In Boy Scouts we learned to camp with a knife, matches and a clean pair of socks, however, that seems a bit outdated since the advent of the iPhone. This camping trip to Yellowstone we forgot the matches and the knife was very dull, but our iPhone more than made up for it. Check out these apps when planning your next big outdoor adventure!
Starmap ($9.99): This is probably the most expensive iPhone app I’ve ever bought, but it’s worth it, so just bite the bullet and click ‘Purchase’. This provides you with an offline star chart which uses the built-in GPS and compass to let you know what constellations you’re looking at or what the name is of that bright star… or planet.
Army Survival Manual ($0.99): Just in case you forgot your tent or went hiking without a flashlight or developed a craving for fresh crawfish, this handy app, complete with pictures will save the day.
Bug Spray (Free) or Anti Mosquito (Free): Either of these apps will emit a high frequency buzz that apparently wards of those pesky mosquitoes. Anti Mosquito seemed to work better, but our tests were not very controlled.
GPS Info ($0.99): Gives you all kinds of handy info regarding your latitude, longitude, elevation, speed and direction.
Flashlight (Free) or iGlowStick (Free) or Freebird: Either of these light-providing apps can safely (but slowly) bring you down the mountain after sundown.
Beacon (Free): Just in case you have to leave someone in the woods (or park your car far away from the geyser) this app lets you drop a beacon and find your way back using GPS and a cool radar screen.
And optionally… for the kiddies…
Campfire Tales (Free): Downloaded but never actually used, this app has some simple stories and handy sound effects guaranteed to scare any junior camper.
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