Camping normally helps escape the digital world, smartphones still have their uses. Here are tips for using smartphones on your first camping trip.
Has COVID-19 wrecked your travel plans?
You were likely devastated if you had to cancel a trip abroad due to the pandemic.
The good news is that 2020 is the year of the staycation, giving you the perfect excuse to plan a camping trip instead!
Camping with friends or family is a great way to enjoy a holiday while staying safe through social distancing.
As you’re planning your packing list, have you included your smartphone?
Here are 7 tips for using smartphones to enhance your upcoming camping trip. Read on to learn more!
1. Protect Your Phone
Smartphones are hardier than they used to be, but they’re still designed mostly for indoor use.
Camping will expose your phone to a variety of “hazards” outside its normal environment, from a cracked screen to water damage (or worse).
Before you hit the road, invest in a sturdy smartphone case that covers the entire phone, including the screen.
This will help protect it against damage in case you accidentally drop it.
What if it rains or snows or you’re planning some water activities?
You’ll want to make sure to waterproof your phone too with a waterproof bag or case.
Even if your phone is advertised as waterproof or water-resistant, you don’t want to take any chances!
2. Stay Charged
Unless you’re staying a fully equipped campground, chances are you won’t be surrounded by electrical outlets to charge your phone.
Even if you are, it’s a good idea to carry a portable external battery with you.
It could (literally) be a lifesaver if you wander off the trail or run into some other trouble away from the campsite.
Charge up a few portable batteries before you leave home, or invest in a small solar charger to keep your gadgets juiced up.
Another expert tip? Put your phone into airplane mode any time you’re not actively using it.
This can increase your phone’s battery life by up to 54%, providing hours of extra use.
3. Music & Photos
You’ll want to listen to your favorite tunes around the campfire each night, so download a few playlists before you leave home.
This will save you both battery life and data usage, as you won’t have to stream music over cellular (if there’s even enough service to do so).
If you plan to use a Bluetooth speaker, make sure it’s charged up and paired with your phone before you hit the road.
Another great feature of traveling with smartphones is the ability to snap photos and videos anytime.
Bring a selfie stick to include you and your gang in some of the shots too.
You’ll likely want to wait until you get home before you upload and share those images, though.
Otherwise, you could risk burning through all your data on the trip.
4. GPS Navigation & Maps
Your smartphone comes equipped with a compass and GPS navigation, making it easier than ever to find your way around.
If you’re going out into the backcountry, don’t rely on cell coverage—you might not have it!
Instead, download your route maps and trail maps before you leave so you’ll have everything ready at your destination.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to carry a physical map, compass, and other survival gear with you.
You don’t want to get stranded if your phone breaks or the battery dies.
5. Airplane Mode & Incognito Mode
We briefly discussed how airplane mode can save your battery life, so be sure to use it whenever possible.
It will also prevent any unwanted messages or emails from reaching you while you’re trying to unplug and relax.
Speaking of emails, what if you’re checking work emails or booking onward travel arrangements?
You might want to consider incognito mode while you’re browsing.
Just make sure you know how to turn off incognito mode when you’re finished.
6. Useful Camping Apps
Did you know there are hundreds of apps designed just for camping trips?
Here are a few of the most popular ones and what you can use them for:
- Camping Trip Planner (pre-departure checklist)
- Camp & RV (to find the best campsites)
- Classic Camping Cookbook & Meal Planner (for easy meal planning)
- Starwalk (to identify stars and constellations)
- SAS Survival Guide (emergency preparedness and communications)
- Audubon Mammals (to identify animal tracks)
- Leafsnap (to identify plants and trees)
- Backcountry Navigator (wilderness survival tips)
- MyNature Fishing Knots (all the knots you need to know)
There are plenty more beyond these, so browse your app store to find the most relevant apps for your camping trip.
Be sure to download them before you leave.
7. Staying in Touch
Using smartphones on a camping trip can be a good idea, but don’t forget the reason you’re going camping in the first place!
These days, we’re all victims of too much screen time.
Camping is the perfect way to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with nature—something we all need.
Of course, you might need to check your work email or answer an urgent text message.
And there’s nothing wrong with sending your mom a picture of the big fish you caught.
In general, though, try to limit the amount of time you use those apps or interact with the outside world.
Instead, focus on enjoying the natural beauty right in front of you.
Using Smartphones While Camping: A Smart Choice
Camping trips are all about getting away from your normal routine and the hustle and bustle of city living.
Still, using smartphones on a camping trip is a great idea—provided you do it the right way.
Come prepared with a sturdy case and external battery to keep your phone safe and charged.
Get familiar with using GPS, maps, and airplane mode before you set off.
Download your favorite songs as well as a variety of apps to enhance your camping experience.
Finally, remember to set your phone aside and enjoy the natural scenery around you!
Was this post helpful to you? Be sure to browse our other technology blogs for more ways to use tech while you travel.