AllTrails+ Hiking App Review: A Must-Have for Solo Adventurers
- Kate
- Feb 20
- 5 min read
For solo hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, having a reliable navigation tool is essential. In a crowded market of hiking apps, AllTrails+ stands out as a comprehensive solution for discovering new trails, planning routes and staying safe on your adventures. In this review, we look into the features, pros, and cons of AllTrails+, including its share location and route replay features to help you decide if it's the right tool for your next hike.
Overview of The AllTrails+ App
AllTrails+ is the premium version of the popular AllTrails app. While the free version offers access to a massive database of hiking routes and community-generated reviews, AllTrails+ unlocks a suite of advanced features designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you're planning a solo expedition or exploring new trails with friends, AllTrails+ promises detailed offline maps, advanced GPS tracking, and much more.
Important Note: Never solely rely on technology for navigation; please always carry a map and compass and know how to use them in case your technology fails, which it can, even if your battery runs out or you drop your phone.
Key Features of the AllTrails+ App
1. Offline Maps & Navigation
Benefit: No signal? No problem. AllTrails+ allows you to download and print maps, ensuring that you have access to trail data even when you have no signal.
Why It Matters: For adventurers, reliable offline navigation is a game changer. You can explore remote areas with confidence, knowing you're not reliant on cellular data.
2. Community Insights & Trail Reviews
Benefit: With AllTrails+, you gain access to a wealth of trail reviews, photos, and tips shared by fellow hikers.
Why It Matters: The community-driven content helps you find routes nearby or in a location you desire, make informed decisions about your route, ensuring you're aware of trail conditions, hazards, and hidden gems before setting out. This collaborative aspect fosters a sense of connection among hikers and provides valuable insights from those who've experienced the trails firsthand. You can even preview the route with a 3d flyover so you can see exactly how steep or not the path is.
3. Advanced Route Planning
Benefit: Create and save custom routes, complete with waypoints and markers.
Why It Matters: This is perfect for those who like to plan every detail of their hike or who want to explore lesser-known trails, allowing for a more tailored hiking experience.
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4. Real-Time GPS Tracking & Share Location with Loved Ones
Benefit: Track your progress and see your exact location on the trail in real-time, plus share your location with family or friends. The app will even tell you if you make a wrong turn.
Why It Matters: Safety is paramount when hiking alone. The share location feature lets your loved ones monitor your progress, ensuring someone always knows where you are. It provides peace of mind and an extra layer of security on solo adventures.
5. Route Replay Feature
Benefit: After your hike, AllTrails+ allows you to replay your route.
Why It Matters: This feature is perfect for reviewing your hike, analyzing your pace, and even sharing your adventure with others. It's a valuable tool for tracking your progress and learning more about your hiking habits.
6. Enhanced Trail Information
Benefit: Access detailed trail metrics, including elevation profiles, difficulty ratings, and user reviews.
Why It Matters: Before setting out, you can evaluate a trail's suitability for your fitness level and preferences, making your solo hike more enjoyable and less risky.
Pros and Cons of the AllTrails+ App
Pros:
Comprehensive Trail Database: Access thousands of trails worldwide, including a 3D flyover, making it easy to discover new hikes.
Offline Accessibility: Download maps and routes for reliable navigation in remote areas.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that is easy to navigate even during challenging hikes.
Community Insights: Real-time reviews and photos from fellow hikers help you make informed decisions about your route.• Enhanced Safety: Real-time GPS tracking, location sharing, and route replay provide an extra layer of security for solo adventurers.
Share your location with loved ones.
Cons:
Subscription Cost: AllTrails+ comes with an annual fee, which may be a hurdle for casual hikers (use code SHESGOINGSOLO30 for 30% off)
Battery Consumption: Using GPS tracking, offline maps, and additional features can drain your device battery faster, so extra power banks may be needed on longer trips.
Data Accuracy: While generally reliable, some remote trail data may be less detailed or occasionally outdated, which can put you in danger. Always be aware of your surroundings and capabilities; it's always to turn back if you feel it's not safe.
Who Should Consider AllTrails+?
AllTrails+ is an invaluable tool for those seeking reliable navigation and enhanced safety during their outdoor adventures. It is particularly beneficial for:
Solo Hikers: Those who enjoy exploring less-travelled trails while maintaining accurate navigation and safety.
Frequent Hikers: Individuals who regularly hike and need advanced route planning tools and offline access.
Expedition Planners: Hikers who prefer detailed planning for their trips.
Safety-Conscious Adventurers: Solo travellers who prioritize real-time tracking, location sharing, and route replay features to ensure a secure hiking experience.
Final Thoughts
AllTrails+ elevates the hiking experience by combining an extensive trail database with powerful features like offline maps, advanced route planning, real-time GPS tracking, location sharing, and route replay. While the subscription fee may not be for everyone, for serious solo hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the added convenience and safety features make it a worthwhile investment.
Don't forget to use code SHESGOINGSOLO30 for 30% off at alltrails.pxf.io/VmKqbE
Have you tried AllTrails+ on your solo adventures? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and happy hiking!
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If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
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