Essential Outdoor Apps for Your Smartphone (Selection of 12)
Hiking Essential Apps that You Can't Live Without
Ever since I've embarked on my outdoor adventures, I've pretty much tried every app out there for hikers. After countless attempts and testing, here are my must-have recommendations that I wouldn't dream of setting foot on the trail without.
Hiking Apps
These apps are absolute game changers for any trail adventurer, whether you're a rookie or seasoned hiker.
- AllTrails Pro
Best Use: Find trails and read recent trail reports.
I've been using AllTrails since day one of my hiking journey, and it has been my go-to trail finder ever since. It's like having a Yelp for hiking lovers, except the only wait times are for catching your breath during the hike.
Browse hikes nearby or search for specific locations like National Parks or forests. I adore reading recent reviews from fellow hikers to keep up-to-date on conditions and admire their photos that catch my eye for choosing the perfect trail.
And the best part? AllTrails is FREE TO USE. The pro version comes in handy if you want to download offline maps and access additional features.
Remember, choosing the appropriate hike for you is crucial, and AllTrails will be your guiding light.
Downside: If you've come across a meme about AllTrails twice as often as the number of times it underestimates the hike's distance, then you know what I mean.
- OnX Backcountry
Best Use: Accurate mileage, custom routes, and off-the-beaten-path hiking.
AllTrails is perfect for beginners, but to experience the thrill of more adventure, you need OnX Backcountry. This app provides accuracy, extensive measuring tools, and the freedom to explore hidden treasures far beyond AllTrails.
I've used OnX to map my backpacking trips to Glacier National Park and created a route that wasn't on AllTrails, allowing me to see the entire route's distance and elevation gain/loss effortlessly.
Download the route for offline use, and save an entire area surrounding your route for map access when cell service is absent. OnX also provides up-to-date fire information and reviews completed by other hikers.
Hailing from Missoula, Montana-based OnX gives us the satisfaction of supporting a fantastic local company!
Alternatives: Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps are excellent choices if you fancy them over OnX.
- Earthmate (by Garmin)
Ideal for Apple and Android.
Best Use: Emergency assistance.
Never venture into the great outdoors without a means of contacting emergency services. The Garmin InReach Explorer+ is our gadget of choice, so we always have the companion app, Earthmate, in our pockets.
Earthmate transforms your phone into a heroic sidekick complete with detailed topo maps, two-way messaging, and that life-saving SOS button.
Luckily, we've never had to use the SOS. Knock on wood! But one day, it could be the difference between life and death.
Why risk exploring the wilderness without the ability to summon help? The peace of mind is genuinely worth it.
- Strava
Ideal for Apple and Android.
Best Use: Activity tracking and boasting.
Strava may be a social platform for hiking enthusiasts, akin to Facebook, but with hiking mile statistics instead of life updates.
Strava integrates with my smartwatch to track my hikes, recording distance, elevation gain, heart rate, pace, and more. The pro version unlocks an even deeper dive into your stats.
Share your hiking achievements with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, complete with stunning scene photos. See the screenshot below, featuring my hike up Grinnell Glacier.
There's no better place to show off your hiking feats (you know, aside from in real life).
Camping Apps
Adventurers should have these apps handy whether planning an overnight stay or a multi-day camping trip.
- The Dyrt
Best Use: Finding campgrounds.
The Dyrt is like Yelp, AllTrails, and Facebook combined for campgrounds, providing thousands of listings worldwide.
Get the inside scoop on where to pitch your tent (and avoid unwelcome spots) from fellow outdoor enthusiasts who know the drill.
And The Dyrt Pro is perfect for finding campgrounds even when offline.
- iOverlander
Ideal for Apple and Android.
Best Use: Finding dispersed camping and resources like potable water, fuel, and garbage disposal sites.
iOverlander is an underestimated treasure for outdoor explorers. Overloaded with user-generated data, it's packed with helpful info on essential resources like clean water, fuel for the road, and trash disposal areas.
Discover dispersed campsites on public lands and plan your stay accordingly.
- Aurora & Stellarium
Ideal for Apple and Android.
Best Use: tracking the Northern Lights.
Aurora and Stellarium are the perfect pair for anyone wanting to learn more about the Northern Lights.
Simply set your location, and Aurora offers information on your chances of viewing the aurora borealis tonight and upcoming nights.
As we reach the peak of the sun's 11-year cycle, now's the time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights much farther south than normal.
Stellarium shows you a live, starry night sky, allowing you to identify planets, constellations, and celestial happenings.
- Recreation.Gov
Ideal for Apple and Android.
Best Use: finding campgrounds and booking activities.
Recreation.Gov lists a variety of government-run campgrounds and activities. Find lotteries, National Park campgrounds, vehicle reservations for places like Glacier National Park, timed entry permits for parks like Rocky Mountain National Park and Arches National Park, backcountry wilderness permits for specific national parks, and tickets for landmarks like the Washington Monument and the National Archives.
Keep track of your reservations and permits while planning your outdoor adventures effortlessly.
Apps for Specific Places
Some apps excel worldwide, while others thrive in specific locations. Here are some location-specific apps that you should have if you plan on exploring these popular destinations.
- CoTREX (Colorado)
Free, and the best way to find hikes in Colorado. Get personalized hiking recommendations, view the latest weather conditions, track your progress, build routes, and discover trails that aren't listed in AllTrails.
- Far Out Guides (Thru-hiking)
An invaluable app for thru-hiking fans, offering detailed information on hikes across the United States. Track your progress, receive real-time trail updates, plan town resupply days, and discover campsites. Essential for hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail, and more.
- WTA Trailblazer: Go Hiking (Washington State)
An excellent alternative for AllTrails in Washington State, with over 4,000 hikes to choose from, user-submitted photos, updates on trail closures, accurate trail descriptions, and maps.
- National Park Service (National Parks)
The official app for all national parks. Download maps, gain access to current trail updates, receive park alerts, find exhibits, cultural events, and so much more.
Also, consider utilizing Gaia GPS, Hipcamp, Organic Maps, and Geocaching for even more comprehensive outdoor experiences. Happy hiking!
Hiking apps are indispensable for any outdoor enthusiast, offering features that significantly enhance trail experiences. AllTrails Pro (find trails, recent trail reports) is a must-have for beginners, while OnX Backcountry (accurate mileage, custom routes, off-the-beaten-path hiking) is ideal for those craving adventure. Earthmate (Garmin) provides emergency assistance, essential for peace of mind in the wilderness. Strava (activity tracking, boasting) serves as a social platform for hiking enthusiasts to share their achievements.
When it comes to camping, The Dyrt finds the perfect campground spots, while iOverlander helps locate dispersed camping and essential resources. Aurora and Stellarium track the Northern Lights, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor adventures. Recreation.Gov lists government-run campgrounds and activities, making planning effortless.
For Specific Places, seek apps such as CoTREX (Colorado), Far Out Guides (thru-hiking), WTA Trailblazer (Washington State), and the National Park Service (National Parks). When you're ready for more comprehensive outdoor experiences, consider apps like Gaia GPS, Hipcamp, Organic Maps, and Geocaching. Happy hiking and camping!
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