Plan to hike outdoors? Then it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools. Nowadays, some of the right tools are packaged into one simple app on the phone. Take a look at some of the best and most reliable phone apps used for hiking almost anywhere in the world: 

1. Gaia GPS

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: Basic = free; Membership = $19.99; Premium = $39.99

Main Features: Provide access to a large catalog of maps; allow downloads for offline usage; import and synchronize trails and data points from different digital sources 

2. Alltrails

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: Basic = free; Pro = $29.99 per year (with lifetime option)

Main Features: Create personal trails with GPS tracking; allow saving routes for offline usage and printing 

3. Spyglass

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: $5.99 each item

Main Features: Contains typical tracking features combined with augmented reality view; features compasses and other useful metrics 

4. Cairn

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: Basic = free; Pro = $4.99 per month or $26.99 per year

Main Features: Gathers information on cell coverage spots; updates others in your contacts list about coverage of discovered trail; can make a necessary emergency call

5. PeakVisor

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: Basic = free; Pro = $3.49 per month or $23.99 per year

Main Features: Recognizes instantly any mountain peak’s name with the use of the phone’s camera, location tracking, and 3D panorama; provides maps and details from accredited online sources 

6. MapMyWalk

Platforms: Android, iOS

Cost: Basic = free; Pro = $5.99 per month or $29.99 per year

Main Features: Allows recording of activity and food intake for tracking nutritional content and calories; features training plans and heart rate analysis; suitable more for urban hiking