How hikers can use AI

Before you go

Whether you’re heading out on a short jaunt into a nearby forest or a life-changing, two-month expedition across a mountain ridge, planning makes everything smoother. Here are a few ways AI tools set you up for your time on the trail:

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Hiking training plan

Most important for longer hikes, but valuable for all, a training plan gets you in trail-ready shape. Generative AI suggests exercises, stretches, and routines to build muscle, stamina, and flexibility. Try AI prompts like these to create a training plan and schedule just for you:

• I need to train for a 40-mile hike. Create a two-month hiking training plan. I want to focus on strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.
• Create a personalized hiking workout plan. Incorporate elements of yoga, tai chi, and weight training. Suggest a weekly schedule that gets progressively more challenging over a three-month period.

Hiking outfits, snacks, and essentials

When you’re ready to gear up, search and generative AI tools quickly list what you need and where to find it. Wondering what hiking outfit combines breathability and warmth? Unsure of how many snacks to pack? Try prompts like these to gather all the gear and essentials for your time on the trail:

• I’m going on a backcountry hiking trip for two weeks in a temperate climate. Make a list of what I should bring, including camping gear, hiking outfits, meals, water filter, first aid, etc. Include suggestions of where to find specific items for the best price.
• Provide recipes for lightweight, high-protein hiking snacks I can make at home. Tell me how much to make for a three-day hiking trip and which snacks pair well together.

Plan your route

Half the fun of hiking is deciding where to go, which paths to take, and which sights to see. Whether you’re wondering how to find hiking trails or want to know which routes are most challenging, use Generative AI as your guide. Collaborate on personalized routes and solidify your hiking plan with prompts like these:

• I’m looking for a moderately challenging day hike within 100 miles of [location]. I’m hoping to incorporate bird watching and a swim in a lake or river. Find trail options that include length of hike, duration of hike, altitude and terrain analyses, effort estimation, and average trail review.
• I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail for three weeks. Provide options for where to start and end, highlights of each route, and tips for making it a great trip.

On the trail

While you’re hiking, AI apps enhance an already beautiful experience. Get more out of your hike with these innovative AI tools:

• Identify plants, wildlife, and celestial objects: Point your smart camera to use AI image search and identification apps for plant, wildlife, and sky identification.
• Navigate the trail: AI trail apps provide in-the-moment trail navigation, including voice navigation to guide your way as you walk.
• Optimize your route: AI-powered trail and weather apps recommend route optimizations based on trail conditions and weather predictions.
• Connect with emergency resources: Satellite-linked AI hiking apps provide automated SOS alerts, emergency weather updates, and more.

With AI for training, planning, and on-the-ground optimizing, you’re in for better hiking trips start to finish. For more ways to enjoy nature, learn about summer day trip ideas and how to take your work outside.