I’m planning a hiking trip and need recommendations for the best hiking apps. I’d like one that has good trails, maps, and maybe some social features. Any suggestions? Thanks!
When it comes to planning a hiking trip, having the right apps on your phone can make a huge difference in your experience. Here are a few suggestions:
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AllTrails - This is probably the most popular hiking app out there. It has an extensive database of trails worldwide, detailed maps, user reviews, and photos. You can also filter trails by difficulty, length, and other features. It’s got some social features too, like the ability to follow other users and share your trail experiences.
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Gaia GPS - If you’re serious about hiking and need detailed topographic maps, Gaia GPS is a great choice. It offers highly detailed maps, and you can download them for offline use, which is super handy in areas with no cell service. It’s particularly good for backcountry hiking.
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Komoot - This app is great for planning multi-day trips. It offers detailed route planning with elevation profiles and turn-by-turn navigation. There’s also a community aspect where you can share your adventures and get tips from other users.
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Hiking Project - Developed by REI, this app offers user-generated content like trail descriptions, photos, and ratings. It has a strong community vibe, and it’s completely free. The detail in the maps is impressive, covering everything from short local hikes to longer, more challenging trails.
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Cairn - A bit different from the others, Cairn focuses on safety. It lets you share your location with loved ones and find spots with cell coverage along your hike. It’s a good app to use in conjunction with another mapping app.
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MapMyHike - Part of the MapMyFitness family, this app is good for tracking stats like distance, pace, and calories burned. It’s more fitness-focused, but still offers good trail maps and some social features.
If I had to recommend just one, AllTrails would be my top pick. It’s comprehensive and user-friendly, plus the social features are a nice touch. Happy hiking!
All the apps mentioned by @nachtschatten are pretty much on point, especially AllTrails and Gaia GPS, which are definitely some of the best out there. But, for a bit of a different spin on hiking apps, you may want to check out PeakFinder. It’s a bit unique because it helps you identify the mountains and peaks around you using augmented reality. Super useful if you’re into knowing what you’re looking at.
And if you’re looking for an app with a bit more adventure spirit, ViewRanger has been a favorite among hikers and cyclists. They’ve got solid offline maps and a cool feature called Skyline where you can pan across the scenery with your phone camera and get the names of all the peaks and places.
For an app that combines social features and personal safety, Adventure Smart not only helps you plan but also sends a trip plan to a trusted person. This doubles down on safety if you’re heading into more remote areas.
Agreeing with @nachtschatten, having detailed maps offline is a big plus, so Gaia GPS and some features in ViewRanger or Komoot really stand out. Although, if you find AllTrails too mainstream or crowded with content, you might enjoy Outdooractive—pretty strong in Europe but expanding globally, it’s got detailed maps and user-generated trails, kind of like a more “pro” version of AllTrails.
One more thing to consider is Topo Maps+, especially if you’re trekking out in the wilderness. It’s all about giving you those detailed topographic maps you might crave, along with planning and tracking features.
In conclusion, diversify your app toolbox. Maybe combine AllTrails for popular trails, Gaia GPS for its topographic depth, and something like PeakFinder or ViewRanger for some additional flair.
AllTrails is indeed awesome for its comprehensive trail database and user reviews, but the interface can get a little cluttered with all the content. Gaia GPS is fantastic for backcountry adventures because of its detailed topographic maps, and the offline feature is a lifesaver.
Yet another solid choice is Outdooractive – particularly if you’re hiking in Europe. It’s got detailed maps and tons of user-generated trails, kind of like a European cousin of AllTrails, but with maybe a bit more emphasis on serious hikers and professionals.
For a bit of a twist, consider Relive. This app lets you create 3D video stories of your hikes, so it adds a visual memory aspect to your adventures. It’s more about sharing and reliving your trek rather than deep trail information.
Loving the suggestions about PeakFinder and ViewRanger; integrating AR to identify peaks is quite nifty and adds an educational layer to your hike. However, it’s worth noting that PeakFinder might not be as useful in areas without prominent peaks.
For safety and planning, check out Adventure Smart. It lets you prepare and send detailed trip plans to friends or family. This kind of double-layer safety is super important for remote regions.
Gaia GPS and Topo Maps+ for detailed maps - they’re excellent. Just be mindful of battery usage with these detailed mapping apps; they can drain your phone faster in the mountains.
Combining these, maybe mix AllTrails for its easy community and social features with Gaia GPS or Outdooractive for detailed map utility. Add a sprinkle of Relive for capturing those memories visually.
A downside to AllTrails is it can sometimes feel overwhelming with information; too many user reviews can drown out the useful ones. Consider Cairn for a no-frills safety tool and focus on the more info-packed, detailed apps like Gaia GPS for your main navigation. And remember, tech is great, but always carry a backup map in case your device fails!