The Best Hiking Apps to Prepare for Your Next Adventure (2025)
- PerOla Hammar 陈家悦
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Getting ready for your next hike? With the right tools in your pocket, you can make the most of every trail. Thanks to hiking apps, planning, navigating, and discovering new routes has never been easier.
Why Use a Hiking App?
Whether you’re a weekend explorer or a seasoned adventurer, a hiking app is your perfect trail companion. These apps combine interactive maps with GPS navigation, allowing you to:
Track your real-time location
Discover marked trails and route details
Access information like distance, elevation gain, and difficulty
Plan and record your own custom hikes
Best of all, many of these apps work offline, meaning you’re not stuck if you lose mobile signal in the middle of the forest or mountains.
The Best Hiking Apps
VisoRando
VisoRando is an intuitive, user-friendly hiking app that helps you find and follow trails near you. With over 10,000 hiking routes across France and beyond, it’s great for both spontaneous outings and carefully planned adventures.
Free version includes detailed trail descriptions, maps, and photos
Premium version (€18.99/year) includes IGN topographic maps with GPS tracking
OpenRunner
OpenRunner stands out for its massive trail database, offering over 4 million routes. You can easily create your own hike, save it, and download maps for offline use. Great for safety too — it includes SOS alerts and real-time location sharing.
Intuitive interface
Topo maps available offline
Perfect for both hiking and cycling
SityTrail
SityTrail provides GPS navigation, voice guidance, and an impressive 600,000+ hiking trails. You can record, plan, and follow hikes easily with OpenStreetMap (free) or upgrade for full IGN map access.
Route creation and recording
Distance and time estimation
Voice navigation and elevation info
iPhiGéNie
A go-to app for topographic precision lovers. iPhiGéNie gives you access to complete IGN maps and detailed layers from the Geoportail. It offers 3D map views and advanced overlays for serious hikers.
Free to start, then subscription-based
Great for exploring lesser-known or complex trails
GPS tracking and detailed planning tools
How to Prepare Your Smartphone for Hiking
Hiking apps are powerful tools — but they need a well-prepared phone to work effectively. Here’s how to make sure your smartphone is up to the task:
Choose the Right Phone
Make sure your phone has good battery life, strong GPS, and enough storage to download maps and store hikes. Durability and water resistance are also key features to consider.
Protect It
Invest in a shockproof and waterproof case. A clear, touch-compatible pouch can be a great way to protect your device without limiting usability.
Plan for Power
Even the best phones run out of battery. Always bring a power bank or even a solar charger for longer treks. There are also battery cases that double your usage time.
Bonus Apps to Enhance Your Hike
In addition to your main hiking app, consider downloading:
Compass app – for backup navigation
Weather app – to avoid sudden weather changes
Flashlight app – for low light situations
Plant ID / Nature guide apps – to explore the flora and fauna around you
Just make sure you have enough space on your phone, and consider turning on airplane mode (with GPS still active) to conserve battery.
With these apps and tips, your next hiking adventure is just a few taps away. Whether you're exploring the French Alps, Norwegian forests, or your local trail, let your smartphone be your trail buddy — and get ready to Runaway into the wild.
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$50
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