This site serves as a blog introducing the best apps for beginners and more experienced hikers. Currently there are three categories: 1) Hiking Maps; 2) Navigation Tools; 3) Apps that provide useful information while hiking, such as Weather, Distance/Elevation data, etc. In addition to these categories and their subcategories, you’ll find an overview of some of the most popular apps, book reviews and news articles related to hiking apps.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Hiking Navigation
- AllTrails
AllTrails is one of the best hiking apps in the appstore
Screenshots from Apple App Store
AllTrails is one of the most well-known hiking apps out there. With over 20 million users and 100,000 trails worldwide, it’s easy to see why. This is my go-to hike planning app.
Hikes are searchable based on difficulty, length, elevation gain, route type, and user rating. You can also search hikes based on tags, like trail running, dog-friendly, or wildflowers.
Once you find a hike, you can view specific details, like distance and an elevation profile map. All Trails also provides tips and information on getting to the trailhead, how long the hike should take, and reviews from users.
All Trails also allows its users to record their hikes, tracking the route using GPS and time to complete.
While the base version of All Trails is free, they also offer a Pro version for $29.99 per year. AllTrails Pro allows you to download maps offline and sends you notifications if you stray off-trail. The Pro version also comes with 3D maps!
Available on: iOS & Android
Price: Free & Paid Versions ($29.99/year)
- Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS Hiking App
Screenshot from Apple App Store
Gaia GPS is one of the most popular hiking apps for navigation. In this app, you can do everything: finding new trails, recording your route, and saving hike statistics and performance.
The app will even tell you the weather forecast and help you find camping near your hike!
There is both a free and paid version of the Gaia GPS hiking app. For most day hikers, the free version is enough. In the free version, you can view both topographic and satellite maps and track your hike with cell service.
For backpackers or advanced hikers, I recommend the paid version. For only $39.99 per year, the paid version of Gaia GPS unlocks offline maps, including backpacking, off-road driving, backcountry skiing, and mountain biking maps. The offline map feature is crucial for being able to navigate and stay on trail without cell service.
Available on: iOS & Android
Price: Free & Paid Versions ($39.99/year)
- PeakVisor
PeakVisor hiking App
Screenshot from Apple App Store
Have you ever looked off in the distance and said, “what mountain is that?”. If so, I’ve got good news for you! It’s an app called PeakVisor. Here’s how it works: you open the app on your phone, point it at the peak, and it will tell you, using a combination of image recognition and GPS location.
You can even upload pictures of mountains from past hikes or when you’re without service and the app will identify those too! The catalog of mountain peaks is over 1 million. This app also offers a compass, great for navigation on hikes.
PeakVisor comes in both a free and pro version. The free version allows you to use most of the app’s features. The Pro version’s biggest advantage is offline peak identification and maps – no cell service required!
Available on: iOS & Android
Price: Free & Pro Versions ($29.99/year)
- Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the best hiking apps in the appstore
Screenshots from Apple App Store
There’s a very high likelihood you’re already using this app. But I’d be willing to bet you’re not using it to its full functionality. Google Maps‘ best feature for hikers is the ability to download maps offline.
Downloading maps ahead of time will ensure you’re able to navigate to the trailhead even if you lose service. Since GPS continues to work without cell phone service, you can use Google Maps to navigate with your downloaded map.
Many popular trails in busy parks are also shown on Google Maps, allowing you to track your progress on the trail and stay on track.
In the app, you can download a customized region. I recommend downloading the area from your home to your trailhead and the full trail area.
To download offline in Google Maps, just go to the app, select Offline Maps from the menu, select a custom map to highlight the area, and then click download.
Available on: iOS & Android
Price: Free
- Guthook Guides
Guthook Guides Hiking App
Screenshot from Apple App Store
Guthook Guides is the most popular smartphone app for long-distance hiking and backpacking. With over 35,000 miles of trails in its database, it’s a go-to for thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail. In fact, it was developed by former thru-hikers who understood the need for a reliable offline map.
In the app, you’ll find detailed trail information like distance, elevation, waypoints, water sources, and campsites, all viewable on topographic or satellite maps. The app actively tracks your location on the map, making sure you’re always on trail. All of this works offline without cell reception.
The app itself is free, but each trail is purchased individually. You can buy full trail guides for thru-hikes or buy smaller trail guides for national parks. The guides range from $4.99 to $59.99, depending on trail length. The app does offer some free demo trails to get you started too.
Hiking project app
What is the Hiking Project?
Hiking Project, as you might have gathered already, is an app solely dedicated to hikers. It was created by REI, a brand renowned for outdoor gear. The app is equipped with details on hiking trails worldwide and provides some handy features to help you figure out the most suitable trail for you.
Users can contribute to the database by providing details on local hiking trails for others to benefit from it. Hiking Project boasts of providing guide-book quality trail information and navigation tips by reviewing all user submissions to ensure they are accurate and reliable.
Is Hiking Project a Free App?
Yes! Hiking Project is available for free of charge. It is available in both website and mobile versions (Android and iOS compatibility). Although it’s free, it doesn’t contain advertisements either.
Hiking Project Mobile App
Image courtesy: Hiking Project
Hiking Project Features
Search for trails
The app opens to a map, and you have to click on the arrow to specify your location and move the map around to find trails located nearby. Hiking Project has over 65,000 trails from around the world in its database, similar to AllTrails.
Trail information
If you click on a trail, you can read the description of the trail, elevation characters, difficulty level, ratings, additional information, reviews left by previous hikers, and other trails found nearby. There’s not a ton of information, but enough to give you the overall picture.
Navigation and tracking
The app offers four main types of apps, namely terrain, satellite, OSM, and NeoTreks. You can download the maps beforehand and use them for navigation even when there’s no cell service in the trail. All you have to do is download the GPX file and upload it to a GPS supporting device. You can also trace your route in the airplane mode and check your progress, ensuring you don’t go off track.
User contributions
You can submit information on new trails with a review and pictures. It will be published after being reviewed for authenticity. Additionally, you can also leave comments, ratings, and updated information on existing trails.
Hiking
Photo by Dannii Coughlan on Unsplash
What We Like About Hiking Project?
User-friendly interface
Although Hiking Project is not loaded with extra features, it offers a simple, clean, and organized user interface that’s easy to navigate. So, if what you are looking for is a basic app with no-frills to support your hiking adventures, this is it.
Free!
Free outdoor apps are often blamed for sloppy features, but Hiking Project really stands out in this case. It offers some great and reliable features for an app that’s free of charge. Best of all, it doesn’t spam your interface with advertisements and diminish your experience.
Mammoth database
If you are someone in the U.S, rest assured that you will have a lot of trail options for hiking. There is a lot of options for users from other countries, and it keeps increasing with time!
Offline functionality
Cell reception is often unreliable when you are out in the wild, and you need a reliable app to help you complete the hike safely. Hiking Project has in-built GPS to trace your route and keep you updated about your location.
What We Don’t Like About Hiking Project?
Drains your battery
Use of the app can drain your battery faster even when using it on airplane mode, and it’s one of the common complaints we found out about the app. If you are using Hiking Project for tracking, we recommend you take a power bank or satellite charger with you.
Lack of extras
Compared to other leading outdoor apps like AllTrails, the features offered by Hiking Project are pretty limited. You don’t have access to additional features like real-time overlays and off-route notifications – all of which are offered by AllTrails premium (if you are interested to learn more, read our review here).
Lackluster search feature
Hiking Project also doesn’t offer the option of searching for trail options using filters, difficulty levels, and activity types. You have to click on a trail to review the information and reviews provided and find out if it’s suitable for you.
Hiking Project Sticker
Image courtesy: Hiking Project
Is Hiking Project a Good Choice?
Many Hiking Project reviews said it’s a great app for beginners looking for day hikes. So, it may not be the ideal choice for serious hikers looking for advanced features like route building. That being said, you can use it to browse for trails located close to you and review their background information. Its offline functionality is another major benefit to consider. Overall, it’s best to review the above pros and cons before making a decision – but since it’s free of charge, you can always try it first hand and decide as well!
Pilot – Your Best Travel Planner
If you need a handy app to plan your nature-bound adventures or trips to anywhere on earth, we recommend you try Pilot. It’s a social travel planner that lets you plan trips together with friends, family, and even work colleagues. Say goodbye to clutter, as this is the only app you need to keep all your travel details organized to the dot!
Conclusion
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