9 Best Off-Road And Hiking Apps

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

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9 Best Off-Road and Hiking Apps

When venturing out on the open road or exploring the great outdoors, it’s crucial to be prepared with the right navigational instruments.

Key Takeaways:

1. Offline Navigation Apps for Outdoor Activities:
  - Reliable offline maps are crucial for off-roading and hiking to avoid being stranded without a signal.
  - Several top-notch apps are available for Android and iOS platforms, providing extensive features for navigation and adventure.
2. Top Recommended Apps:
  - ONX Off-Road: Best for discovering new trails and monitoring weather; available at $30/year.
  - Gaia GPS: Offers multiple layers, including wildfire information; excellent for detailed cartographic data.
  - Trailsoffroad: Comprehensive database of trail reviews and reports; user-contributed content.
  - Polaris GPS Navigation: This device is suitable for hiking, boating, and off-roading and includes free marine charts and other navigation tools.
  - Tracky: Designed for remote areas with no cellular coverage; features GPS tracking, offline maps, and route sharing.
  - Avenza Maps: Extensive map library with offline capabilities, customizable maps, and GPS tracking.
  - Google Earth Tracks: Allows recording and saving GPS tracks; useful for both amateur and professional use.
  - Offroad Trail: Community-driven platform with detailed trail information and planning tools.
  - OsmAnd: High-quality OSM data, contour lines, and hill shading; useful for car navigation and off-roading.
  - Komoot: Popular for custom trail creation with detailed information; includes social networking features.
3. Features and Benefits:
  - Offline maps and GPS tracking are essential for reliable navigation in remote areas.
  - Apps offer specialized features like weather monitoring, route planning, and interactive maps.
  - Community contributions and user-generated content enhance the value of several apps.
  - Customizable maps and detailed trail information aid in better trip planning and execution.

The internet can be helpful- but relying on it for navigation can leave you stranded when you lose signal. That’s why having a trusty offline navigational map is so important.

So, which apps should you choose? This article will explore the best offline navigation apps for Android and iOS, focusing on those designed for off-roading and hiking.

Read on!

ONX Off-Road

When hitting the off-road, you can rely on the trusty ONX Off-Road app to discover new trails and monitor the weather. It’s a steal at only $30 per year, saving your skin countless times.

OnX’s Hunt and Offroad apps are available for work and play. When venturing onto BLM and FS lands, you can always use the Hunt app. However, for regular GPS navigation, switch to OSMAND+. Both apps offer offline map downloads that are much less bothersome than Google Maps.

Gaia GPS

Many have a penchant for Gaia, which has plenty of layers. In particular, its wildfire layer has become increasingly useful, especially in inclement weather. Even cartographic connoisseurs can rely heavily on Gaia for its vast layers, which provide ample information.

One discovery, however, is the interactive map of bicycle routes—with a simple flick of a switch, the bicycle routes vanish, revealing only the unpaved roads. So, you’ll have a true moment of triumph. While it requires some data transposition into Gaia, you’ll have access to all these roads at your fingertips.

Trailsofroad

For years, adventurers have relied on trailsoffroad.com to guide their adventures off the beaten path. The site’s comprehensive database of trail reviews and reports has been an invaluable resource, and the recent addition of its app has only improved it.

Whether planning your next trip or looking to start your season early, you can dig into the archives of previous years to glean insights and tips from seasoned adventurers. The site is loaded with photos, videos, and descriptions. It even allows users to contribute their media, providing information for anyone looking to venture into the wild.

So, for those who value accurate, up-to-date information, we recommend trying Trailsoffroad.

Polaris GPS Navigation

Introducing Polaris GPS Navigation, the ultimate guide to the great outdoors! This app covers whether you’re a hiker, boater, or off-road adventurer. It boasts top-notch offline navigation capabilities. With just a few taps, you can easily locate trails and waypoints and even use the built-in compass to keep track of your location.

But that’s not all. Polaris GPS Navigation is the perfect backup for any handheld satellite GPS device. This ensures that you’ll always be aware while exploring remote areas.

If you’re a boating enthusiast, you’ll love the app’s marine navigation charts—they’re free of charge!

Polaris GPS Navigation also caters to fishing and hunting enthusiasts with its Fishing GPS and hunting maps. And thanks to the free download of unlimited marine, hiking, and topo maps, you can explore to your heart’s content without worrying about extra charges. The app boasts some seriously cool features like an odometer, speedometer, altimeter, and clock.

You can even share your location with others and see altitude profiles! With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Polaris GPS Navigation is the top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and comprehensive map app for their outdoor adventures.

Tracky is an off-road navigation app designed to provide users with a comprehensive navigation solution for their outdoor adventures. It has been created to meet the needs of off-road enthusiasts and is designed to work in remote areas with little or no cellular network coverage. The app is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

The app uses GPS tracking to provide users with real-time location information and offers a variety of maps, including satellite and topographic maps. Users can download maps for offline use, which can be a lifesaver when navigating off-road trails in remote locations without cell service. The maps are highly detailed, and users can zoom in and out to view their surroundings better.

One of Tracky’s most useful features is its ability to record and save off-road routes. This can be useful for users who want to revisit or share a particular route with others. Users can also browse through a list of routes other users create on the app.

Tracky allows users to create and join groups, a great way to connect with other off-road enthusiasts. Groups can be public or private, and users can share routes and experiences with others. The app also has a feature that allows users to chat with other group members.

Tracky is a highly useful app for anyone who enjoys off-road adventure travel. Its comprehensive navigation, detailed maps, and community features make it an excellent tool for navigating the great outdoors.

Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping

Are you an adventurer seeking a reliable navigation tool that won’t leave you stranded in the wilderness? Look no further than Avenza Maps, the ultimate offline mapping app!

Avenza Maps is a mobile app that provides offline mapping capabilities for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. It is available on iOS and Android platforms and allows users to download and view maps without an internet connection. Avenza Maps is particularly useful for hikers, bikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture into areas with limited or no cellular network coverage.

One of the standout features of Avenza Maps is its vast library of maps from various sources, including government agencies, publishers, and individual contributors. Users can browse through the library, which covers regions worldwide, and download maps of interest for offline use. The maps are highly detailed, and users can zoom in and out to view their surroundings better.

Avenza Maps also allows users to create and import their maps, which can be useful for professionals who need to create custom maps for their work or hobby. The app supports various file formats, including GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, and JPG.

Another useful feature of Avenza Maps is its ability to track and record GPS locations. This feature can track progress along a route, mark waypoints, or create custom paths. Users can also add notes, photos, and other information to their maps to create a personalized record of their outdoor adventures.

Overall, Avenza Maps is a highly useful app for anyone who needs offline mapping capabilities. Its extensive map library, customizable maps, and GPS tracking features make it an excellent tool for navigating the great outdoors.

Google Earth Tracks

Are you an avid Colorado off-roader like me? If so, you might be interested in a nifty tool that you can use to map my trails – Google Earth. With just a few clicks, you can download Google Earth tracks or GPS exchange files from traildamage.com, a site you’re probably familiar with. But that’s not all – you can also stumble upon a recent thread that could provide more insights.

Google Earth is a popular web-based mapping service that allows users to explore the world in 3D. In addition to its basic mapping features,

Google Earth also includes a ” Tracks ” feature that allows users to record and save their GPS tracks.

With Google Earth Tracks, users can record their movements and save them as a file that can be played later. The tracks can be viewed in 2D or 3D, and users can also add photos and notes to the track to create a more comprehensive record of their outdoor adventures.

The Tracks feature is particularly useful for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to record their routes and share them with others. It’s also useful for professionals who need to track their movements for work or research purposes.

Google Earth Tracks can be accessed from the desktop version of Google Earth or through the Google Earth app on mobile devices. The app allows users to view and edit their tracks on the go, making it a useful tool for real-time navigation and tracking.

Overall, Google Earth Tracks is a highly useful feature for anyone who wants to record and share their outdoor adventures. Its GPS tracking capabilities, 3D mapping features, and easy-to-use interface make it an excellent tool for exploring the world and recording your travels.

Offroad Trail

Offroad Trail is a website and mobile app that provides a community-driven platform for off-road enthusiasts to find and share information about off-road trails and routes. The platform features a database of trails and routes that can be searched by location, difficulty level, and other criteria.

Users can also contribute to the database by adding new trails, uploading photos, and leaving comments and ratings. This community-driven approach allows users to share their knowledge and experiences with others, helping to build a comprehensive resource for off-road enthusiasts.

In addition to its trail database, Offroad Trail also offers a range of tools and resources to help users plan their off-road adventures. These include detailed trail maps, real-time weather information, and a trip planner that allows users to create custom routes and itineraries.

Offroad Trail is available on iOS, Android, and web platforms. The app can be used offline, allowing users to access trail information and maps even in areas with limited or no cellular network coverage.

Overall, Offroad Trail is a useful resource for off-road enthusiasts looking to discover new trails and routes and plan and share their off-road adventures. Its community-driven approach, comprehensive database, and useful tools and resources make it an excellent platform for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.

OsmAnd

Introducing OsmAnd—the ultimate map application that gives you access to free, high-quality OSM (OpenStreetMap) data from around the world—even when you’re offline! Unlike other mapping apps, OsmAnd allows you to store all the map data on your memory card. This way, you can navigate even in the most remote areas without an internet connection.

But that’s not all. OsmAnd is a must-have for offroading enthusiasts, with its amazing features that make exploring the mountains a breeze. You can easily navigate the rugged terrain with contour lines and hill shading, even in the most challenging conditions (though these features are only available in the paid version).

And for those who love customizing their maps, OsmAnd has got you covered! You can display different overlays like navigation/ touring GPX tracks and other maps with customizable transparency.

But that’s not all! OsmAnd is also great for car navigation. You can enter vehicle parameters and specifications, perfect for RVs and expedition trucks, and even display optional speed and altitude information. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even FAVOUR unpaved roads (instead of avoiding them), but remember to choose wisely!

The only downside is the price, but it’s a small price for off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts. So, if you’re ready to improve your navigation skills, try OsmAnd today!

Komoot

Komoot, the trailblazing app with over five million downloads, has a stellar rating of 4.6 stars, surpassing its competitors. This Google Play Editor’s Choice is a favorite among adventurers and trail enthusiasts. Its unique ability to create custom trails with detailed information- including elevation and surface type, sets it apart from similar apps.

Komoot is a mobile and web-based route planning and navigation app for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly cyclists and hikers. The app offers a range of features to help users discover new routes, plan their trips, and navigate the outdoors.

One of the standout features of Komoot is its route planner, which allows users to plan custom routes based on their preferences and needs. Users can select their activity type, desired distance and elevation, and other criteria, and the app will generate a route that matches their specifications. The app also provides turn-by-turn navigation and voice prompts, making it easy to follow the route in the field.

Komoot also features a social networking aspect, allowing users to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and share their routes and experiences. Users can browse through a library of recommended routes created by other users or the app’s team of experts.

Another useful feature of Komoot is its offline maps, which can be downloaded in advance when there is limited or no cellular network coverage. The app also provides detailed information about points of interest, including restaurants, accommodations, and scenic spots.

Komoot is available on iOS, Android, and the web. The app is free to download, but some features, such as voice navigation and offline maps, require a subscription.

Overall, Komoot is a highly useful app for outdoor enthusiasts who want to plan and navigate their trips easily. Its customizable routes, social networking features, and offline maps make it an excellent tool for discovering new routes and exploring the great outdoors.

Final Words

Numerous apps exist in the digital realm that could cater to your off-road navigation necessities. Nevertheless, the applications highlighted in this inventory possess a plethora of downloads and commendable reviews, rendering them among the finest.

If you opt for a different app, perusing its average review ratings beforehand would be prudent. Moreover, ensure that you can avail yourself of free downloads, as certain apps may cunningly exhibit “Offline” in their title yet slyly entail payment to access their features.

Off-road and hiking apps can be incredibly useful for outdoor enthusiasts exploring off-the-beaten-path trails and routes. These apps provide a range of features to help users plan their trips, navigate the outdoors, and discover new routes.

Some of the standout features of off-road hiking apps include GPS tracking, detailed maps, and turn-by-turn navigation. Many apps offer offline map support, allowing users to access maps and trail information even in areas with limited or no cellular network coverage. Additionally, some apps include social networking features that allow users to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and share their experiences.

Many off-road hiking apps are available on the market, each with its own features and benefits. Some popular off-road hiking apps include Komoot, AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and Avenza Maps.

Overall, off-road hiking apps can be useful tools for anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors. With their range of features and ease of use, they’re an excellent resource for discovering new trails, planning trips, and confidently navigating the outdoors.

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