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<h2>Exploring Navigation Apps on the Appalachian Trail</h2>
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For much of my life, I relied solely on paper maps while hiking. In March, however, I joined my friend Rusty on a two-week trek along the Appalachian Trail. He suggested I download the app FarOut to navigate better.
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<h2>Discovering FarOut</h2>
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FarOut opened my eyes to app-based navigation tailored for thru-hikers, featuring vital details like water source conditions. Initially, I struggled as the app defaults to northbound while I was hiking south, but once I figured it out, I was quite impressed.
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<h2>Exploring Different Trails</h2>
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Generally, my hikes are on less-trafficked trails in local national forests, not the main paths FarOut focuses on. For my solo trip to the Ventana Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest, I decided to test additional navigation apps, aiming to persuade my job to grant me more outdoor time.
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<h2>Testing App Options</h2>
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I evaluated various options, quickly discarding onX Backcountry for its significant battery drain and finding CalTopo too complex. I suspected Google Maps wouldn’t suffice, so I turned to AllTrails after spotting it among the top-rated apps. Additionally, Gaia GPS was frequently recommended on hiking forums.
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<h2>Planning the Route</h2>
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I was familiar with the Pine Ridge Trail and appreciated AllTrails' suggested hikes, which included 41 options in the Ventana Wilderness. I initially planned an overnight at China Camp but opted for a more ambitious route to what AllTrails called the Big Sur Sykes Hot Springs Extended Loop, considering trail conditions reported online.
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<h2>Challenges with Route Mapping</h2>
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While mapping routes with AllTrails and Gaia, I encountered discrepancies in mileages and elevation gains. For that trip, AllTrails estimated 32.8 miles, whereas Gaia suggested a staggering 40 miles. These inconsistencies led me to prepare for multiple stops along my journey, as unexpected mileage could arise.
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<h2>Conclusion: Digital vs. Paper Navigation</h2>
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Ultimately, while I carried my paper maps, the apps performed well enough that I didn’t need them. However, I couldn’t identify a clear favorite; AllTrails was great for planning, while Gaia proved reliable on the trail. Both apps exhibited concerning data inaccuracies, potentially leading to unnecessary weight in food supplies. Given the privacy issues surrounding these apps, I wouldn’t advise relying on them entirely without a backup map.
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