As technology continues to evolve, so do our options for exploring the great outdoors. Hiking apps have become invaluable tools for planning and navigating adventures, offering a range of features that can enhance your experience. We delved into some of the most popular hiking apps to provide insights into their pros and cons.
Key Features to Consider:
Maps: Always check if maps of your next hiking destination are available in the app.
Offline Use: Ensure the app can be used in offline mode. You don't want to find yourself on a mountain unable to open a map.
Planning: Some top hiking apps let you trace trail lines automatically, saving you time in planning and preparation.
GPX Import/Export: Check if the app supports exchanging routes using the GPX file format.
Cost: Most apps offer a free trial, but to access all features, you’ll usually need to pay. Subscriptions are often monthly or yearly.
Photo: Getty Images
Best hiking apps in 2024
Visorando
Features: Offline map usage, Easily readable elevation chart, huge route library to choose from
Likes: Simple Interface, detailed and moderated route descriptions, “Go to starting point” feature linked to Google Maps, unlimited offline downloads without upgrading to premium
Dislikes: App sometimes slows down in low-connectivity areas, so we recommend preparing ahead of time with map downloads.
Cost: Free (basic use, ads), 4.99/month (customizable maps, real-time position sharing, etc.)
GPX: Import and export supported.
AllTrails
Features: Search for nearby trails, navigation, progress tracking (including elevation), activity records, and community reviews.
Likes: Good user interface, accurate GPS location details, extensive reviews, and tips.
Dislikes: Requires the AllTrails Pro version for offline use and better GPS features. The nearby trails database may not satisfy experienced hikers.
Cost: Free (basic app, no offline maps), $35.99/year (offline maps, enhanced GPS).
GPX: Import and export supported.
GaiaGPS
Features: Navigation and tracking, preset maps, GPS navigation for outdoor use, offline maps.
Likes: Excellent for route planning, advanced features, and offline map use.
Dislikes: Map downloads can be time-consuming, and the app has a longer learning curve.
Cost: Free (basic use, no offline maps), $39.99/year (Premium version with offline and worldwide maps).
GPX: Import and export supported.
Komoot
Features: Create your own routes, save maps offline, GPS coordination, discover new trails, and voice navigation.
Likes: Turn-by-turn navigation, easy hike discovery, user-posted highlights.
Dislikes: Clunky user interface requiring multiple steps to access desired features.
Cost: Free (basic use, no offline maps), $29.99/year (Premium version with offline and worldwide maps).
GPX: Import and export supported.
Osmand
Features: Offline travel maps, offline navigation, topography, hike recording, route planning, travel tools (widgets, radius ruler, compass).
Likes: Offline route planning, visual data (elevation, distance), customizable map display.
Dislikes: High battery usage (over 20% per hour of navigation), complex user interface.
Cost: Free (basic use, 7 map downloads), $29.99/year (Premium version with offline and worldwide maps).
GPX: Import and export supported.
Outdooractive
Features: Route planning, OS grid reference, track recording, community site, augmented reality, 3D route preview.
Likes: Reliable snap-to-path mode, accurate track recording,and a large library of community routes.
Dislikes: Clunky user interface, requires a data connection for some features.
Cost: Free (basic use, no offline maps, ads), $4.99/month (Pro version with offline maps, no ads, 3D planning).
GPX: Import and export supported.
Relive
Features: Elevation breakdowns, trail suggestions, real-time tracking, and social media-friendly content creation.
Likes: High-quality social media content (photos with hiking stats, route tracking with checkpoint photos, satellite video of your hike), reliable navigation.
Dislikes: The free version may face export issues due to network connections.
Cost: Free (basic use), $6.99/month (Pro version with HD videos).
Photo: Getty Images
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting, the right app can greatly enhance your outdoor adventures. By considering features like map availability, offline use, planning capabilities, GPX support, and cost, you can find the perfect hiking app to meet your needs. Embrace technology, plan wisely, and enjoy the great outdoors!