If you’re a devoted Apple Watch user who enjoys taking on mountain hikes, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll unveil some lesser-known functions of the Apple Watch that can enhance your hiking and outdoor adventures. From altitude alerts to safety features, discover how to make the most of your device during your excursions.
Altitude Alerts on Apple Watch
When trekking through mountainous terrain, it’s essential to keep track of your elevation. The Apple Watch offers a handy feature that allows you to set altitude alerts. To activate this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap the information icon at the top left.
- Select the “Altitude” section under “Set Target Alert.”
- Set your desired altitude for notifications.
Now, your Apple Watch will notify you when you reach the specified altitude, helping you stay aware of your surroundings.
Mobile and Emergency Calls
Safety is paramount when hiking in remote areas. Your Apple Watch can provide quick access to emergency calls and your mobile network. Here’s what you need to do:
- Set up emergency contacts in the Health app on your iPhone.
- Activate the emergency calling option in your Apple Watch settings.
To use this function, press and hold the side button of your Apple Watch, located below the digital crown. Then, slide the button to access the Emergency SOS action. Your Apple Watch will immediately call emergency services and share your location with them, providing you with peace of mind during your adventures.
Compass and Landmarks App
The Compass application on your Apple Watch can offer valuable information while hiking in the mountains. By touching the top left of the app, you can access details about your heading, altitude, inclination, and latitude and longitude coordinates. You can also set altitude alerts and targets, as previously mentioned.
If your Apple Watch is updated to watchOS 10, you can view waypoints you’ve created with the Compass app. To see manually created waypoints and automatic ones, follow these steps:
- Open the Compass app.
- Tap on the information icon and select “Landmark.”
- Tap “Compass Reference Point.”
Additionally, you can configure your Apple Watch to display true north instead of magnetic north. To do this, go to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Compass, and choose the “Use True North” option.
Third-Party Applications Recommended for Hikers
To enhance your hiking experience, consider using these third-party iPhone applications alongside your Apple Watch:
- Komoot: Komoot allows you to plan routes and explore new paths. It offers a community of outdoor enthusiasts, detailed topographic maps, terrain difficulty information, and suggestions for places to eat and rest.
- AllTrails: AllTrails is a fantastic app for hikers and trekkers. It provides an extensive trail database with route length, elevation, user comments, and photos. Discover new routes, mark your favorites, and follow them with turn-by-turn navigation.
By combining the capabilities of your Apple Watch with these recommended apps, you can make the most of your mountain hiking adventures.
