Many people choose to bring their smart phones along on a float trip or camping trip only as a means of emergency communication. However, a lot of people overlook the fact that there are many useful apps that can help you have a better camping experience. Read on to discover which apps you should download for your next float trip.
Motionx GPS
This handy app is an all-in-one navigation tool, and let me tell you, it is dead useful on a float trip. Using GPS, this app can plot the path you take for your entire float trip. It can then draw the path you have taken on a variety of different maps, including topographic maps and physical maps. This will show your position to bodies of water and help you navigate rivers and lakes.
You will never get lost with this incredible app, either. It also shows you your GPS coordinates and has a compass feature. If the worst happens on your float trip and someone gets injured, help will arrive much sooner with the use of your GPS coordinates. There is, however, just one catch with this app. The catch is that this app is only available on iOS based phones. There are close alternatives to Motionx GPS for other phones though.
The Weather Channel App
This is a must have for float trippers! As we all know, the weather in Missouri is infamously unpredictable. Even when we try to plan a float trip around storms predicted by our local news teams, we still get surprises with the weather. This handy tool will show you the weather in increments as granular as an hour at a time. What is even more useful is the real-time radar feature. If the skies are looking a little dark and you are unsure whether or not to proceed down the river, you will be able to determine if you are in the storm’s path by using the radar. A great thing about this app is that there is a full featured version that costs money and also light version of the app for free. Also, it is available for both android and iOS. This handy little tool is a must have for planning the day’s activities!
SAS Survival App
The SAS Survival App is incredibly popular. It is based on a best-selling survival book that has sold millions of copies. While this app does contain the best-selling book’s content, it offers so much more content in the form of videos, photo galleries, quizzes, and survival checklists. The content of this app teaches you all kinds of survival information, such as how to identify edible plants and fungi and how to make a shelter.
Flashlight App
How many times have we all been stranded in the dark without a flashlight? Flashlight apps for your phone are a free way to have a backup flashlight. They typically just show a white background on your screen to give off the most light possible. However, some phones include a flash for camera functions, and the flash is utilized by the program to act as a flashlight. Even if you remember to pack a flashlight in your supplies, it won’t hurt to have a backup.
It is a no-brainer to pack your phone on a float trip for emergency situations, but you should also remember to leverage these apps to protect yourself on your adventure. These miracles of modern technology can literally save your life. Just don’t forget to water-proof your phone!
