What Is The Best Hiking Gps App For Iphone 2019

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When it comes to navigating in the outdoors, the map and compass still reign supreme. They don't require batteries, you don't need service, and they have all the information you need to tell you where you are (and don't worry if you don't know how to use them, you can learn here).

But, most of us also carry our phones into the backcountry. And while its good to get off the grid, if you're bringing your phone for photos, you might as well use its built-in GPS function, too. These apps aren't your average Google Maps, these GPS apps are built for outdoor adventures. They won't replace your map and compass, but they can be a great companion.

Here are 7 of our favorites:

onX

iOS Android

Public lands, open to recreation, are dispersed across America, but often they abut, or are even encircled by, private lands. And the boundaries are often unclear. Knowing whether you are following the law, or trespassing, can be quite unclear. Welcome to onX.

onX shows you a map of exactly where you are, and where the boundaries are between public and private land. It will even identify what organization, Forest service, BLM, etc. owns the land. Originally intended for hunters, its great for any outdoors person who loves to explore.

It covers 121 million private properties, 985 million acres of public land, and 400,000+ miles of trails. Best of all, save a map for where you're going and access it even without cell service.

Maps 3D Pro

iOS

For those who struggle with interpreting the lines of a topographical map, Maps 3D Pro brings them to life.

Maps 3D Pro shows you the terrain you're headed by having mountains, hills and valleys rise and lower off the map with easy to understand visuals. Maps will then show you where you are on a map and you'll know your exact elevation, how far you've traveled, and how far you're going.

Download maps to use the app offline and even put in your own waypoints so you can check the map as you go to be sure you're headed the right direction, in all three dimensions. You can even search the map for points of interest, roads, and towns that you are trying to head toward.

GAIA GPS

iOS Android

GAIA helps you find hiking trails, get to the trailhead, and records your progress as you go. GAIA even has suggested hikes for popular areas. The mapping function shows you where you are and where you need to head.

Of course you can download maps so that they work even when you're out of service. In addition, GAIA will sync between your computer, phone, tablet, and even smartwatches so you can plan your trip at home and track yourself with whatever device is easiest as you go.

You also have the option to look at information like private and public land, off-roading roads, and campsites.

AllStays

iOS

Sometimes the most important information isn't where you want to go, but where you can sleep. Allstays uses GPS to find your location and let you know about campgrounds, RV sites, and the services you want in your area.

Allstays will let you know all of your options, from overnight parking lots to bougie hotels. Filter your map for over 30 different amenities. No service? No problem GPS will track you and saved data gives you the info you need.

Cairne

iOS Android

Rather than an app to make your life easier, Cairn is an app that makes your loved ones lives easier. Using Cairn you can share a constantly updating map of your current location with people you select and it will notify them if you don't make it where you're supposed to by the time you're supposed to get there.

Cairn also crowdsources its users to create accurate maps of areas with cell coverage so you can make an emergency call or just check in back home. Plus, download maps for offline use.

Alltrails

iOS Android

Alltrails is packed with trails in whatever corner of the country you find yourself in. tis a great tool for visiting a new place and seeing what you can do in the area. Trails for running, biking, and hiking are laid out with length, difficulty, photos and even details like if it is pet friendly.

And then once you're out on the trial, rather than showing you in a sea of green, it will show you exactly where on the trail, or how far off the trail, you are. It also records info like time, distance, and top speed.

Map My Hike

iOS Android

Map My Hike works with your phone or smart device to track the metrics of your hike. It can even sync with Under Armour Smart Shoes. It can use this data to track your activity over weeks and months and help you reach goals you set in the app.

Map My Hike also has a social function that allows you to share your hikes and challenge friends to reach their own goals. It will also show you hikes in your area, although it is not as strong in non-urban environments than other apps.

James Lynch Field Editor James Lynch is Popular Mechanic's Field Editor looking for stories across the U.S.

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