7 Tips for Tech Use on the Trail
The use of technology and smart devices on the trail certainly has its pros and cons. On the up side, they give us instant access to information, provide detailed navigation, and allow communication with friends, family, and emergency personnel. On the down side, it can distract us—nonstop social media notifications, calls, texts, emails, and a never-ending news cycle. Constant connection to the digital world can be overwhelming and can tax our brains and bodies. Time in nature is an opportunity to reset and recharge. These tips are meant to help you stay intentional with your tech use on the trail and in nature.
Essential Functions Only: Smartphones offer an incredible variety of different functions and features. When out in nature, use your phone only when absolutely necessary. Photographs, navigation, and emergency communication are great examples of intentional and essential phone use. Scrolling on social media or checking the news is often not essential, and will likely distract from your outdoor experience. When possible and appropriate, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or “Airplane Mode.” This supports deliberate phone use, limits your calls and texts, saves battery life, and ensures you’re using your phone only for essential functions. If you want to use your phone for navigation and plan to be on “Airplane Mode,” download your map before hitting the trail.
Purposeful Photography: It’s amazing how many photos can be taken with a smartphone or digital camera today. In fact, almost everyone has experienced going back through 30 photos of the same flower, sunset, animal, or insect, and wondered whether it was necessary to snap so many shots. When it comes to photography on the trail, be intentional and discerning. Capture the key moments without letting it take over the experience. Pretend you have an old-school film camera to make sure that every shot really counts. Save the viewing party for when you’re back home.
Turn Down the Tunes: Yes, your taste in music is awesome. No one is arguing that. There are a few good reasons, though, to refrain from playing music or other audio out loud on the trail. It’s important to be respectful of other hikers and keep noise pollution to a minimum. Keep your ears music-free when hiking and tune in to the music and sounds of nature all around you. Your senses will begin to perk up as it becomes quieter. If you must listen to something, use headphones (although that comes with risks, too).
Back Up Your Nav: Phones and GPS devices are powerful navigation tools with a variety of apps to serve this purpose. But, as you’ve likely experienced, technology isn’t 100% reliable, especially in the backcountry. Don’t become too dependent on technology for navigation. Plan ahead for your hike by having analog tools as backup, such as a paper map and compass. Learning to use a map and compass is both a valuable skill and an opportunity to engage with the world and landscape all around you.
Wear Tech with Intention: Wearable technology has been evolving quickly and can be a huge asset in the field. It can provide real-time GPS data and biofeedback, including things like steps and mileage, heart rate, elevation gain and loss, blood pressure, glucose levels, etc. At the same time, constant tracking and data collection can be a distraction from being present and fully engaged. Overdependence on wearable tech can also disconnect you from your body and what you are feeling. Track what makes sense to you and is helpful for your journey, but don’t let it take over your experience. Remember that your brain and body are more powerful and knowledgeable than any wearable device.
Experience Nature Unplugged: Leave your phones and devices at home when possible and appropriate. This may not always be an option, but the benefits are huge when you can do it. Spending just five minutes in nature unplugged is enough to boost your mood and positive emotions. Fifteen minutes can drop your cortisol (stress) levels by 16%. Not ready to ditch your phone entirely? Consider storing it in a cell phone sleeping bag—a place where your phone lives when you’re not intentionally using it. That way you can more fully experience the benefits of nature unplugged.
Be Here, Now: The present moment is all we have. The past is a memory and the future a fantasy. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to help keep your attention and awareness in the present moment (because all the plants and animals are totally present). Tech use on the trail can enhance your experience in the moment by helping to keep you safe, in communication, and on track. Or, it can detract from your experience by pulling you into the vortex of social media, news, and endless notifications. Knowing that the present moment is all you have is a great reminder to use your tech intentionally. A good question to ask yourself is, am I using tech to enhance the present moment or to avoid it?
Now that you have the 7 Tips for Tech Use on the Trail it’s time to get out there and Experience Nature Unplugged (or less plugged)! Give them a try and let us know your thoughts. We’d love to hear about your experiences as you put these tips into action. If you give them a shot and are excited to discover more ways to explore this work, there are a ton of resources to guide your journey. Check out our podcast, newsletter, and philosophy and contract for wellness in the digital age. You can also check out our latest book: Experience Nature Unplugged: A Guide to Wellness in the Digital Age. And, if you’re interested in connecting with us, check out our Events page for upcoming hikes, adventures, and presentations, or shoot us a message at info@natureunplugged.com.