Gadgets

Living in the woods for six months means I'm disconnecting from all modern technology, right? WRONG! I can't wait to be on the trail, but that doesn't mean I am forsaking all aspects of the modern world. Everyone has their own reasons for hiking the Appalachian Trail, and for many that includes breaking away from the many technological distractions we face in everyday life. There is a mantra on the trail: hike your own hike. There is no one right away to complete a thru-hike. While I might be in the minority, I am looking forward to bringing technology along with me on the trail. For me these devices are going to enhance the trail experience, not detract from it.

Technology for the woods.

1. Kindle Voyage
I've been a staunch critic of e-readers ever since they were first developed. For me reading is a personal experience and I feel an intimate connection to each book I read. I love the feel of the paperback in my hands, the smell of new pages, the anticipation of turning a page to see what new information is being hidden from view. Reading impacts you in ways that nothing else can. The font, text size, and layout all serve a purpose and are meant to be experienced in their original format. All of that is negated by an e-reader.

That being said, I received  the Kindle Voyage as a gift from my father in mid-April and by the first week of May I had already used it to read 4 full books. The convenience and ease of use of this device is just outstanding. With a lightweight design (6.3oz) and long battery life (weeks! I got mine in mid-April, it is now May 8th and I haven't charged it yet. I read for at least 2-3 hours every day) the Kindle Voyage is a backpacking bookworm's dream come true. I can load hundreds of books on the device and be set for my entire through hike. Buy a Kindle Voyage. You will love it.

2. Canon PowerShot S120
I just bought this handy little camera last week. I am by no means a professional photographer, but I do love taking pictures and having been trying to learn more about photography during the past few years. My usual camera is a Canon EOS Rebel T3, a DSLR with a wide range of shooting formats. Not to be too much of a snob, but I've been kind of spoiled by this camera and just using a cell phone camera was not going to cut it for the Appalachian Trail. I want to have crisp, clear photos that truly capture my entire trail experience. After agonizing over all of the camera choices out there, I finally settled on the S120. I've honestly only used the camera once since I bought it, and still have a lot to learn, but so far I am happy with it. I'll post a dedicated review of this product once I've had more experience with it.

3. Apple iPhone 5
I honestly don't care for this phone (or any phone) very much. I'm taking my phone with me for emergencies and to have a means for posting to Instagram and on my Blog. I got the phone when I switch from AT&T (the devil) to T-mobile (little reception, but not trying to steal my money). To me all smartphones are the same. It has apps and posts stuff to the Internet. Good enough for me. I enjoy not having cell phone reception because then no one can bother me.

4. Spot Gen3
This handy little device is coming along so that my mother can sleep at night. It is just a GPS tracker. It pings my location every few minutes and sends a message at the end of each day letting my mother know where I am and that I am still alive. Since it connects to satellites rather than cell towers, it works even in remote areas with very little reception. Roxy carries it for me so I don't have to worry about its weight.

The only picture of my Spot I could find; it is the orange box hanging off the side of Roxy's pack.