace and strive to cover more ground in less time.
• Longer: Challenge yourself to hike longer distances as your endurance builds.
• Higher: Push yourself to tackle more elevation gain as your fitness level improves.

Each hike becomes an opportunity to push your limits and achieve new personal bests. Plus, having a log of your hikes is a great way to reminisce about past adventures and plan future ones.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a smartphone app or a smartwatch, tracking your hike can enhance your outdoor experience. Consider your needs, the length of your hikes, and how you plan to use the data when deciding which device is right for you.