Today, a smartphone can become a powerful tool during a hike. While it should never replace a paper map or good judgement, several apps can help you:
- Orient yourself without network coverage
- Identify surrounding mountain peaks
- Recognise plants, birds, or mushrooms
- Observe the night sky during a bivouac
- Find water sources
- Monitor weather conditions in real time
These apps are mainly designed to be used directly on the trail. Here is a selection organised by category.
Navigation and Orientation
AllTrails – Find and Follow Hiking Routes in Real Time
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alltrails.alltrails
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/alltrails-hike-bike-run/id405075943
Use
Allows you to follow trails using GPS, record your track, and view detailed maps. The premium version includes offline maps. Very useful for checking your location while hiking.
Organic Maps – Detailed 100% Offline Maps
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.organicmaps
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/organic-maps-offline-maps/id1567437057
Use
Offline maps based on OpenStreetMap. Ideal for areas with no network coverage. Lightweight and battery-efficient.
OsmAnd – Advanced Offline GPS Navigation
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/osmand-maps-travel-navigate/id934850257
Use
Allows you to download maps, follow GPX routes, and view contour lines. Particularly useful for technical hikes or mountain routes.
Spyglass – Compass, Altimeter and GPS Navigation
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happymagenta.spyglass
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/spyglass/id332639548
Use
Combines compass, GPS navigation, altimeter, and waypoint tracking. Useful for navigating even when trails are not clearly marked.
Plan your own route
MapPlanner helps you calculate distances, elevation, duration and plan your hikes, runs and bike rides on an interactive map.
- Automatic distance & elevation calculation
- Topographic, satellite maps
- GPX/KML export for your GPS
- Real-time GPS tracking
Mountains and Landscape
PeakFinder – Identify Mountain Peaks Around You
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.peakfinder.area.alps
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/peakfinder/id357421934
Use
Displays the names of surrounding mountains using augmented reality. Perfect for understanding the landscape and identifying peaks around you.
Nature and Wildlife Identification
Pl@ntNet – Identify Plants and Flowers from a Photo
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.plantnet
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/plantnet/id600547573
Use
Recognises thousands of plant species from a simple photo. Great for discovering the flora along hiking trails.
BirdNET – Identify Birds by Their Song
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.tu_chemnitz.mi.kahst.birdnet
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birdnet/id1541842885
Use
Analyses bird songs using your phone’s microphone and suggests the matching species.
Champignouf – Mushroom Identification
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pingou.champignouf
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/champignouf/id1227854971
Use
Helps identify mushrooms from a photo. Should only be used as a guide and never replace expert advice.
Stargazing
SkyView Lite – Identify Stars and Constellations
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t11.skyviewfree
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/app/skyview-lite/id413936865
Use
Identify stars, planets, and constellations by pointing your phone at the sky. Perfect for evenings during a bivouac.
Weather
Meteoblue – Detailed Weather Forecasts
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meteoblue.droid
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meteoblue-weather-maps/id994459137
Use
Provides detailed hourly forecasts to help anticipate rapid weather changes.
Additional Recommended Apps
Komoot – Outdoor navigation with voice guidance
Outdooractive – Detailed maps and GPS tracking
What3Words – Ultra-precise location sharing useful in emergencies
Red Cross First Aid – Offline first aid guide
