From simple GPS units to smartphone apps and safety devices, trail technology is making hiking safer and more accessible for older hikers. This guide will introduce you to some of the best tech options suited for mature hikers, explaining how they work and why they matter.

Why Technology Matters for Older Hikers

Hiking is a wonderful way for people over 60 to stay active, enjoy nature, and boost mental and physical health. But as we get older, some challenges like navigation, staying connected, and managing emergencies can feel more concerning. Thankfully, modern technology offers tools that help older hikers overcome these challenges with ease and confidence.

As we age, vision, hearing, and balance may not be as sharp as before. This can make navigating rough or unfamiliar trails trickier. Also, health conditions might require quick access to help if there’s an accident.

Technology can:

• Provide accurate, easy-to-follow navigation
• Keep you connected with family or emergency services
• Help track your health and physical activity
• Offer peace of mind with safety alerts and location sharing

With the right gadgets and apps, hiking can be more relaxing and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the beauty around you.

GPS Devices: A Digital Trail Guide

GPS (Global Positioning System) devices use satellites to pinpoint your exact location on a map. Many standalone GPS units are rugged, battery-efficient, and built specifically for outdoor use.

Garmin GPS Receivers

Benefits for Older Hikers

• Straightforward navigation: Helps you stay on the trail with tracking so you can find your way back.
• Offline maps: These can be used without cell service and are common in remote hiking areas.
• Emergency location: Some models allow you to send your exact location to rescuers if needed.
• Long battery run times: GPS units have much longer run times than Smartphone navigation apps (below).

Recommended GPS Devices

These devices often come with buttons and screens that are easier to handle than tiny smartphone touchscreens, which is helpful for older hands or those wearing gloves.

• Garmin eTrex Series: Lightweight, inexpensive, easy to use, with detailed topographic maps.
• Garmin GPSMAP Series: More advanced, with large screens and additional features like weather updates.

Smartphone Apps: Powerful Tools You Already Carry

Most people now carry smartphones, which can become multipurpose hiking companions with the right apps. They’re far less expensive than dedicated GPS receivers and usually have better, free, and up-to-date maps.

Alltrails and GaiaGPS

Top Hiking Apps for Older Hikers

1. AllTrails: Offers trail maps, user trail reviews, and photos. You can download maps for offline use and track your hike distance and time.
2. Far Out Guides: Provides excellent maps of long-distance hiking trails, including the localtion of water sources, shelters, and camp sites.
3. Gaia GPS: A favorite among serious hikers, this app provides detailed topographic maps, lets you mark waypoints, record a track of your hike, and share routes.

Why Hiking Apps Are Great

• All smartphones have built-in GPS capabilities, so no extra device is needed.
• They can be used “offline” even when you’re out of cell phone range.
• You can customize the app to your skill level and hiking preferences.

Tips for Using Hiking Apps

• Always download maps before heading out, as cell signals can be weak on trails.
• Carry a portable charger or power bank to keep your phone running.
• Practice using the app at home or on easy walks before tackling tough trails.

Safety Devices: Peace of Mind on the Trail

Beyond navigation, safety devices can be lifesavers, especially for older hikers who might hike alone or in remote areas.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

PLBs are small devices that, when activated, send a distress signal with your GPS location to emergency responders anywhere in the world. They work via satellite and do not rely on cell towers. They are used more by boaters and kayakers than by hikers. They can only send SOS requests, but lack two-way communication features, like satellite messengers, below.

• Pros: Highly reliable in emergencies, no subscription fees.
• Cons: Can be expensive and should only be used in true emergencies.

Satellite Messengers

Satellite messengers like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 or Zoleo Satellite Communicator combine GPS tracking with two-way messaging via satellite.

Satellite messengers let you communicate with loved ones even when there’s no cell phone service

• Allow you to send pre-set messages or custom texts to contacts.
• Offer an SOS button to contact emergency responders.
• Provide two-way communications which are particularly useful for remote medical emergencies when it may take several hours for rescuers to arrive on the scene.

Headlamps

Headlamps are a must-have safety device that should be carried on all hikes because you never know when you’ll get stuck out after dark: you could get lost, or a companion might get injured, and you’ll want to stay with them until help can arrive. Most hikers carry rechargeable headlamps on hikes because they create less waste and are easy to recharge with other electronic devices. When choosing a headlamp, look for USB-C compatible ones because they charge faster, and ensure you carry all the recharging cords you need.

Carrying a battery pack can also be handy, so you can recharge your headlamp or any of your other electronic safety devices when they run out of power. A battery with 10,000 mAh of capacity is usually sufficient for day hikes, while 20,000 mAh of capacity may be warranted for multi-day backpacking trips. See Best Hiking Headlamps for the headlamps we recommend. 

Practical Advice for Using Technology on Hikes

1. Learn Before You Go: Spend time understanding how your device or app works. Practice setting waypoints, sending messages, or activating emergency signals.
2. Backup Plans: Don’t rely solely on technology. Carry a paper map and compass as backups.
3. Keep Devices Charged: Use portable chargers, especially for smartphones and satellite messengers.
4. Share Your Plans: Always inform a friend or family member of your hiking route and expected return time.
5. Regular Updates: Keep your device firmware and apps updated for the best performance and latest features.

Conclusion

Technology offers incredible tools that can make hiking safer, easier, and more enjoyable for people over 60. From GPS units that guide you to unfamiliar trails to smartphone apps that track your progress and safety devices that connect you to help in emergencies, these gadgets provide confidence and peace of mind.
By choosing the right devices and learning how to use them properly, mature hikers can continue to explore the outdoors, stay healthy, and enjoy the many benefits of hiking well into their golden years.

About the author

Philip Werner is the author of Hiking Over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and Techniques for Active Adults (PhilipWerner.com), available in bookstores and online. Aged 65, he’s an avid hiker who’s climbed all 48 of the New Hampshire 4000 footers in every calendar month of the year, also known as “The Grid.” He’s currently a volunteer hiking leader for the Bread Loaf section of Vermont’s Green Mountain Club, and in the past was a 4-season hiking leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club, a trail maintainer for the US Forest Service, a Master Educator for Leave No Trace, and a backpacking guide with Andrew Skurka Adventures.

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