Take a hike! Get lost! These are phrases I've heard over and over again my whole life.
Luckily, I now live in the modern age where getting lost is a thing of the past… Unless my phone battery dies.
These days we have access to so many hiking-focused navigational apps that the amount of choices will make your head spin. A popular comparison is AllTrails vs Strava but there are so many apps! The good news is, each of the apps I'm going to discuss today WILL get the job done. Each of these apps offer the ability to download maps and use them offline – far away from the nearest cell phone towers. This is the most important feature! Apart from this, each app has it's own distinct advantages.
AllTrails+: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich
AllTrails+ is the big name in hiking apps, and for good reason. It’s incredibly user-friendly and features a huge active userbase that writes regular reviews, shares photos, and rates trails. With AllTrails+, you can easily search for trails by distance and diffuculty, and on more popular trails, you can find up-to-date info by digging through recent the trail reviews. The app is perfect for those who are looking for well-trodden paths and want to avoid any unexpected surprises.
One standout feature of AllTrails+ is the Wrong Turn Alert. Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, maybe chatting with a friend or just lost in your thoughts, and suddenly your phone buzzes. That’s AllTrails+ letting you know you’ve strayed off the trail. It’s like having a hiking buddy who keeps you from wandering too far off course. This is super helpful for new hikers, but might be a pain if you intend to stray off the beaten path.
Another great feature is the Live Share button, which lets you share your location in real time with selected contacts. It’s a nice safety net, ensuring someone knows where you are at all times. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a seasoned trekker, AllTrails+ offers a simple, reliable experience that’s hard to beat. Next up, AllTrails vs Strava, how does Strava compare?
Strava: The Athlete’s Companion
Next up is Strava, an app that’s very popular among athletes, particularly cyclists and runners. Strava’s approach to hiking is a bit different from AllTrails+. It’s less about the trails and more about the activity itself. Strava is known for its social media-like features, where you can track your hikes, share your progress, and even compete with friends.
One of the key features of Strava is its Route Builder tool. While not as robust as some might like, it’s great for mapping out a trail in advance, especially if you’re hiking in an urban environment or planning a mixed activity outing. Another feature, Beacon, allows you to share your real-time location with others, similar to AllTrails+’s Live Share.
Strava shines when you’re interested in more than just hiking. If you also cycle, run, or engage in other distance-based sports, Strava is a great all-in-one app. Plus, it adds a competitive edge to your adventures—who doesn’t like a bit of friendly (or unfriendly) rivalry?
OnX Backcountry: The Hardcore Adventurer’s Tool
Finally, we have OnX Backcountry, the app I personally favor. OnX is less about finding pre-made trails and more about creating your own adventure. It’s like having a cartographer in your pocket, ready to help you chart a course through the wild.
OnX is especially useful when you’re planning multi-day trips or need to navigate complex routes. It offers point-to-point measuring, which helps you figure out distances as the crow flies—a handy tool when you’re exploring less-traveled areas. One of its most impressive features is the ability to customize your offline maps. You can zoom in and out, choose different levels of satellite detail, and download exactly the region you need.
For those who hike, bike, ski, or climb, OnX Backcountry offers tailored functionality that makes it easy to view trails and routes specific to your activity. While it may be a bit intimidating at first, once you get the hang of it, OnX Backcountry becomes an indispensable tool for serious adventurers.
Which Hiking App Is Right for You?
AllTrails+ is perfect for the casual hiker who wants a user-friendly app with plenty of trail options and safety features. When comparing AllTrails vs Strava, Strava is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of activities and like to add a social or competitive element to their outings. OnX Backcountry is the go-to for hardcore adventurers who need detailed, customizable maps and the ability to plan complex routes.
Ultimately, the best app for you depends on your hiking style and needs. Have you tried any of these apps? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.
Happy trails!
