Going outdoors often means you’d have to leave your smartphone behind, but your smartphone is, in fact, a gateway to a better time in the woods. Here’s a list of some of the best hiking apps at your disposal

Gaia GPS Hiking Maps, Hike App

It won’t be an overstatement to say that a good GPS system forms the heart and soul of a hiker. Hikers prefer reader-friendly modern maps, which makes Gaia GPS a vastly useful app. The Gaia GPS Membership allows you to download offline maps, record your adventures and get access to map overlays. All of these services are avaiable for around £14. The app is available on iPhone and Android platforms.

PeakFinder AR

If you wish to familiarise yourself with each and every peak surrounding you, PeakFinder AR is the ideal app for you. While you’re out on a hike, PeakFinder AR would show you the names of all the mountains and peaks around you. You don’t have to spend hours studying maps. A striking feature of this app is that it works offline. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Hiking Project

The Hiking Project app comes with a comprehensive database and gives you access to more than 35,000 trails. User-submitted trails, reviews and photos make the app extremely reliable. You’ll find trails you’ve never explored. The app helps you to stay up to date on trial conditions. This helps you keep a track of where you’re going. Also, on-trail navigation allows you to find your way while you’re out hiking. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Star Walk

Star Walk allows you to identify the constellations above you while you’re undertaking a hike during the evening hours. Look at the stars see how they make their way across the night sky. You can see the beautiful night sky with this app. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Animated Knots by Grog

This app named Animated Knots by Grog offers you a great way to learn the art of tying these knots. Rated as the best knot-tying app by Outside magazine, Grog knows what’s up. Watch countless knots being tied in step-by-step photo animations. You’ll also get to understand the merits and demerits of each and every knot with this app. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Relive: Your Outdoor 3D Videos

Get ready for 3D adventure with Relive. You can track your route, then turn it into a shareable video via Relive. You can see the highlights of your journey and even add pictures along the way. Also, it displays your elevation and speed. This’d let everybody know how hard you’ve worked. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Heads Up!

This app keeps you entertained while you’re resting on the summit. It’s a simple game:  You just need to hold the phone against your forehead and, from your friends’ clues, try to guess the word on the screen. Do it before time runs out. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

iNaturalist

The app allows you to record anything and everything you see along the way, be it plants, insects, birds and animals. You can upload your photos and share them with your friends. The app is available on iPhone or Android platforms.

Happy hiking folks!