Thru-hikers’ smartphone use on the Pacific Crest Trail

ABSTRACT

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs from Mexico to Canada across the western United States. Attempting to complete the entire trail (i.e. thru-hiking) is increasingly popular. We surveyed 560 PCT thru-hikers and found that 97% carried smartphones. This study examined backcountry smartphone use along the PCT. We assessed thru-hikers’ daily smartphone use, different smartphone use behaviours, and days on the trail. Factor analysis categorized the smartphone use behaviours into logical groups: communication, navigation, feeling safe, boredom alleviation, and photography. Regression analysis found that days on the trail, navigation, and boredom alleviation were significant, positive predictors of thru-hikers’ daily smartphone use. Additionally, females were significantly more likely than males to report using smartphones to feel safe. Smartphones are fully integrated into daily life, so outdoor recreation managers should understand how to employ the technology to enhance rather than hinder the quality of outdoor recreation experiences. Implications and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Boredom
• experience
• hiking
• outdoor recreation
• gender
• safety
• smartphones

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Lepp

Andrew Lepp is a Professor in the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management program at Kent State University, USA. His research examines interactions between leisure and new media (e.g. smartphones, social media, online games, etc.) with a focus on psychological and behavioral impacts.

Jeff Rose

Dr Jeff Rose is an Assistant Professor-Lecturer in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah, USA. His research uses qualitative methods to examine systemic inequities expressed through class, race, political economy, and relationships to nature. He uses this justice-focused lens to study homelessness in parks, socioecological systems, outdoor education, and place attachment in protected areas.

Kensey Amerson

Kensey Amerson earned her Master's degree from the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program at the University of Utah, USA. She now works as an outdoor recreation professional.

Daniel Dustin

Daniel Dustin is Professor Emeritus of outdoor recreation studies at the University of Utah, USA. His interests are the ethical and moral bases for leisure preferences and behaviors.