Backpacking is a great way to connect with nature, see some of the most breathtaking scenery, and blow away the stresses that come with modern living. It also gives you a budget-friendly way to travel to multiple destinations in a single trip.
Backing today is much easier than it was even just a few years ago, thanks to the strong online communities that come together to share tips and create tools for other backpackers to use as they explore every corner of the planet.
Your smartphone has countless features that mean you can pack lighter and leave many other objects at home. By installing apps, you can navigate, book accommodation, stay safe, and maximize your enjoyment from your travels. If you’re unsure of what apps will work best, here are some of the best options.
Navigation
Navigating is important when you’re backpacking, regardless of whether you’re up in the mountains or plodding around the streets of a city. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps that you can use to help you in different circumstances.
Google Maps is great for when you’re staying on the beaten track. It has almost universal coverage, though it is limited in some less-frequented parts of the world. However, if you want the best information for navigating public transport in a busy city, CityMapper will likely be a better option.
For when you’re heading into nature, apps like BackCountry Navigator may be better choices, with the option to source topographical data from multiple sources. In some scenarios, Russian Topo Maps (previously called Soviet Military Maps) may be your best choice. It gives you access to incredibly detailed maps produced by the Soviet Union in the 1980s. They’re a little outdated so aren’t well-suited for getting around in built-up areas, but they’re great for when you’re out in the sticks.
Entertainment
While it’s likely you’ll spend most of your time meeting new people and exploring the local sites and attractions, there will always be those moments where you want to have a bit of quiet time and entertainment apps can be of great help here.
Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube can deliver you all the movies, TV shows, and video clips you need to keep you occupied for hours and most come with the option to download content to watch while you don’t have an internet connection.
Games are also a great option, with a huge variety of options to choose from. Modern smartphones can play everything from simple puzzle games like Sudoku to resource-intensive shooting games like Call of Duty: Mobile. You’ll also find a wide range of classic casino games like roulette, a wheel-based table game that sees players predict which of the 37 numbers will come up when it’s spun.
Accommodation
No matter whether you’re planning to crash on someone’s sofa, get your head down in a hostel, or camp out under the stars, accommodation apps can help make it much easier to organize this.
Of course, the mainstream options like Booking.com and Hotels can help you find places to stay just about anywhere, but HostelWorld is often a better option for when you’re looking for hostels.
Couchsurfing is popular among the more adventurous backpackers as it lets travellers looking for a place to stay connect with locals with a spare room or bed. Alternatively, there’s AirBnB for when you want to live like a local but still want your own private space.
Meanwhile, Wikicamps and iOverlander are great for finding campsites to pitch your tent for a night under the stars.
Safety
Safety is important, though many of us prefer not to think about it while we travel. If you’re travelling with others, having a first aid app may come in handy should someone get injured. Thankfully, there are plenty of free options like the one from the Canadian Red Cross.
Prey Project offers a tool that lets you track and remotely wipe laptops, tablets, and smartphones, should they be stolen, for around $5 a month. This can be useful to prevent your personal data like photos, copies of your passport, and financial information from getting into the wrong hands.
A VPN app can keep your data secure on public WiFi networks, while Sitata can help you stay abreast of developing events that could be a threat to your safety.
