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Essential 12 Outdoor Mobile Applications You Shouldn't Miss Out On

Explored numerous hiking and camping trails across the U.S., revealing the indispensable 12 apps that are always in my travel arsenal. Wondering if you have all of them as well?

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4 min read
Explored various U.S. trails and wilderness areas, and these 12 mobile apps are my indispensable...
Explored various U.S. trails and wilderness areas, and these 12 mobile apps are my indispensable companions. Got them all?.?

Essential 12 Outdoor Mobile Applications You Shouldn't Miss Out On

So far this summer, I've trekked over 230 miles across 72 hikes, scaling more than 50,000 feet in elevation. Summing it up, I'm a card-carrying member of Team Extreme Hiker.

Not only have I conquered numerous trails, but I've also camped out under the stars in the majestic Rocky Mountains more times than I can count.

Now, you might wonder what all these adventures have to do with the apps gracing your smartphone screen. Well, I've dived into a good chunk of hiking and camping apps out there, and only a select few have made the cut as stable companions wherever I go.

These apps are the ones I'd never leave home without – and neither should you. Here's a rundown of my must-haves.

Hiking Apps

Embark on any trail with these essential hiking apps in your pocket, suitable for hikers of all experience levels.

  1. AllTrails Pro
  2. OnX Backcountry
  3. Earthmate (by Garmin)

1. AllTrails

Best Feature: Discovering fresh trails and staying updated on current conditions

AllTrails, my initial foray into the hiking app world, has remained my trusty trail-finder. It's a bit like Yelp – except instead of restaurants, you get access to breathtaking hiking trails. You can peruse hikes near you or search for locations like National Parks or towns to explore local trails.

My favorite aspect is reading trail reviews and viewing user-submitted photos, which help me decide which trails to tackle and stay updated on trail conditions.

Case in point: I've picked hikes based on an enticing photo posted by a fellow trekker, such as the one of Avalanche Lake in the screenshot below.

So, whether you're a novice or a seasoned hiker, AllTrails will see you right. One caveat? AllTrails has a tendency to underestimate distance, which is why OnX Backcountry is a useful companion for those moments.

2. OnX Backcountry

Best Feature: Accurate distance estimation and creating personalized routes

When you crave more precision, more measuring tools, and ultimately, even more adventure, it's time for OnX Backcountry. I've used OnX to plan our backpacking journey in Glacier National Park, allowing me to see the whole route's distance and elevation gain/loss, even though our route wasn't listed on other apps.

I saved the route on my phone for offline use and also downloaded an extensive area around our route so I could access maps without phone service. I also love that I can view up-to-date fire information and enjoy trail reviews from fellow hikers.

Alternatives for OnX include Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps – both great options if you fancy them.

3. Earthmate (by Garmin)

Best Feature: Emergency assistance and access to detailed topographic maps

Remember, it's always crucial to have a way to reach emergency services during any outdoor adventure. The Garmin InReach Explorer+ is our communication device of choice. As a result, Earthmate, the companion app for your smartphone, is always at the ready.

Earthmate turns my phone into a survival superhero, offering detailed topo maps, two-way messaging, and that necessary SOS button. The InReach device has been a lifesaver for countless people, such as this story of a father-son hiking trip in Wyoming.

The question is: why risk venturing into the wilderness without a lifeline? Peace of mind is worth more than any extra weight you add to your backpack.

Camping Apps

Gear up for your camping expedition with these must-have apps to aid in finding the perfect campgrounds, resources, and stargazing sessions.

  1. The Dyrt
  2. iOverlander
  3. Aurora & Stellarium
  4. Recreation.Gov

1. The Dyrt

Best Feature: Uncovering hidden gems and warning you about not-so-great camping spots

The Dyrt is like AllTrails but for campgrounds. With thousands of listings worldwide, it's like having your very own troop of nature-loving friends offering advice on the best places to camp.

The Dyrt Pro is perfect for finding campgrounds and free dispersed campsites, ensuring access to decent campsites even when offline.

Check out the screenshots below to see a map of campgrounds in the southern Colorado mountains and one of the campground listings for reference.

2. iOverlander

Best Feature: Finding resources like showers and water sources

Overlooked but packed with helpful intel from fellow travelers, iOverlander is a treasure trove of information on campgrounds, dispersed camping locations, and resources like showers, gas stations, and propane stations.

It's especially useful for locating camping areas off the beaten path on public land and obtaining essential resources along your travels.

3. Aurora

Best Feature: Keeping you abreast of the possibility of northern lights sightings

Aurora is a simple app to keep tabs on potential northern lights activity, especially if you're traveling in the northern United States. As we reach the peak of the sun's 11-year cycle, now is the perfect time to catch the northern lights in areas further south than usual.

4. Recreation.Gov

Best Feature: Booking campgrounds and activities in advance

Recreation.gov lists various government-run campgrounds and activities, including lotteries for famous trails like Angel's Landing, Hidden Lake, and The Wave, as well as national park campgrounds, vehicle reservations, timed entry permits, and backcountry wilderness permits. Having the app makes the booking process smoother and helps keep your reservations in check.

  1. My summer hiking odyssey has shown me vast landscapes, with 230 miles trekked and 50,000 feet of elevation gained, making me a seasoned adventurer.
  2. The majestic Rocky Mountains have been my camping grounds, under their towering peaks, more times than I can recall.
  3. A selection of hiking and camping apps have become my constant companions, helping me navigate trails andorganize my outdoor-living escapades.
  4. AllTrails is an invaluable tool for discovering new trails, reading trail reviews, and viewing user-submitted photos.
  5. When precision is essential, OnX Backcountry offers accurate distance estimation, personalized route planning, and up-to-date trail information.
  6. For peace of mind during my wilderness expeditions, Earthmate ensures that emergency assistance is just a fingertip away.
  7. The Dyrt helps me find the best campgrounds and hidden gems, while iOverlander offers indispensable information on resources like water sources and showers.
  8. Aurora alerts me to potential northern lights activity, and Recreation.gov streamlines my booking of campgrounds and activities, making organization a breeze in my home-and-garden lifestyle.

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