AllTrails: A Review of My Favorite App for the Outdoors
The act of exploring the outdoors is an incredibly thrilling experience. When one thinks of being outside, different activities may come to mind, such as swimming to cool off or spending time in nature to unwind from a busy lifestyle without getting wet.
Whether someone frequently explores the outdoors or only occasionally travels outside, having a reliable app for outdoor activities can improve the journey and make it more enjoyable. Gone are the days where heavy backpacks filled with navigational tools and books are necessary to ensure one stays on track and reaches the destination. That has been replaced by technology and more specifically, phone apps. That’s where AllTrails comes into play.
So, what is AllTrails?
AllTrails is a digital platform and mobile application that caters to individuals who love engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, cycling, running, and other nature-based pursuits. AllTrail has been around since 2010 with the aim of developing a platform tailored to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. With a user base of over 10 million members from more than 100 countries, AllTrails is a popular app that has established itself as one of the world's top hiking apps.
Aside from being an efficient guide and trail tracker for hikers, AllTrails also offers a community aspect of social media, which allows users to interact with outdoor enthusiasts worldwide and share their experiences with others. As a community-sourced, data-driven software, the app encourages users to contribute to the platform by sharing their routes and providing feedback on trails to other members of the AllTrails community.
Whether you're new to hiking or an experienced hiker seeking to challenge yourself, AllTrails is a useful app that caters to individuals of all skill levels. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems.
How much does it cost?
To put it briefly, the AllTrails app offers two subscription choices for its users: the Basic Membership, which is free, and the Pro Membership, which costs $35.99 per year ($2.99 per month) and is perfect for those who frequently venture into nature. We've listed all the features in great detail below.
What features does the app have?
While the AllTrails app is available for free, there are distinct differences in the features offered between the free version and the paid Pro version. You can review the list of features currently available below!
Free version
The AllTrails app's free version lets you look up over 300,000 trails by searching for a name, city, or national park, or by browsing for trails near you. You can refine your search by filtering trails according to activity, difficulty level, length, elevation gain, and other preferences, such as the type of attractions you want to see. You can also add new trails to the database or save your favorite ones for later.
The app allows you to access maps online and create custom maps using the website, which can be viewed on the app. You can track your activity by recording your journeys and add details about trail conditions, review the route, and attach photos. You can also share your experiences with family, friends, and other members on the app via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms.
Paid version
The AllTrails App's Pro Version includes all of the features available in the free version, as well as several additional benefits. You can use the app offline with downloadable maps, and access overlays such as Air Quality and Pollution Index, pollen, satellite weather, heat maps, and more. The app also offers off-route notifications to help you locate trailheads and stay on track, as well as a Lifeline feature that lets you keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts for added safety.
You can enjoy ad-free usage, customize maps to suit your preferences, and print them if you wish. The app provides access to real-time map overlays to assist with trip planning, including air quality, weather, light pollution, and other helpful data.
In conclusion
Generally speaking, AllTrails offers numerous benefits to its users. With the app, you can easily search for trails and discover new ones, as it currently has a database of over 60,000 trails worldwide. Reviews, photos, and other information provide insight into the trail's nature.
Additionally, the app provides more filtering options, allowing you to narrow down your trail options based on various factors such as difficulty level, length, estimated trip duration, activity type, trail attractions, and accessibility (kid-friendly, dog-friendly, wheelchair-friendly, etc.).
Moreover, the app's user-friendly interface is easy to navigate, and it includes detailed features that allow you to read, review, and customize your maps.
