Outdoors and the mobile device

The Outdoors and Your Mobile Device

The Outdoor Economy

• More than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a part of their daily lives.• Camping, fishing, hunting• Off- Roading, bicycling• Trail Sports- Hiking, Backpacking, Trail Running, Climbing• Water Sports- Kayaking, Canoeing, Boating, Rafting• Snow Sports- Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing• Wildlife Viewing

• Enthusiasts spend $646 billion each year on their outdoor hobbies.• $120.7 billion in apparel and equipment• $524.8 billion in transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment

• 6.1 Million Americans work in Outdoor Recreation jobs

The Role of Technology

• More than 60% of outdoor enthusiasts age 18-44 use technology to search for information on outdoor recreation opportunities.

• Advances in technology have played a role in the attractiveness of outdoor activities such as lightweight and water proof electronics.

Growing Activities

• Outdoor recreation has gone from a “nice to have” to a “must have”

• Health Benefits• Affordability• Easy Access

• Most activities have increased 5% from 2006-2011• Walking outdoors, hiking, wildlife viewing and photography and

bicycling are the most popular activities.

BACKPACKERThe 10 Best Apps for the Outdoors

1. MotionX GPS: This app offers attractive topographical maps that can be downloaded ahead of time so you’re not reliant on spotty or nonexistent 3G coverage in the boonies.

2. GPS Trip Journal: Capture photos and take notes tied to waypoints to create a rich, Indiana Jones-style journal of your adventures.

3. Elevation Pro: Tap anywhere on the map or satellite view to get an instant readout of its elevation, based on the internal GPS or USGS surveying.

4. Peaks: Hold your camera up to the landscape, and Peaks adds the names of all the mountains within range, their elevation, and your distance from them.

5. Park Maps: Download the official Park Service map of any national park in the United States.

6. GoSkyWatch Planetarium: Enjoy the night sky even more with this app, which gives you information on whatever celestial body you point to.

7. Sunrise: Determine the exact time of sunrise, sunset, and twilight before and after each based on your precise geographical location.

8. Backpacker Checklist: Make sure you have everything you need with this thorough checklist.  

9. GoToAid: Clear, nicely illustrated instructions for medical emergencies from minor cuts to broken arms.

10. US Army Survival Guide: Deal with anything nature throws at you, Army-style, with this thorough survival reference. Chapters on food- and water-finding skills, shelter, and firecraft join appendices on plant and animal identification.

Meetup

Connects people of similar interests within the same location to meet and enjoy their hobbies offline.

The Sibley e-Guide to the Birds of North America

Lists an index of birds in your location. See numerous photos, find their location on a map and listen to bird calls.

REIShop for outdoor equipment and apparel for any outdoor sport. Purchase with your mobile device or locate a store near you.

iTrail MapView maps of ski resorts across the US and other continents. Locate the easy or difficult slopes, lifts, and hotel locations.

Resources

• 10 Best iPhone Apps for the Outdoors, Logan Kugler, Backpacker, http://www.backpacker.com/10-best-iphone-apps-for-the-outdoors/gear/14590

• The Outdoor Recreation Economy, Outdoor Industry Association, 2012

• Trends in Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Michigan State Parks & Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel, http://janus.pscinc.com/ParkandRecPanel/panel_materials/National%20Recreation%20Trends%20White%20Paper.pdf