People who hike probably know the importance of a smartphone. You can use it to take pictures, check out the trail, and make lists of things to carry around. Did you know there are hiking apps that can confine your hiking data to one place?
In this article, we will talk about the most exciting hiking apps that are a must-have on every hiker’s phone. Ready to technologically transform your hikes? Check out the following apps for your smartphone.
Six Best Hiking Apps for Adventurers
Here are our top choices of the most trending hiking apps.
All Trails
This is a popular choice if you want a hiking app that covers different trails worldwide. It integrates the GPS trackers so users with a free version can create their own path. All Trails lets you take pictures and make notes. You can save them with others as well.
It is a freemium app with a basic version to track hikes based on your location. You must always have your internet on to use the basic version. You can also share your data on other social media apps.
The paid version comes with offline data access, meaning you do not need network connectivity to run the app. It tracks your progress and also provides all the services without any ads. The premium version has annual billing subjected to auto-renewal but can be canceled anytime.
Sign up now and save your hiking progress with All Trails.
Download: All Trails for iOS | Android
Cairn
We can rank Cairn at the top of the list regarding hiking with another level of safety. You also regard it as a ‘safe haven’ for people who love going out on solo hikes. Trails often lose signal due to a lack of coverage by the carrier. With Carin, you will be notified where range is available — an awesome feature if you have a family back home waiting for a message.
Plus, they don’t have to install Carin to view this.
Carin lets you send updates to selected people regarding the trip. When you make reminders for a hike but don’t follow suit, it also lets you mark an overdue notification for reference.
You get the distance, elevation, and route change during the app without constantly needing the internet. Users have complete control over giving apps relevant access. Also, the premium version can be subscribed to monthly or annually and canceled when needed.
Download: Carin for iOS | Android
PeakVisor
For the mountaineers out there, PeakVisor is one of the most exciting apps out there. It is designed to recognize different mountain peaks when you bring them to the eye of your phone’s camera.
PeakVisor uses your phone’s camera and location services to draw a 3D image of mountains. Moreover, you can plan and track your hikes and calculate the elevation and route along with the completion time to gather maximum accuracy.
You can use this to track and counter different snow-based activities. Unlock the premium version and get all the features offered by PeakVisor. Hikers on board for a potential trip with the signal distortion can easily download data beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.
Download: PeakVisor for iOS | Android
Komoot
Komoot is a Europe-based app that recognizes all the typical routes. It features an inventive and fun interface that keeps the users engaged even for longer hours. The tour recommendation feature is outstanding, allowing users to track down passages for hiking, walking, cycling, and other forms of trail-based activities. Plus, you get updates on the routes and traffic along the way.
People on challenging trails can find it difficult to take out their phones and check the route. However, with the voice navigation feature of Komoot, users can download the map for offline use and turn on voice navigation.
You can take your passion for hiking to a new level by becoming a pioneer and guiding other potential hikers in your community. Who knows? Maybe that’s what you have been waiting for your whole life.
It is a free app that synchronizes seamlessly with different apps and accounts on your phone.
Download: Komoot for iOS | Android
Wikiloc
Wikiloc is used by over 10 million adventurers and trail enthusiasts. It is one of the oldest apps, with 34 million trails from around 190 countries for hikers to enjoy. This app is known as the pioneer of hiking apps and the first one to ensure successful integration with Apple Watches to show interactive maps — no wonder Wikiloc got a special mention from Apple.
Hikers can share their real-time location with loved ones to keep them updated. This is a relatively useful feature if you plan longer hikes with the potential to keep you out of touch with others.
Whether you are out hiking or looking for a cycling trip along the road, this app provides valuable information on how to complete the track. Search each location before passing it so you can determine the location on the map.
Download: Wikiloc for iOS | Android
Hiiker
Hiiker is devoted to long-distance hiking paths all around the globe. The software contains a rating system, user images, and the ability to keep the maps and data offline. It also contains hundreds of exciting routes for you to backpack and hike on.
You can also locate camping areas and accommodations around the trail. The breakdown enables the hiker to understand the route and break it down for better understandability. You will also get alternate passages to cross busier sections.
It comes in a premium version where users can make a one-off payment or monthly installments when needed.
Download: Hiiker for iOS | Android
Final Thoughts
Hiking is an incredible activity for the heart and mind. Smartphones have made it even easier. If you want to make hikes fun and exciting, consider installing a hiking app on your iOS or Android device.
We hope you find a hiking app for your smartphones that delivers on all fronts.