Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Testing Apple's new iOS 18 hiking tools & satellite messaging in Joshua Tree, see what works and what still needs work.
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* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
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I tested Apple's iOS 18 hiking features in Joshua Tree's 110-degree heat to see what works and what doesn't. The new Apple Maps hiking interface shows popular trails, elevation profiles, and saved routes. The custom route tool snaps points to trails like Garmin or Strava, and routes can be sent to Apple Watch Ultra for turn-by-turn navigation. Non-emergency satellite messaging now lets you check in from the backcountry without a subscription. Some features are still rough in beta, route accuracy varies, and the interface has quirks, but the direction is solid for hikers who want iPhone-native tools without carrying extra devices.
00:00 Hiking Trails
02:36 Custom Routes
03:56 Trail Testing
06:44 Check Ins
07:22 Satellite Messaging
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Testing Apple's new iOS 18 hiking tools & satellite messaging in Joshua Tree, see what works and what still needs work.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
I tested Apple's iOS 18 hiking features in Joshua Tree's 110-degree heat to see what works and what doesn't. The new Apple Maps hiking interface shows popular trails, elevation profiles, and saved routes. The custom route tool snaps points to trails like Garmin or Strava, and routes can be sent to Apple Watch Ultra for turn-by-turn navigation. Non-emergency satellite messaging now lets you check in from the backcountry without a subscription. Some features are still rough in beta, route accuracy varies, and the interface has quirks, but the direction is solid for hikers who want iPhone-native tools without carrying extra devices.
00:00 Hiking Trails
02:36 Custom Routes
03:56 Trail Testing
06:44 Check Ins
07:22 Satellite Messaging
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
