Using the Apple iPod Touch in the Outdoors
Useful Applications for the iPod Touch when Camping and Hiking
Aug 29, 2009
There are applications to be found in Apple’s Application Store that turn the iPod Touch into a great device to take outdoors hiking, camping or trekking.
Compass Application on the iPod Touch
The iPod Touch can become a rudimentary compass. This simple application puts a compass layout on the screen. A finger or stick is held upright at a certain point and the resultant shadow falling across the screen gives a bearing.
With something this rough, it shouldn’t be used for true navigation; but could be used in an emergency as a guide only.
The iPhone has in-built GPS, that can be useful.
However, these shouldn’t replace an old fashioned topographic map, magnetic compass and navigation skills.
Insect Repellent Application on the iPod Touch
The insect repellent application is one of those application that a user will never know if it is working. This application emits a high pitched sound that is supposed to repel biting insects like mosquitoes. Again, this is probably more of a fun application, as when outdoors nothing beats long sleeved clothes, copious amount of insect lotion and a smoky fire.
If this worked properly, it would be useful in the tropics with the danger of mosquito borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. However, a source of external power would be needed to keep the insect repellent working.
Torch or Flashlight Application on the iPod Touch
The torch or flashlight on the iPod Touch would be a useful application when out camping in the bush. Though it wouldn’t replace a proper torch.
There are a few flashlight applications available and all have the same principle. They make the screen go completely white, or even coloured, that provides a faint glowing light.
This would be handy in a tent if a source of light is needed to rummage around in the bottom of the backpack. Or maybe to locate the water bottle that somehow got kicked down the end of the tent during the night.
This application with the full screen at full power would use a fair bit of power, so it wouldn’t be useful for reading a book. And anyway, the book should be an e-book on the iPod Touch.
However, this application would have a serious use in the bush as a back-up for a torch.
Using the iPod Touch Notebook Application Outdoors
The iPod Touch could be useful when hiking as a place to keep a journal, or information on the hike.
The iPod Touch as an Information Holder
When hiking in the bush, a reasonable amount of information may have to be carried. For example, track notes; like those downloaded from Suite101 for trekking New Zealand’s Milford Track.
Some other information that may be able useful to hold on the iPod Touch when hiking may be:
- a menu for each meal
- a first aid manual
- a list of contact details
- some motivational quotes to get through those tough days
- tide tables
- star charts
The iPod Touch on-board calculator may be useful for working out distances travelled, height climbed, walking pace and time of arrival.
Entertainment Outdoors on the iPod Touch
The iPod Touch was designed as a portable entertainment device and out in the bush there are uses for these applications. Listening to music, reading e-books, playing games.
The purists may argue that nothing beats the sounds of the wild for entertainment; but after a couple of days of boredom stuck in a hiking tent from inclement weather, anything is welcome.
With the right applications and a little imagination, Apple’s iPod Touch can become a constant companion when hiking along with trekking poles and the backpack.
