Stay safe in the wilderness!
Photograph by L. K.
Getting disoriented and eventually dehydrated or hypothermic represents one of the biggest risks to hikers (other than the number one threat to America, bears!). With a Bad Elf GPS for hiking and camping, a hiking app, and either an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, you can avoid getting lost in the wilderness. The Bad Elf GPS provides inexpensive peace of mind when hiking and camping in remote areas. Unlike the GPS built into the iPhone and iPad, the Bad Elf GPS does not depend on cell towers in any way. The high quality GPS receiver inside the Bad Elf GPS delivers extremely accurate position data and performs well in canyon type environments. Some of the hiking apps listed below have nice sharing and geotagging features, which allow you to easily share your hike and photos with your friends once you arrive home safely.
We collected a list of useful apps and accessories for hikers and campers to use with a Bad Elf GPS. Share other apps or accessories that you think we should add to this page by using the feedback link.
When going on a long hike or camping trip, two critical concerns for electronics arise. Keep them dry. Keep them powered. We suggest a few options for you to investigate to meet both concerns. We also include an option to help you remain oriented when you aren’t moving.
Solar Charging
A solar charging battery pack can provide power over USB and is an excellent choice for keeping all of your electronics powered when in a remote area. With the included micro USB cable, you can easily charge your iOS device with the Bad Elf GPS attached.
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ReVIVE Series Solar ReStore 1500mAh External Battery Pack with Universal USB Charging |
Dry Cases
Ensure your device stays dry and dirt free when your iOS device is not in use. The iPoncho offers one of the best options available.
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iPoncho for iPhone and iPod touch |
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iPoncho for iPad |
We’re still looking for a great waterproof case that works with the Bad Elf GPS attached. If you find one, please let us know.
Manual Compass
Not all iOS devices include a compass. A handy manual compass ensures that you can orient the map on your favorite iOS App properly. GPS headings are great when you are moving, but they become unreliable when you are standing still. To get an idea of your orientation when you are stopped, you need a compass. Make sure you buy a compass that is setup for the magnetic declination for the area where you will be hiking or camping. See below for a well reviewed, inexpensive compass for the northern hemisphere.
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Suunto A-10 Compass |
General Bad Elf Reviews
- Amazon Reviews (various)
- Cio.com, Finding yourself with a Bad Elf (12/2/2011)
- Pocket GPS World, Bad Elf iOS GPS Dongle Review (9/7/2011)
- About.com, Easy GPS Upgrade for iPad, iPod (5/28/2011)
- Wired Gadget Lab, “Tiny Dock-Dongle Adds GPS to iPad, iPod Touch” (10/19/2010)
- Geeky Gadgets, “Bad Elf Adds GPS to iPad and iPod” (10/18/2010)
- Engadget Germany, “Bad Elf Dongle bringt GPS auf iPad und iPod touch” (10/18/2010)
