The walks near home are part of us, especially in times when we can’t do much else. For these occasions, we need to take into account the presence of apps that track our routes, plan and share them. Such as OruxMaps, ViewRanger and many others. So let’s talk about best apps for trekking and walking.
Going for a walk, as we have explained many times, brings numerous physical and mental benefits that are often underestimated. Whether in the countryside, at the lake, in the mountains or in the fields behind the house, exploring nature by trekking is a perfect practice to unplug and get in synergy with the landscapes. In addition, it remains one of the few activities that can be done during the restrictions.
Walks near home, the 7 best apps for trekking and hiking
Even this period, therefore, could be the occasion to try out one of the best Apps for trekking and walking: useful to orient oneself, to be traceable and to discover the names of the peaks around us thanks to augmented reality. Let’s see which are the most interesting to download on our smartphones.
1. OruxMaps GP – Android
A valid (and definitely less expensive) alternative to GPS devices. OruxMaps GP is one of the best Android Apps dedicated to trekking. At first glance it may be a bit complicated to use, as designed for a rather technical use. After a few times, however, it will be easy to get used to its functions, and you will hardly uninstall it from your smartphone.
The App allows you to geolocate a point through a photo; allows you to select directly on the screen the area of the map you want to save for offline use; has numerous maps (Google, OpenStreetMap, Nasa and more). In addition, if someone has already done the route we want to take, we can import it to OruxMaps GP and then follow it.
2. PeakVisor – Android, iOS
A sort of virtual guide that exploit augmented reality to guide hikers during their nature walks.
It features 3D maps and allows users to know the names and altitudes of all the mountains that are framed with the smartphone camera. The compass function in POV is very convenient. PeakVisor also works offline and is very useful because it uses the photos of all hikers to provide extremely detailed information about what we have around us while we are trekking.
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3. ViewRanger – Android e iOS
Very accurate on a topographical levelViewRanger is highly appreciated because it allows you to create new routes in an intuitive and original way, simply using the points of interest on the map. It also works offline and keeps track even in remote places.
With ViewRanger it is really impossible to get lost because it provides numerous details and traces even the smallest, narrowest and most isolated paths. The App is also easy to use and has a very intuitive interface: it is less technical than OruxMaps but it is a very valid alternative. Interesting the Skyline functionwhich uses augmented reality to use the camera to identify surrounding areas.
4. Wikiloc – Android and iOS
Simple, intuitive and reliable: Wikiloc allows you to access a database containing millions of routes with related reviews. The App is theoretically free, but without the paid extension it is rather limited.
Very convenient to be able to keep the altimetric profile always under control, especially if you follow routes never done before. One flaw: it consumes a lot of battery and it is difficult for it to last from the beginning to the end of the day.
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5. GeoResQ – Android e iOS
Developed in collaboration with the Alpine and Speleological Rescue Committee (CNSAS), this App is excellent from a safety point of view because it allows you to send SOS quickly and easily to the Alpine Rescue. So the idea is great, and we’re putting GeoResQ in the recommended list for that reason.
The problem, however, is that the App has several problems in terms of navigation, so for maps and orientation it is better to rely on another program.
6. Maps 3D – iOS
Available only on Apple’s operating system, Maps 3D is an intuitive and complete application for all outdoor activities. Geocoaching, route planning, logging and sharing itineraries: Maps 3D has all the functions that a trekking and hiking App should have. Its strong points are the 3D graphics for the maps and the very precise altimeter. There is also a pro version for 4.99 euros.
7. My Tracks – Android
Its simple and clean interface makes it one of the most downloaded trekking and hiking apps. My Tracks works on Google Maps, where it shows the current position along with other indicators such as time, duration and distance traveled (also with altitude and longitude). It is also possible export routes to GPX, KML or Google Drive files. The program also allows you to share the results with friends via a URL to paste on the main social media. Some users report problems in measuring altitude and social sharing.
Photo on Valiphotos from Pixabay
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2024-07-04 06:16:32
#Walks #home #apps #trekking #hiking
