The best hiking apps, according to Garmont
What are hiking apps?
When you decide to go on a hike or other type of excursion, the first thing to do is choose your route, taking your skill level, experience and physical fitness into consideration.
Maps, compasses and trail signs were once all hikers had to figure out which trail to take and avoid getting lost out in the wilderness. But today, we have an additional, hi-tech tool that anyone can use: smartphones.
In fact, smartphones aren’t just useful for taking beautiful pictures of the natural landscape or for calling for help in an emergency. Because they’re almost always equipped with GPS, they’re also the perfect tool for finding your way while in the mountains. So, it’s no surprise that there are countless apps dedicated just to trekking, which all offer different, truly useful features, such as checking the total change in altitude or length of a trail (or portion of it), verifying the difficulty of an itinerary, or even planning which route to take to begin with.
Don’t know which app to use on your next hike? You’re in the right place! Keep reading to discover Garmont’s list of the best trekking apps of 2021.
The best hiking apps
ORUXMAPS
A complete trekking app with lots of features, OruxMaps is a favourite among Android users.
Main features:
- A large online map database
- Ability to download maps for offline viewing
- Ability to save and upload tracks
- Ability to add waypoints
- Compatible with external GPS or Bluetooth devices
Suitable for hiking and MTB
Operating system: Android
Cost: free
LOCUS MAP
A good alternative to OruxMaps, this GPS trekking app offers many features that make it versatile and suitable even for skiers and mountain bikers.
Main features:
- A large database of maps that can be accessed online and offline
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- Compatible with external GPS and Bluetooth devices
- Energy saving mode
- 24/7 weather reports
- Indication of slope inclines for skiers and alpine skiers
Suitable for hiking, MTB and skiing
Operating system: Android
Cost: free download of the base version; additional features can be accessed via a SILVER membership for €10/year or GOLD membership for €24/year.
GPS KIT
The most popular trekking app for iOS users thanks to a simple, easy-to-use interface that offers full personalisation.
Main features:
- An extensive trail database
- Lots of maps to choose from
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- Ability to add waypoints
- Option to select an area on the map and download it for offline access
- Customisable dashboard
Suitable for trekking, MTB and skiing
Operating system: iOS
Cost: €9.99
TOPO MAPS+
An alternative to GPS KIT, this GPS app for iOS boasts a wide selection of topographical maps. It’s also perfect for offline use.
Main features:
- Lots of maps to choose from
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- Ability to add waypoints
- Ability to print itineraries and routes
- Compatible with Apple Watch
Suitable for trekking
Operating system: iOS
Cost: free basic download plus additional content starting at €4.49
WIKILOC
This GPS app has made the community its focus. It’s perfect for different types of activities and to discover new routes.
Main features:
- An enormous database with millions of routes
- Trail search by zone and type of activity
- Option to filter results based on length and difficulty
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- Offline mode
- Ability to share itineraries with the community
Suitable for trekking, MTB, skiing, kayaking and 70 other types of activities
Operating systems: Android and iOS
Cost: free basic download; additional features available with a premium subscription (€9.99 per year or €4.99 for three months)
OUTDOORACTIVE
Designed to track hiking trails and routes, this app (which used to be called ViewRanger) is a favourite among outdoor sport experts. Available for Android and iOS.
Main features:
- A large database of maps and routes
- Ability to select the area on the map you want to download for offline use
- Offline mode
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- ‘Skyline Augmented Reality’ to identify peaks
- Trail search by zone and type of activity
Suitable for trekking, MTB, skiing, kayaking and 30 other types of activities
Operating system: Android and iOS
Cost: free for the basic version; additional features for a fee (€2.50/month for the PRO version or €5.00/month for PRO+)
FATMAP
A GPS trekking app with 3-D map viewing.
Main features:
- Offline mode
- Ability to save, upload and share tracks
- Route search by zone and activity
- Ability to add waypoints
- Ability to create 3-D simulations of the selected itinerary and share them with the community or on social media
- Detailed instructions for every trail, including the type of terrain, slope grade and risk of avalanches
Suitable for trekking
Operating systems: Android and iOS
Cost: free for the basic version; additional features available with a FATMAP Explore subscription for €29.99/year.
A few final words of advice
No matter which app you choose for trekking or for tracking your hikes in the mountains, relying on a smartphone isn’t enough. During any excursion, unexpected events and accidents can happen: your telephone might run out of power or you might find yourself in a place in which the GPS signal is weak. In these cases, it’s always best to have a plan B, and having a paper map or other navigation devices is essential to finding the trail or figuring out which direction to take.
Recommended hiking boots
VETTA TECH GTX®
€ 189,90
These versatile and lightweight boots are ideal for via ferrata and alpine trekking on mixed terrain, rock or scree. The mid cut suede leather upper features a GORE-TEX® membrane for durable waterproof protection. The MICHELIN® outsole delivers excellent traction underfoot also on uneven terrain.