GPS hiking sites have made it easier than ever for people to experience nature’s beauty.
GPS tracking for hikers offers several advantages. You can use them to make sure you stay on your intended trail, save your favorite locations to revisit later, and avoid trespassing on private land.
A reliable GPS device can also help keep outdoor enthusiasts safe. If you have an accident or get sick, you can use LandAirSea’s SilverCloud’s ShareSpot feature to show a trusted person your precise location.
But with so many GPS hiking sites available, it can be hard to work out which are the best to use. To help, we’ve put together a guide to some of our favorites, so you can find the perfect hike for your next adventure.
AllTrails
AllTrails has a database with more than 400,000 curated trails and 60 million users.
The number of users is important because AllTrails lets its members add images and comments to trails. Let’s say you want to hike a trail, but you’re worried that recent rain might have made it too muddy. You’d rather have a pleasant day in the woods than fall into the mud and get your car dirty on the drive home. With AllTrails, you can check trail conditions by looking at recent comments.
Other great features you get from AllTrails include:
- User feedback that lets you know how easy or difficult trails are
- Each trail’s elevation change
- Estimated time to complete a trail
- Weather conditions for the area
- Driving directions to the trailhead
The social aspect of AllTrails makes it a leader in the industry. Plus, its GPS features will show you precisely where you are as you move to your destination.
Trailforks
While AllTrails focuses on North American hiking trails, Trailforks has maps for trails in 135 countries. Trailforks has a free version that gives you basic access to its maps. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan (about $7.50 per month) for the full experience.
The paid version of Trailforks gives you a lot for your money. Some of the perks include:
- Topographical trail maps with alternate routes
- Videos that will teach you how to navigate the outdoors like a pro
- Offline maps so you don’t need to rely on an internet connection
- Landowner overlay
- Filters for popularity, trail condition, length, recent usage, and more
Trailforks isn’t just for hikers. Its collection of maps includes trails for skiers, bikers, and horseback riders. It even has maps for people who own ATVs.
Hiking Project
Hiking Project has a library of interactive trail maps from all over the world. If you don’t know where you’d like to hike, you can search for top-ranked trails in your area. Each map includes photos taken by other hikers, so you get to see the surroundings before committing to a day outdoors.
Hiking Project is completely free, but it pays the bills by showing you advertisements. As long as you don’t mind a few ads, you get access to interactive maps for thousands of trails around the world.
Carry the Right Device: GPS Tracking for Hikers
The best GPS hiking sites only work well when you carry a reliable GPS tracker during your adventure. Some people plan to take their smartphones, and while that can work in some cases, your mobile device is far from the best option.
Unfortunately, when you take your smartphone into the woods, you’ll likely find that the device:
- Runs out of power quickly as it struggles to find a signal
- Sends you notifications that interrupt your time in nature
- Doesn’t have a sturdy design that can withstand water, drops on hard surfaces, and intense cold or heat
It’s safer and more convenient to use stand-alone GPS tracking for hikers.
LandAirSea (LAS) has two models to fit your needs on the trail.
LandAirSea 54
The LAS 54 is our most compact, lightweight GPS tracker. It measures 2.275 inches deep and 0.945 inches high. You can slip it into your pocket or backpack easily.
Other benefits of taking the LAS 54 on your hikes include its:
- Waterproof, dustproof exterior
- Durable build that can withstand a three-foot drop onto concrete
The LAS 54 uses cellular and GPS signals, so it can connect to the strongest network in the area. Even if it needs to rely on the SAT signal, the battery will support your journey for at least one day before it needs a recharge.
LandAirSea Overdrive
If you want a longer battery life for multi-day excursions, consider the LAS Overdrive. It’s slightly larger than the LAS 54, but it will still fit in a pocket or backpack. The larger size means you get a bigger battery that can last.
LandAirSea GPS Tracking for Hikers
LandAirSea has worked with diverse industries for more than 25 years. Our GPS trackers work great during short and long hikes. You can also rely on them during other outdoor activities, like birdwatching and geocaching.
Not sure which GPS tracker and data plan you should choose for your outdoor events? We’re here to help! Send an email to [email protected] for personalized advice that will lead you to an option that fits your hiking plans.