Tag: apps

  • 5 Must-Have Apps for Rock Climbers

    5 Must-Have Apps for Rock Climbers

    We may head to the crags to unplug, but there’s no doubt that a little technology can go a long way toward your success on the rocks. Maybe you need a guide, or a few creative knots in your back pocket (figuratively and literally), or maybe you’re after a spot to pitch your tent. No matter which you’re after, here are five apps no rock climber should leave home without:

    The Mountain Project

    Screen shot 2014-09-29 at 9.36.49 PM

    The Mountain Project has long been acknowledged as a leading app for finding the best routes. The app is essentially a digital climbing guide that fits in your pocket. While the app definitely has a few bugs to work out, compared to the website, the developers have done an excellent job of creating a platform where climbers can share the routes and problems in areas around the country. Because of its widespread user base, major climbing areas are covered well and only continue to grow as more people use the application. It also divides climbing spots into type of climbing, along with grade, making it a step above many other digital climbing guides on the market. The Mountain Project is easily one of the widest spread, most used climbing networks.
    Price: Free

    KnotGuide

    Screen shot 2014-09-29 at 9.35.13 PM

    Setting up anchors? Tying into a climb? Download KnotGuide. The beauty of setting up anchors is the creativity that goes into it. Depending on the equipment you have and trees and boulders you have to work with, there are countless ways for you to tie in. KnotGuide expands that creativity by increasing your knowledge of knots. Look up ones you’ve heard of or browse new knots. Either way, you can expand your climbing capability by increasing the flexibility of your anchor setting skills.
    Price: Free

    REI

    Screen shot 2014-09-29 at 9.33.26 PM

    In a pinch where you’re stuck on a climbing trip and suddenly realize you need more gear? REI has one of the most advanced outdoor adventure shopping apps out there. Not only can you find the closest REI to you, but you can do your research. Read up on the favorites of the nuts, ropes or shoes that you’re after, but not based on REI’s word. The reviews on the app are written by actual customers. Plus, REI’s return policy remains unbeatable.
    Price: Free

    Camp Finder

    Screen shot 2014-09-29 at 9.27.56 PM

    It’s not all about sending new ascents. When you’re on the rocks, eventually you’ll need a place to stay. Camp Finder helps those who love the outdoors find camping and RV spots across the country. It includes maps, photos and price ranges, so you always know exactly what you’re getting into. The app takes a bit of time to load though, so allow for ample internet connection or extra loading time.
    Price: $3.99

    Yonder

    Screen shot 2014-09-29 at 9.30.40 PM

    Want to document your adventures on the mountains? Instagram tends to be crowded with inspirational quotes and food porn. Instaead, upload your pictures to Yonder, a photo sharing channel made specifically for the outdoor-minded. Here, you can post your adventure shots to those who actually appreciate and love the great outdoors.
    Price: Free

  • 5 Apps No Adventurer Should Be Without

    5 Apps No Adventurer Should Be Without

    In August, I loaded up my car with climbing gear, hiking boots, my new tent, my old, beat-up sleeping bag, my recently shaved dog and everything in between. We spent the better part of the last month road tripping from Myrtle Beach, north along the East Coast to Quebec, west to Montreal and back down south, along the Appalachian Trail. After three solid weeks on the road, I’ve come to appreciate my smartphone’s knowledge of the weather, sense of direction and ability to Google, “free camping [insert state here].” I also downloaded an embarrassing amount of iPhone apps throughout my trek. Here are the five I found most useful, that no adventurer should be without:

    AllTrails
    Price: Free

    AllTrails is the best hiking app on the market. Users vote on, review and contribute pictures from various hikes. Think of it as the Yelp! of hiking. With a wide variety of trails across the country, paths range from easy to difficult (and trust me, they mean difficult- many of the tougher climbs require technical climbing). Both mountain bike and hiking trails are featured, but hiking definitely dominates most of the database. The app features length, type of trail and all kinds of details, like if you should bring your dog or not. The best part is the option to search for trails around you, making AllTrails perfect for road trips and even discovering new hikes near home.

    Fishing Spots
    Price: Free

    This is awesome for finding good fishing spots nearby and what kind of fish users are catching. Users share tips for snagging the biggest catches in the area and demonstrate what type of bait to use. As far as apps go, it’s a bit on the excited side of notifications, but the information is incredibly useful and I’d highly suggest using this app if you’re looking for a new fishing spot.

    Slow Shutter Cam
    Price: $0.99

    Slow Shutter Cam’s simple to use and perfect for capturing starry night shots from your iPhone.

    Launch Sites
    Price: Free

    Those who travel with boats will love Launch Sites. It shows spots to launch kayaks, canoes and paddle boards all over the country. It has an extensive selection of over 17,000 launch sites across the U.S. Plus, fellow users report any fees, facilities and overall reviews of the launches.

    Woodall’s
    Price: Free

    Those desperate for a place to pitch their tent need look no further than Woodall’s iPhone app. Don’t let the name scare you. Although Woodall’s is primarily meant for RVs, there’s plenty of information about tent pitching too. Users filter their results based on location, pet availability and swimming sites. My only complaint is that most of the sites are in the $20+-range. I’d suggest checking out www.freecampsites.net before looking on the app, but it’s great in a pinch.