Best Offline GPS Apps for Hiking in 2026 — Compared

"Offline GPS" is one of the most misleading terms in the app world. Most apps that claim offline support actually require you to download map data before you lose signal. Forget to do that? You're staring at a blank screen on the trail.

We tested seven popular GPS and navigation apps on backcountry hikes with no cell signal to answer one question: what actually works when you have zero connectivity? Here's what we found.

What "Offline" Actually Means for GPS Apps

Before comparing apps, it's important to understand that "offline GPS" can mean very different things:

• ▶True offline (no prep required) — The app works immediately without internet. No downloads, no caching, no sync. You open it in the wilderness and it functions. Only a few apps offer this.
• ▶Pre-downloaded offline — You download map regions while you have internet. On the trail, the app uses cached maps plus live GPS. If you forgot to download the right area, the maps won't load.
• ▶"Offline" with caveats — The app technically shows your GPS dot offline, but most features (search, routing, trail info) require internet. The experience degrades significantly.

How We Evaluated Each App

We tested each app with airplane mode enabled (simulating no signal) and scored them on six criteria that matter on the trail:

1. Zero-signal functionality — What works with absolutely no internet? GPS position? Maps? Trail data? Routing?
2. Setup required — Do you need to download data before losing signal? How much storage does it consume?
3. GPS accuracy display — Does the app show you how precise your current position is? This matters for safety.
4. Battery consumption — How fast does it drain your battery during continuous use?
5. Emergency readiness — Can you quickly share your coordinates if something goes wrong?
6. Cost — What's the real price for full offline functionality?

1. SkyLocation — Raw GPS Coordinates, Instantly

SkyLocation takes a fundamentally different approach from map-based apps. Instead of trying to show you a visual map, it displays the raw GPS data your phone already computes: exact coordinates, altitude, speed, and — critically — the current accuracy of your fix.

This sounds limited until you realize that coordinates are the most important thing in a no-signal situation. With exact coordinates, you can plot your position on a paper topo map, relay your location to SAR teams in an emergency, verify you're on the right trail at a junction, or mark a campsite to find again later.

• ▶Works immediately with zero internet — nothing to download, ever
• ▶Displays live accuracy so you know how reliable your fix is
• ▶Altitude, speed, and heading data
• ▶SOS message preparation with coordinates (Pro)
• ▶Minimal battery usage — GPS only, no map rendering
• ▶No account required, no data collection

Price: Free. Pro upgrade €2.99 (one-time, lifetime).

Best for: Experienced hikers who navigate with coordinates + paper maps, anyone who wants a reliable GPS backup that requires zero preparation, and emergency preparedness.

2. AllTrails — Best for Trail Discovery

AllTrails is the most popular trail platform with a massive database of user-reviewed trails. Its offline maps feature requires a paid membership and pre-downloading the specific regions you'll visit.

• ▶Enormous trail database with reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings
• ▶Offline map downloads available with AllTrails+ or Peak membership
• ▶GPS tracking and route recording
• ▶Community-contributed waypoints and conditions updates
• ▶Maps must be downloaded before losing signal — no fallback if you forget
• ▶No accuracy display for your GPS fix

Price: Free (limited). AllTrails+ $35.99/year. Peak $59.99/year (includes offline maps, route planning).

Best for: Discovering new trails, reading reviews before you go, and recording tracks on popular routes.

3. Gaia GPS — Best for Serious Backcountry

Gaia GPS is designed for serious backcountry users who want professional-grade map layers. It offers USGS topo maps, satellite imagery, slope analysis, and specialized backcountry overlays. Offline maps require downloading regions beforehand.

• ▶Multiple map layer options (USGS topo, satellite, OpenStreetMap, slope angle)
• ▶Detailed route planning with elevation profiles
• ▶Offline map downloads with paid membership
• ▶Waypoint and track management
• ▶Higher learning curve than casual hiking apps
• ▶Can consume significant storage for large regions

Price: Free (limited). Premium $39.99/year (includes offline maps). Outside+ bundle also includes Gaia access.

Best for: Experienced backcountry users who want detailed topo maps and plan routes carefully before departing.

4. Komoot — Best for Route Planning in Europe

Komoot is popular in Europe for hiking and cycling route planning. It generates turn-by-turn navigation for hiking trails and offers offline map downloads for purchased regions.

• ▶Excellent turn-by-turn navigation on trails
• ▶Smart route planning based on fitness level and terrain
• ▶Strong coverage in European countries
• ▶Offline maps are purchased per region (one free starter region)
• ▶Less comprehensive in North America compared to AllTrails or Gaia

Price: Free (one region). Individual regions €3.99 each. World bundle €29.99 (one-time).

Best for: European hikers who want guided navigation on well-marked trail systems.

5. OsmAnd — Best Free Offline Maps

OsmAnd uses OpenStreetMap data and offers genuinely free offline map downloads. The maps are vector-based (compact file sizes) and include topographic contour lines. The trade-off is a utilitarian interface that takes time to learn.

• ▶Free offline map downloads for any region worldwide
• ▶Vector maps with topo contour lines
• ▶Turn-by-turn navigation for hiking, cycling, and driving
• ▶Highly customizable but complex interface
• ▶No trail reviews or community features
• ▶Map rendering can feel slow on older devices

Price: Free (7 map downloads). OsmAnd+ $9.99 (one-time, unlimited downloads).

Best for: Budget-conscious hikers who want visual offline maps and don't mind a learning curve.

6. Apple Maps — Built-In Offline Maps

Since iOS 17, Apple Maps supports downloading regions for offline use. While not hiking-specific, it provides basic walking navigation and terrain views without internet once maps are cached.

• ▶Free and built into every iPhone — no additional app needed
• ▶Offline map downloads by region
• ▶Walking directions available offline
• ▶Terrain view helps with elevation visualization
• ▶No trail-specific data, difficulty ratings, or community input
• ▶Offline map areas must be downloaded in advance

Price: Free.

Best for: Casual hikers on well-established paths who already have an iPhone and don't want to install another app.

7. Avenza Maps — PDF Map Viewer

Avenza Maps lets you import geo-referenced PDF maps and overlays your GPS position on them. Many land management agencies (USFS, BLM, national parks) publish free geo-PDFs. It's a niche tool for people who work with specific agency maps.

• ▶Import and use geo-referenced PDF maps offline
• ▶GPS position overlay on imported maps
• ▶Many free agency maps available (USGS, USFS, Parks Canada)
• ▶Excellent for specific regions covered by official maps
• ▶Limited to maps you've imported — no automatic trail database
• ▶File sizes can be very large for high-resolution maps

Price: Free (3 maps). Pro $29.99/year (unlimited maps, advanced features).

Best for: Users who work with specific government or agency maps and want GPS overlay on those exact documents.

Feature Comparison at a Glance

The Smart Strategy: Layer Your Tools

The best approach isn't choosing one app — it's combining two for redundancy:

• ▶Primary: A map app (AllTrails, Gaia, or OsmAnd) — Download your trail area before you leave. Use it for visual navigation on the trail.
• ▶Backup: SkyLocation — Requires zero preparation. If your primary app crashes, runs out of downloaded area, or your phone restarts and can't reload cached maps, SkyLocation still gives you exact coordinates instantly. It's the GPS equivalent of carrying a paper map as backup.
• ▶Third layer: Paper topo map + compass — For extended backcountry trips, physical maps don't run out of battery. SkyLocation coordinates plot directly onto any topo map.

This layered approach means no single point of failure can leave you without positioning. Your primary app provides convenience; SkyLocation provides reliability; a paper map provides battery independence.

Add a zero-prep GPS backup to your hiking kit.