As in many aspects of life, technology has become an essential part of off-roading. Other than Jeep parts such as GPS systems that help us track our paths when on long adventure trips, there are now a multitude of apps that can be downloaded to your smartphone. These can really improve your off-roading experience.
In this blog, we are going to take a look a few that can help you in your travels, be it a long distance holiday or just a simple weekend spent off-roading.
Maps.me
With the advent of smartphones with built-in GPS systems, the need for a standalone device has dropped considerably. Having said that, your smartphone’s GPS, although perfect for driving around town is pretty useless out on the trail. There are a host of map apps available online but Maps.me is certainly one of the best. Should you be travelling outside the US, the offline map function is indeed very useful, especially in areas with limited mobile phone network coverage. Maps.me provides both routing information as well as GPS coordinate tracking for almost every country in the world today. It is a free download and available on the Google Play and Apple Store.
MotionXGPS
Another excellent GPS app, MotionXGPS has an incredible selection of maps. Over and above that, you can record your journeys (up to 300 of them), plot 2500 separate waypoints before you begin your trip, and share your trip with your friends on various social media networks. It also features an interactive stopwatch. This app is only available in the Apple Store and costs $1.99.
American Red Cross First Aid
You never know when you may encounter an emergency situation while out off-roading. This first aid app from the American Red Cross includes some videos with step-by-step instructions in dealing with a number of illnesses and other afflictions such as heatstroke and snakebites. What makes the app particularly useful is that all information is stored in your phone’s memory, so a signal is not necessary, perfect when off-roading in remote areas. This app is free and available on both the Google Play and Apple Store.
Tiny Flashlight
Flashlights are always useful while off-roading, so having one on your mobile phone is a real plus. Not only does this app have a regular flashlight function, but it also features an LED as well as a Morse code signal device using your smartphone’s camera flash or screen. It is a free download and available on the Google Play and Apple Store.
Google Sky Map
So you have reached your destination out in the wilderness, and the sun slowly sets. Above you a multitude of stars set course through the night sky. Google Sky Map allows you to use your phone to identify various constellations and stars, a fun way to spend the evening with your family. It is a free download and available on the Google Play and Apple Store.
Gas Buddy
Gas Buddy is a must-have for long trips where gas stops are necessary. Not only does it help you find the cheapest gas, but you can plan your route beforehand, including gas stations that stock jeep parts. It is a free download and available on the Google Play and Apple Store.
Tiltometer
Tiltometer is the perfect little app to help you figure out the gradient of any hill by using the gyroscope in your smartphone. It costs $0.99 and is only available on the Apple Store.
Trip Cast by Jeep
Trip Cast allows you to make a log of all your off-roading adventures. Not only that, but you will be able to record notes and take pictures that can be shared with fellow Jeep fanatics. Trip Cast costs $0.99 and is only available on the Apple Store.