Gaia GPS, onX Backcountry, and AllTrails are all options for hiking without cell service, but none is a universal winner. Gaia GPS documents selectable map sources and offline routing data; onX Backcountry documents offline trails, topo detail, waypoints, lines, and tracking; AllTrails offers downloadable maps to Plus and Peak members. Choose based on the map detail and tools you need in your destination, then download and test everything before leaving service.
What an offline hiking app can—and cannot—do
Your phone can determine its location using GPS even when it has no cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Gaia GPS explains: “Your device does not need an internet connection (cellular or wifi) to provide GPS data to the app.” Gaia GPS Help Center distinguishes GPS positioning from internet access.
That distinction matters: a working location dot does not mean the map is saved. Map images or data must be downloaded while you are connected, and the correct area, map source, detail level, and route content must be available on the phone before you lose service. An offline navigation app also does not, by itself, provide a phone call, satellite messaging, or emergency rescue service.
How the three apps compare for offline hiking
| App | Offline features documented by the provider | Best fit and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Gaia GPS | Maps are downloaded locally; a subscription is required for offline downloads. Users can select map sources and resolutions, and routing data is automatically downloaded with offline maps. Gaia says its Gaia Topo source has worldwide coverage, while some other sources have limited coverage. Its help page recommends High resolution for hiking. | Worth considering if you want selectable map sources, layered maps, and the documented offline routing workflow. Verify coverage for the specific source and destination, and decide whether the subscription is worthwhile. Details are in Gaia GPS offline maps. |
| onX Backcountry | Offline maps can include trails, topo detail, waypoints, lines, and other saved content. The phone’s internal GPS can show your position on a saved map; tracking, waypoints, and lines can be used offline. The app offers a “Go Offline” check. Higher resolution shows more detail over a smaller area; lower resolution covers more ground. | A candidate for backcountry route planning when saved waypoints, lines, and tracking are useful. These features are described in onX Backcountry offline maps; the provider documentation is not an independent head-to-head performance test. |
| AllTrails | Plus and Peak members can download maps while connected. The maps are stored locally and accessed in the iOS or Android app; users can load a map in Navigate and record activity. | A candidate if you already use AllTrails trail maps and want offline access to a downloaded map. The cited instructions do not establish area-wide download flexibility or map-layer depth comparable to the other apps. See AllTrails offline maps. |
Choose based on your route, not a universal ranking
For layered maps and offline routing
Gaia GPS is a reasonable candidate when selecting among map sources and resolutions matters to your planning. Check whether the particular source you want covers the hiking area; worldwide coverage for Gaia Topo does not establish that every other source is available everywhere.
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#1 Best Overall
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
For saved backcountry tools
Consider onX Backcountry if offline waypoints, lines, and tracking are central to how you plan or follow a route. Its resolution choice also creates a practical trade-off: more terrain detail means less area per download.
For a known trail in AllTrails
AllTrails may suit hikers who already rely on its trail maps and want to navigate using a downloaded map. Confirm that the membership and downloaded content meet your needs before the trip.
Rank #2
- Compact and lightweight GPS handheld navigator boasts an anti-slip design offering a bright 3.2" screen that is sunlight readable, even in bright sunlight, plus, physical buttons provide more versatility in any conditions
- Get multi-GNSS support(GPS+GALILEO+BEIDOU+QZSS) for superior positional accuracy,so you know exactly where you are,location precision within 6 ft
- The handheld GPS navigator uses GPS technology to capture your trip or waypoint so you can guide back to your starting position
- Equip with 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter,follow your bearing on the digital compass, which provides an accurate heading even when stationary
- Hike in any weather with the water-resistant design (rated to IP66) ,Rechargeable battery can provide up to 36 hours of battery life in full charge, recharge easily with a standard USB-C cable
For international hiking or unfamiliar terrain
Do not infer country-by-country coverage from a general feature description. Check the actual map source, trails, and detail available for your destination before relying on any app. The provider information cited here does not establish comparative coverage in every country.
Prepare and test the offline map before departure
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Offline maps have to be downloaded before you lose internet access.
- Select the map source and area. Include the planned route and reasonable room for a detour. Check that the chosen source covers the full area.
- Choose a useful detail level. Gaia GPS recommends High resolution for hiking. onX Backcountry documents the trade-off between detail, saved area, and storage. Make sure the phone has room for the download.
- Save route content. Download or save the route, waypoints, lines, or other map content you expect to use, as appropriate for the app.
- Wait for the download to finish. Do not assume that selecting an area means its data is already stored.
- Test with the internet turned off. Gaia GPS recommends testing in airplane mode; onX Backcountry offers a “Go Offline” check. Confirm the saved map, location dot, planned route, and intended zoom levels are available in the app.
Plan a backup for navigation and emergencies
Keep the phone charged and consider carrying a paper topographic map for the hiking area and a compass, with the knowledge to use them. Gaia GPS’ Backcountry Navigation Checklist includes a printed map kit and batteries for a phone, GPS, or satellite beacon.
Rank #3
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
If your route or safety plan calls for off-grid communication, assess a satellite messenger or beacon as a separate piece of equipment. The offline-map features described for these three apps do not establish satellite messaging or rescue service, and no device can guarantee coverage or rescue.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Expanded global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology allow you to get optimal accuracy in challenging locations, including steep country, urban canyons and forests with dense trees
- Includes routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only)
- Go-anywhere navigation with 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app (compatible smartphone required) to help you manage tracks, routes and waypoints and review statistics from the field
Rank #4
- The 2.2” high-resolution display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight
- Get long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode with 2 field-replaceable AA batteries (not included)
- Pair with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping
- Get automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live, including descriptions, logs and hints when paired to the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone
- Multi-GNSS support gives access to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
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