Top 6 Useful Apps for Your Hiking Trip

29.07.2026

Switching off from technology and immersing yourself in nature is a great way to refresh your mind after busy days. That idea often leads to multi-day hiking trips. Still, technology can make your journey even better. For hiking trips, staying on the right route is extremely important for your safety in the wilderness. Let To Ong introduce a few useful apps for your hiking trip.

1. Google Maps – A Huge Data Source

Google Maps is a digital map with a massive data source and is trusted by many users. The app is highly accurate when you have an internet connection. When using GPS only, Maps can still basically track your route. Its satellite mode is especially useful, helping you observe terrain, forests, rivers, streams, and even unnamed paths. Best of all, Google Maps is free and usually already integrated into your phone.

Google Maps logo

Android version:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=vi&gl=US

iOS version:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354

2. Gaia GPS: Offroad Hiking Maps

Similar to Google Maps, Gaia is an electronic map that can be used offline. This app is designed for hiking trips. Its interface shows more data such as elevation, movement speed, compass, and more. You can also record your track and share it for later use. However, many features require an annual subscription.

Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS Offroad Hiking Maps

Android version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trailbehind.android.gaiagps.pro&hl=vi&gl=US

iOS version:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492

3. Ride with GPS – An Easy Tracklog Mapping App

For hiking enthusiasts, Ride with GPS lets you create your own route. With a Google account, the app syncs data between your computer and phone. Along with drawing tracklogs, you can share routes and download existing tracks for use. The app also lets you mark your route and leave notes during the hike.

Ride with GPS easy tracklog mapping app

Ride with GPS – an easy tracklog mapping app

Android version:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ridewithgps.mobile&hl=vi&gl=US

iOS version:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ride-with-gps-bike-navigation/id893687399

4. GPS Status & Toolbox – A Highly Accurate Compass

Simple, easy to use, and quick: these words describe GPS Status well. This app is a detailed compass that can be used offline. It can mark and share locations. GPS Status also displays the satellites providing signals to your smartphone. Based on the experience of hikers, once four satellites appear, the signal tends to be accurate and stable.

GPS Status Toolbox highly accurate compass

GPS Status & Toolbox – a highly accurate compass

Android version:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&hl=vi&gl=US

5. AccuWeather – A User-Friendly Weather Forecast App

Bad weather can be disappointing on a trip. On a hike, it can be dangerous. That is why hikers need to check the forecast before every journey. Most smartphones already include a weather app, but if you want an app with a simple interface and full features, AccuWeather is a reliable option. The app supports Vietnamese and is considered fairly accurate.

User-friendly weather forecast app

Android version:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.polestar.accuweather.production.android&hl=vi&gl=US

iOS version:

https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/accuweather-weather-forecast/id300048137

6. SkyView Lite:

When hiking in wild places, you may get to admire a sky full of stars. Did you know that desert nomads once used the stars to navigate? SkyView Lite helps you identify stars and view the positions of space stations without the internet, so it can be useful on your hiking trip.