Top 10 Best Apps for Hikers and Backpackers
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a weekend backpacker, the right tools can make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and safe. Technology has made hiking easier, with apps providing helpful information like trail maps, weather forecasts, and emergency alerts. Here’s a list of the top 10 best apps for hikers and backpackers that are sure to enhance your outdoor experiences.
1. AllTrails
Best for: Finding Trails & Planning Hikes
AllTrails is a top-rated app that provides over 200,000 trails worldwide. It offers detailed maps, user reviews, and difficulty ratings to help you plan your next hike. You can filter trails based on location, length, and type of activity, making it a versatile tool for hikers of all levels. The app also allows you to download maps for offline use, ensuring you won’t get lost even without cell service.
Key Features:
- Trail maps with elevation profiles
- Trail reviews and photos from other hikers
- Offline map access for remote areas
2. Komoot
Best for: Navigation & Route Planning
Komoot is a favorite among hikers and cyclists for its turn-by-turn navigation and comprehensive route planning features. It lets you plan your hikes, taking into account your fitness level and preferred terrain. You can also download routes for offline use and access detailed, topographic maps to navigate easily through challenging terrains.
Key Features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Offline maps for remote areas
- Customizable route planning
3. Gaia GPS
Best for: Off-Trail Navigation
Gaia GPS is a powerful navigation tool for off-trail hikers and backcountry explorers. The app offers detailed topographic maps, satellite imagery, and a variety of map layers. With Gaia GPS, you can track your progress, mark waypoints, and download maps for offline use, ensuring you can safely navigate even in the most remote locations.
Key Features:
- High-quality topographic maps
- Ability to track routes and record waypoints
- Offline map availability
4. Outdooractive
Best for: European Hikers
Outdooractive is a popular app in Europe, offering detailed hiking and backpacking routes across the continent. With over 50,000 routes to choose from, it’s ideal for those exploring trails in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The app includes detailed elevation profiles, weather forecasts, and offline map features to enhance your hiking experience.
Key Features:
- Extensive European trail database
- Detailed route planning tools
- Offline maps for hiking
5. MapMyHike
Best for: Tracking & Fitness Goals
MapMyHike is a fitness-focused app designed to track your hiking activities. It records distance, pace, elevation gain, and calories burned, making it perfect for those who want to monitor their fitness levels. The app also offers route planning features and allows you to share your hikes with friends.
Key Features:
- GPS-based tracking of hikes
- Fitness metrics like calories burned and elevation gain
- Social sharing options
6. BackCountry Navigator
Best for: Backcountry Exploration
BackCountry Navigator is another excellent navigation app, particularly for those venturing into the wilderness. It offers detailed topo maps and offline functionality, allowing you to explore remote areas without worrying about connectivity. The app also features waypoints and tracking options, ensuring you stay on course.
Key Features:
- Detailed topo maps for off-grid hiking
- Offline map functionality
- Customizable waypoint markers
7. Cairn
Best for: Safety & Emergency Alerts
Safety is a priority when hiking in remote areas, and Cairn helps keep you safe by tracking your location and sending emergency alerts if necessary. The app allows you to share your planned route with friends or family, and if you don’t check in when expected, it will notify them. Cairn also provides cell service maps so you can plan your hike based on connectivity.
Key Features:
- Emergency alerts and tracking
- Share your route with loved ones
- Cell service maps for remote areas
8. Hiking Project
Best for: Trail Discovery & Reviews
Hiking Project is an easy-to-use app with a large collection of hiking trails across the United States. It includes detailed trail descriptions, photos, and user reviews. Whether you’re looking for a challenging summit or a family-friendly hike, Hiking Project’s robust search functionality will help you find the perfect trail. You can also download maps and trail info for offline use.
Key Features:
- Extensive trail database in the U.S.
- Trail difficulty ratings and reviews
- Offline map downloads
9. Spyglass
Best for: Compass & Navigation Tools
Spyglass is a unique app that combines multiple navigation tools into one. It features a compass, topographic map, altimeter, and GPS functionality, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to navigate with traditional tools in the digital age. Spyglass allows you to mark waypoints, track your route, and navigate off-trail areas with ease.
Key Features:
- Compass, GPS, and altimeter integration
- Waypoint markers and route tracking
- Offline functionality
10. iNaturalist
Best for: Nature Identification
For hikers who love to explore the natural world, iNaturalist is a must-have app. It helps you identify plants, animals, and fungi while on your hikes. By uploading photos and descriptions, you contribute to scientific research, as the app connects you to a global community of naturalists and scientists.
Key Features:
- Nature identification for plants and animals
- Global community of naturalists
- Track your observations and contribute to science
Conclusion
With these top 10 best apps for hikers and backpackers, you can enhance your outdoor adventures by staying safe, prepared, and connected. Whether you’re looking for navigation tools, fitness tracking, or nature identification, these apps offer everything you need to make the most of your hiking trips. From popular apps like AllTrails and Komoot to specialized tools like Cairn for safety, these apps are designed to improve your experience on the trails.