QUESTION for HIKERS: I-PAD or I-PHONE

Aug 30, 2015

[Yosemitest]

I want to know what is best to use for a long hike, the I-Phone or the I-pad.
I have NOT owned or used either.
I want to be able to make and receive phone calls, access the internet, shoot video, edit video, and load video.
I'd prefer the larger screen in the I-Pad Mini over the I-Phone, but I also need to be able to make and receive calls, and I'm not sure if the I-Pad Mini can receive calls.
If you have experience with both, please let me know the advantages and disadvantages of each.
I also want to use it to be a GPS navigation with topo maps, and use it as an altimeter.


iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus vs iPad mini 3 comparison

[Caipirabob]

COOL!!! I went for the Nav Bundle that includes Spyglass for 7.99.

Thanks!

[skr]

Didn’t see 6 or 7 months. If you’re hiking every every day, then it wouldn’t work for you. However, if I were a dedicated hiker, I would purchase a satellite phone since you cannot depend on cell phone coverage unless you buy something like the Iridium Go wi-fi/satellite HotSpot. That allows any cell phone to hook up to a satellite.

[snoringbear]

All good points. About remembering; that’s a critical prerequisite for any adventure I think. My personal trick, whether going hiking, RV’ing, road trip, etc, is always start a check list a few days before, then use it.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Interesting. I’ve found consistent behavior where, with 15-20 apps “running,” that internet connectivity just stops. DNS doesn’t seem to resolve. The progress bar moves 10% and stalls. Rush episodes just get the spinning icon and stall. Podcasts will continue to play.. The Chrome and AdBlocker apps do a little bit better than Safari, but not much. I’ve found the steps I outlined get things back to normal until the next time it happens. This is worse on the iPhone (6 Plus) than the iPad 2. It sure does act like a RAM limitation.

[Yosemitest]

Check out on YouTube, the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Many, I repeat, MANY hikers say that it works.

[Yosemitest]

Please post some feedback after you’ve used it for a hike and tell us how well it works.

[roadcat]

Secondly, recharging your iPhone or iPad could be problematic if you don't have access to power.

I use a solar panel setup with my iPad to keep it charged. It's a Goal Zero setup, two foldout 7W solar panels (total 14W) linked together to a Guide 10 battery pack containing 4 AA cells. The iPad plugs into that. It was real nice when I went to Hawaii with a bunch of relatives, unfolded and hung the solar panels outside the beach umbrella. Used it all day long on the beach and it kept the iPad charged and it was in continual use.

The setup can also be draped over your backpack, or bicycle when on the move. The foldout panels have an accessory bag and clips. That having been said, it's great everywhere where you expect a 3G signal. In the boonies, it's just an entertainment device if you can't get a 3G signal for GPS etc.

[Enlightened1]

iPhone 6 has a better camera, its a phone and more portable.

You may want to wait until after September 9th. A new iPhone 6 (the S version) is coming out along with a new 12.9” iPad. Oh and iOS 9.0.

The new chips on the iPhone 6S and iPads should be more powerful. Although the current chips are very good.

[PeteB570]

Topo Maps is an app you can download to your phone.

Works like a GPS device on your phone. It works anywhere.

You have to know the area you will be hiking/camping in and download the 1:25,000 map sheets at home through your Wi-Fi.

Yes, it is a battery hog but works well if you only turn it on now and again to check your position.

When I’m in the woods I carry two different battery chargers. The Mophie will give me two charges from 10% and the Power Traveller will give me three. Starting with 100% I’m good for a week.

[Yosemitest]

I bought a Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit used and in good shape from E-Bay for very little money.
I have 2 Powerfim Rollable Solar Charger R-21 and the connecting cabler snd voltage regulator for them, that will handle up to 45 Watts, for less than 3 pounds of weight, all bought on E-bay for less than retail price.
I can't wait to put them to use on the trail.

[Yosemitest]

"it is a battery hog but works well if you only turn it on now and again to check your position."

That's my plan.
I want to check into the iPhone 6Plus, and buy either it or the iPad, and my purchase will be after the 1st of the new year.
But I think Apple will be the lightest choice, and the most useful one.
I just don't know how long it will take me to "LEARN THE NEW SYSTEM" going from a very old brick cell phone to a smart iPhone or iPad.

[PeteB570]

When I was doing Geocaching I used my old Trek GPS unit plus the Topo Map app on my iPhone.

The Trek would run all day on a couple of AA’s and when I got close I’d fire up the iPhone and use both to home in on the cache site.

Worked for me - plus if I got up on top of a mountain I could watch Netflix at night. :)

[semimojo]

Hiked the JMT last summer with a few USB chargeable devices. There are some pretty good solar options out there that won’t weigh you down.

[Yosemitest]

I bought 2 Brunton SYNC Power Reservoirs, but I haven't used them yet.
They're 9,000 mAh batteries with an output of 2,000 mA / 5V. They weigh 12.7 oz each.
I need to use them and see how they do.

[Yosemitest]

I know, and they’re getting lighter and more powerful with each new release.

[Yosemitest]

Check this out.

Used PowerFilm Rollable Solar Charger. R15-1200 21 Watts
Current bid:US $53.00 as of Wed Sept 2, 2015 at 09:22:05 AM Central.

[semimojo]

Wow, 21 watts ought to do it.

I considered the film chargers but was a little worried about the durability. I was hiking most of the day so needed something I could strap to my pack and charge as I hiked. This one looks a little too long for that application.

I ended up with the Powermonkey which worked great. They have newer 5w versions too.

[skr]

Thank you

[Yosemitest]

My pleasure.