For many people, getting out into nature and going for a hike is the perfect way to destress and get some exercise. But planning a hike can sometimes feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Where should you go? What trail is the right distance and difficulty level for your group? What essential gear and supplies do you need to pack? This is where artificial intelligence is swooping in to make hiking more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Keep reading to learn how AI is transforming hiking and the great outdoors.
AI Enhances Hiking Trail Information and Recommendations
One of the hardest parts of planning a hike is choosing the right trail. Thankfully, there are now a number of hiking apps powered by AI that provide detailed trail information and personalized recommendations. For example, All Trails uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data like trail length, elevation gain, and user ratings. Based on factors you input like location, distance, dog friendly, etc., it suggests trails that best match your needs and experience level.
Other AI-enabled apps like Komoot act like a smart hiking guide, getting to know your preferences over time. They can then recommend new hiking routes and areas you may enjoy. Some apps even take things a step further by providing real-time alerts for trail conditions or closures so you can adjust your plans accordingly. AI is making it simpler than ever to discover amazing new hiking destinations.
Advanced Weather Forecasting Keeps Hikers Safe
Heading out for a long hike? The weather can quickly turn from sunny skies to torrential downpour or dangerous lightning storms. AI weather technology is now enabling incredibly precise weather predictions to keep hikers safe.
Apps like Dark Sky use advanced AI algorithms to forecast hyperlocal weather down to the minute for the exact trail location. You can see when the storm will start or how long that sunny window will last. Some watches and devices even use AI to provide real-time weather alerts if conditions suddenly deteriorate where you are. This technology gives hikers the confidence to adventure into the wilderness safely.
Smart Devices Enhance Navigation on the Trail
Modern hikers are equipping themselves with smart devices and gear powered by artificial intelligence. For navigation, connected handheld devices like Garmin GPS can use complex algorithms to analyze terrain, trees, and other obstacles to enhance accuracy under forest canopy.
Smartphone apps like ViewRanger offer turn-by-turn hiking navigation with AI-assisted tracking. Some apps even use augmented reality to overlay the trail and landmarks right onto the live camera view of your phone. With AI, gone are the days of getting lost with a paper map!
AI Can Automatically Log Hiking Stats and Identify Plants/Wildlife
Hikers love to track stats like mileage, elevation gain, route taken, and steps for each hike. AI and machine learning are enabling automatic tracking of these stats without any input needed. Apps like All Trails now use the phone’s sensors, GPS data, and terrain maps to automatically log the hike stats for you.
AI image recognition technology is also being incorporated into hiking apps to identify plants, trees, birds, and wildlife. Phone apps like PlantSnap and PictureThis can identify over 90% of all known plants and trees just from a photo, powered by deep learning algorithms. Simply snap some photos on your hike and let AI tell you what you’re looking at!
Wearables Assess Performance, Vital Signs and Alert Rescuers
Wearable devices infused with artificial intelligence are also enhancing the hiking experience. Smartwatches analyze metrics like heart rate variability, VO2 max, and recovery time to optimize training and performance. Devices like the Whoop Strap 3.0 use machine learning to assess strain from a tough hike and provide a personalized recovery plan.
Some remote workers and hikers invest in a Spot X device which uses AI to send preset or automated texts to select contacts when starting a hike, reaching certain waypoints, or triggering an SOS alert. The device can even track vitals and will automatically send alerts if it detects a potential medical emergency. AI is providing an added safety net on both short- and multi–day hikes.
The Future is Bright for AI in the Outdoors
As this technology continues to evolve, so will the ways hikers can leverage AI to better enjoy the outdoors. Imagine hyper-local weather prediction that knows which side of the mountain will stay dry, intelligent hiking poles that can ID wildlife and translate foreign trail signs, or a fitness tracker that knows just how hard to push you on that final ascent.
AI is removing hassles, keeping hikers safer and opening up new hiking adventures for everyone. So next time you lace up your boots and hit the trails, bring artificial intelligence along for the trek! You can rely on advanced AI technology to enhance navigation, provide expert insight, log your hike stats, identify wildlife and keep you safe. Focus less on the logistics and more on the stunning vistas.
To learn more about how artificial intelligence is changing hiking and the outdoors, check out the resources at HikingHorizon.com. What AI apps or gadgets do you use out on the trails? Share your experiences below!
