As an avid hiker who loves to explore the outdoors, I rely on All Trails and Gaia as my outdoor companions and GPS tools. Both apps have become essential tools for me, and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors. In this post, I’ll focus on All Trails, which has become my go-to hiking companion. This amazing app has become an essential tool for me, and I highly recommend it, especially if you’re new to hiking or backpacking or want to gain more confidence on the trail.

One of my favorite things about All Trails is how easy it is to use it. With just a few taps on your phone, you can find trails near you or any trail you are researching for future hikes. The app provides details such as difficulty level, distance, elevation gain, photos, and even reviews from other hikers. But what I love most about All Trails is the ability to download the trail map and access it offline - even if you’re in an area with no signal. This feature gives me the confidence to explore new trails without the fear of getting lost.

Using All Trails regularly has provided me with a greater sense of confidence on my hikes. I no longer worry about getting lost, allowing me to focus on the beautiful scenery. Meditating or enjoying the quiet while hiking with All Trails has become essential to my wellness routine.

If you’re new to All Trails, here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of the app:

- Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out.

- Download maps of the trails you plan to hike the night before or before you leave home and ensure the maps are fully downloaded. If you lose signal on your hike, you can still access your trail directions and map.

- Make sure your phone is fully charged, and bring a portable charger.

- Share your hiking plans with friends or family in case of any emergencies. You can share the trails you’re doing by simply sharing them from the app. I typically click the forward link on the app and send it via text to my husband and kids.

- I highly recommend recording your hikes. It’s fun to go back and see all the hikes and miles you have completed. (I know, I am easily amused)

- Don’t forget to enjoy the trail and the views!

In terms of cost,  All Trails is free to use, but a Pro version offers additional features such as offline maps, custom map printing, and more. The Pro version costs $35.99 per year or $2.99 a month.   And one last thing I love about All Trails is that they have partnered with One Tree Planted so that for any successful referral, they plant a tree for each. Love this!

Overall, All Trails has become a game-changer for me regarding confidence and safety on the trails. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their hiking experience. If you have any favorite hiking trails or experiences using All Trails, please share them in the comments below!

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