So many apps to get you here, there and everywhere on and off trail. Need some gear? There’s an app or two to find your favorite gear. Want to find a campsite? Again, lots of options to chose from.
Personally I use AllTrails almost exclusively. This year I decided to pay for the upgrade to Pro access. Doing so gets you access to all kinds of stuff like the ability to download maps for offline use, GPS tracking, trail recording and online access to all of your hike stats. You can even print your maps for sharing if you want. I haven’t begun to tap all the stats it outputs.
I do like the trail recording. Even if I forget to download the map for the area I’m in, it uses GPS when recording and matches your route with trails, if the trail is in it’s extensive list. If not, you can offer up your recording to add to the trials available to other users. When you save the recording, you can see elevation changes, waypoints and photos if you take them while in the app. Plus you can help others by uploading pictures, reviews and trail info.
On my recent Minnesota State Park hiking road trip, I was surprised to discover several state park trails that I covered that were not in the app yet. So I added my hike to help beef up what’s available to other hikers.
The list below is just a few of the many available. If you’ve got additions to include, please let me know. I won’t pretend to know all the options out there.
Trail Maps
There are so many options for way finding. Some of the apps I’ve tried include:
AllTrails – my go-to for hiking trail suggestions and maps. I love this because you can download a variety of user uploaded maps, including top maps. With a paid subscription you can search, record and upload your maps and photos. It uses GPS to track you so even if you don’t have a WiFi signal, the app will match up your hike when you get back in range. AllTrails is geared specifically to hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.
Hiking Project – This app, created by REI offers plenty of user uploaded hikes with difficulty ratings and many other features. I don’t use it personally, but know many hikers who love it. Hiking Project is geared toward hikers and trail runners.
REI Guide to the National Parks – Plan your hike with this crowdsourced app, featuring favorite hikes, trail maps, guides and more. The REI Guide is geared for anyone interested in hiking or trail running.
Gear
REI – download their app and link it to your membership for on-the-go ordering, wish list and receipts.
Backcountry.com – check your app store, link it to your account to get your on-the-go ordering, wish list and receipts.
Sierra Trading – check your app store, link it to your account to get your on-the-go ordering, wish list and receipts.
Camping Sites
All Stays – there are several apps depending on what type of camping you are looking for and, if a vehicle is included. Campsites are included from all over the U.S. I’ve not personally used it, but the apps come highly recommended by many of my hiking pals.
Dyrt – another I haven’t used personally but gets rave reviews. Everything from State Parks to dispersed camping options all across the U.S.
Campendium – this is an app that seems to be very popular in areas outside of Minnesota and comes highly recommended particularly for dispersed camping.
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It’s important to note here that I am not being paid to tell you these apps are my favorites. They are what works for me. That said, in full disclosure I am a Brand Ambassador for any noted with an asterisk(*).
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