Hiking Mobile Applications (Apps)

AllTrails Mobile App

AllTrails is a fitness and travel mobile app used for hiking. The app allows users to access a database of trail maps, which includes crowdsourced reviews and images. Depending on a user’s subscription plan, these resources can be used online and offline.

It is accessible through a mobile app or a web browser for computers. Users can access the app’s advanced features via a subscription service called AllTrails+.

Registration is required on AllTrails. Users can register via Apple, Facebook, Google or by manually entering their name, email and password.

Once a user has registered, they will be able to search and explore trails, as well as read reviews for those trails left by other users. Upon arriving at a trail, a user will be able to see information about the trail, track their activity, or even add new trails to the service. Additional features are available but require users to purchase a subscription plan in order to access them.

Strava Hiking Mobile App

Strava can be used for hiking to track your activity, explore trails, and connect with other hikers. It allows you to record your hikes, analyze your performance, and share your adventures with friends. Strava also offers features like route building and Beacon for safety.

OnX Backcountry Mobile App

OnX Backcountry is a mobile app designed for planning and navigating hiking and backpacking. It offers a range of features, including offline maps, GPS tracking, route building tools, and detailed trail information, all powered by a combination of onX’s own data and information from sources like Mountain Project and Hiking Project.

Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS is primarily used for outdoor navigation and trip planning, especially in backcountry and off-grid situations. It is a powerful mapping tool for activities like hiking and backpacking. Users can download maps for offline use, create routes, track their location, and access various map layers like topographic maps, satellite imagery, and weather overlays.

Garmin Explore

The Garmin Explore app is a mobile application designed for outdoor enthusiasts to plan, navigate, and track their adventures. It allows users to access maps, create routes, sync data with compatible Garmin devices, and share their experiences. Garmin Explore can also be used as a health logger and an emergency response app with a Garmin InReach device. A Garmin inReach device is a handheld satellite communicator that allows users to send and receive text messages, track and share their location, and trigger an SOS in emergency situations, all via the Iridium satellite network, even in areas without cell service. These devices are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers who need reliable communication in remote locations.

FarOut

The FarOut app, formerly known as Guthook, is a navigation app designed for long-distance hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It provides detailed, offline maps, waypoints, and other information for various trails, allowing users to plan routes and track their progress. The app also facilitates communication among hikers through check-in features and user-generated comments on waypoints. The FarOut app is favored by Appalachian Trail (AT) thru and section hikers because of the wealth of trail specific information available.

komoot

komoot is a mobile application for route planning and navigation, primarily for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling. It offers features such as turn-by-turn voice navigation, offline maps, and GPS tracking to help users explore the outdoors. You can plan out hikes, walks, bike rides, and add insights that you want to see as well as record hikes. You can also just pull hikes that other people have done.

Outdooractive

Outdooractive is a digital platform and mobile app designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering route planning, navigation, and access to a vast library of trails and outdoor information. It provides tools for planning, recording, and sharing outdoor adventures, and includes features like offline maps and augmented reality.

AllTrails+ vs. Strava vs. OnX Backcountry

All three mobile apps have their uses, but which hiking app is right for you? AllTrails+ is a popular hiking app, Strava has a strong social component, and OnX Backcountry has interesting functionality. A video from Backpacking TV highlights the differences.