Imagine you’re trekking through a lush forest, surrounded by the symphony of nature—the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of a nearby stream. As a hiking enthusiast, you relish these moments of solitude and connection with the great outdoors. However, sometimes you may also want to add a soundtrack to your adventure without compromising your awareness of your surroundings. That’s where bone conduction headphones come into play.
About 3 weeks ago I purchased my first set of bone conduction headphones- Shokz OpenRun Sport Headphones is the brand/model I went with. While on a recent bike ride a friend of mine introduced me to them. Before that encounter, I never knew that this type of headphone existed, but it was really the technology that I needed for when I’m out on the trail. I am often hiking or biking in a place where I want to hear the sounds around me, not just to enjoy the sounds of nature but also to be prepared for any oncoming hazards.
The Science Behind Bone Conduction
Apparently this type of technology is not new, but its application in headphones has opened up exciting possibilities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts like you and I. Unlike traditional headphones that transmit sound through the eardrums, bone conduction headphones bypass the eardrums entirely. Instead, they deliver sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. Amazing!
Safety First: Stay Aware, Stay Safe
One of my primary concerns is maintaining situational awareness while on the trail. Traditional headphones can block out ambient sounds, making it difficult to hear approaching wildlife (rattlesnakes on the trails of SoCal is my main concern), fellow hikers, the bell of a mountain biker, or potential hazards like falling rocks, cars approaching from behind, etc. Bone conduction headphones solve this problem by leaving your ears open, allowing you to remain fully aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favorite tunes or podcasts. Personally, I find these amazing for situations where I would never consider wearing my AirPods, e.g. while riding in traffic.
Comfort and Versatility
Comfort is key when it comes to outdoor gear, and bone conduction headphones excel in this area. The Shokz OpenRun Sport Headphones are lightweight and their open-ear design ensures a comfortable fit for long hikes, without the discomfort of earbuds or over-ear headphones. I like that they don’t slip or move with my movements, and I can easily wear them for hours, like I did today on my first test hike to Santa Ysabel Preserve, without any discomfort.
Any downsides?
I don’t think I would replace my Apple Airpods outright with this type of headphone. They certainly don’t have the same audio quality, and in an in-ear solution is far better for those moments where complete focus on what you’re listening to is needed. Also, for iPhone users who have become accustomed to interacting with Siri with their Airpods, these headphones don’t have that same seamless integration. You can activate Siri via one of the buttons on the side, however Siri does not announce texts nor does it let you know who’s calling when your phone rings. They definitely have their application though, and I’ll be keeping them as my go-to for biking and hiking.
Check them out here on Amazon.