Before heading out to climb a mountain, it’s essential to prepare everything thoroughly, considering that this activity is not just a mere vacation, but also quite challenging and dangerous. In addition to preparing goods and logistics, you can also install a smartphone application that can help you survive in the mountains. There are various applications available, from direction indicators, weather predictions, to guides for herbal medicines that you can find in the forest. Here are 12 mountain climbing apps that you can download on your Android or iPhone device.
1. TrekPack – Packing Checklist for Trekking/Hiking
The first application that every mountain climber must have is TrekPack from OnTrail. TrekPack is an application that helps you carry goods or logistics needed in the mountains. This application presents an automatic checklist of items that you need to bring in your backpack or carrier, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. Interestingly, this application also comes with information about the weight of each item you bring so you can estimate the weight of your carrier. Also, you can share this checklist with your climbing companions.
2. AllTrails: Hiking, Running & Mountain Bike Trails
To minimize the risk of getting lost while climbing a mountain, you can take advantage of an application named AllTrails. This application, available on Android and iPhone, will provide you with detailed hiking trails so that you won’t have to worry about getting lost in the forest. AllTrails can still be used offline as long as the GPS on your smartphone is turned on.
3. MDPL – Sahabat Pendakianmu
MDPL is a digital map application that can be accessed offline without internet connection. This application is a must-have for every climber in Indonesia. By using the MDPL application, you can climb mountains more safely and calmly. This application will provide you with details about the climbing trail, including information such as the location of the climbing post, estimated time to reach the next post, climbing time, and other information.
4. Info BMKG
Climbing a mountain cannot be done carelessly, as the mountain is an open place that is still quite susceptible to disasters, such as strong winds, storms, landslides, and even earthquakes. Therefore, before climbing a mountain, it is best to know the weather forecast around the mountain. You can use the official application from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), named Info BMKG. This application provides you with complete information about weather, wind conditions, and estimated disasters that may occur.
5. Weather by WeatherBug
Next is Weather by WeatherBug, an application that is similar to the previous one. The difference is that this application has several additional features that you cannot get from Info BMKG. These features include warnings about lightning and storms that may strike, weather data for a few days ahead, as well as weather forecasts for a few days ahead.
6. First Aid – IFRC
Mountain climbing is also very prone to accidents that can cause injuries. Plus, there is always a risk of hypothermia due to the cold temperatures in the mountains, as well as the likelihood of being attacked by wild animals or accidentally ingesting poisonous plants. Therefore, the First Aid application is an application that you need. This application contains simple and effective treatment guides that can be used by mountain climbers. This application also comes with emergency contacts related to medical and non-medical concerns.
7. Offline Survival Manual
The Offline Survival Manual is a digital manual book that you can access even when you don’t have internet access. This application provides a complete guide to survival in the wild. It includes the explanation of which plants can be consumed and should be avoided, what types of water can be consumed, and how to make a makeshift campfire or tent. In short, this application provides all the necessary guidance for surviving in the wild.
8. Medicinal Plants: Herbs
Most mountains in Indonesia still have many natural herbal plants that are beneficial for our health. The Medicinal Plants application allows you to recognize various herbal plants that can be used as medicine, whether to stop bleeding or relieve pain. This application will also be beneficial for anyone interested in natural herbal medicine.
Conclusion
Mountain climbing is an activity that requires thorough preparation since there are many potential risks that can occur end may even cause casualties. By using the aforementioned applications, mountain climbers can climb more safely and comfortably. Trip preparations are also essential to minimize the risks of danger. As a mountain climber, you must be fully aware of the dangers that may occur and do your best to prevent them.
