The Best App For Thru-Hiking In 2026, According To Experts And Seasoned Hikers

Whether you're a first time hiker heading out on a well-marked trail or an experienced thru-hiker planning a remote, long-distance route, a reliable navigation app is an essential part of your kit. While you can't beat a good old-fashioned map and compass, most hikers now rely on navigation tools to plan, track, and adapt when out in the wilderness. One app that consistently stands out is FarOut, which has been voted the best navigation app for thru-hiking in 2026 by the experts at The Trek. 

Formerly known as Guthook Guides, the app has been designed specifically for thru-hikers and backpackers and is already widely used within the thru-hiking community. It's also the official partner for several trail associations, including the triple crown of hiking: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. More than 250 downloadable guides cover all the major long-distance trails across the U.S., as well as some of the best long-distance trails around the world, such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Te Araroa in New Zealand. The guides, with their interactive, GPS-enabled features, are designed so you can plan each section and adapt your route if needed. 

Not just for hikers and backpackers, FarOut can be used for biking, paddling, and whitewater rafting. Thanks to its waypoint-based navigation, you can see your exact location in real time, and importantly, how far it is to the next water source or shelter. "Currently on the CDT and let me tell you. EVERY SINGLE thru hiker uses FarOut. Its accurate and gives you all the data you need," one hiker out on the trail posted on Reddit. "After using Farout I will not use any other app."

One of the best features of the FarOut app is that it works fully offline once the map has been downloaded, so no more dealing with the stress of a lost signal at the most inopportune moment. Thanks to real-time GPS tracking, you'll always know exactly where you are. The app uses waypoint-based navigation, meaning you'll also know how far you are from important stops. Plus, it displays elevation — handy to know if you're going to have to find an extra burst of energy.

Having such a large community of users is a major advantage, with trail updates regularly added by hikers currently on the trail. You can check if there are any hazards you should know about, whether there's water available, or even the conditions of a campsite. "FarOut is definitely worth the money and will show you in real time where you're at on the trail," Tyler2u posted on Reddit. "Probably the most valuable feature however is the information users post on status of water sources, campgrounds, shuttles, hostels, etc."

Which brings us to the cost. There are several pricing options. Seasonal passes cost $12 per month, with a general monthly subscription costing $15. Annual subscribers pay $96 and earn points to buy guides with. If you don't want to opt for a subscription, you can buy individual trail guides or bundles. Remember that there are still a few limitations with FarOut. Limited coverage on less popular trails means fewer user comments to keep you updated. And the maps can lack the fine detail you'll find on an app like Gaia GPS. But it's user friendly and useful for sharing check-in points with family and friends. As always, you should never rely totally on any app, and also pack the best hiking gear, including a map and compass.