AllTrails vs Wikiloc

alltrails-vs-wikiloc
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Nowadays, mountain sportsmen and women must have mobile technology tools in their equipment to obtain more detailed information about their routes. For this reason, hiking apps are essential and the following is a comparison of two of the most important ones: AllTrails vs Wikiloc.

AllTrails

AllTrails is an app designed for people who are just starting out in the field of hiking, cycling, discovering interesting routes and even exploring areas for camping.

Through it you can have access to more than 300,000 routes and this number is increasing every day, due to the fact that it has a community of more than 35 million users or explorers.

The totality of the maps offered are completely free of charge and can be downloaded for offline enjoyment. It features accurate directions for each route, a wide range of configuration options and a PRO version that is actually very economical.

The Pro version includes a Lifeline (SOS-style) function, removes advertising banners, allows offline map downloads and generates warnings in case of off-route driving. The app is available for iOS and Android.

All the routes are classified according to three criteriaThe level of difficulty, the length and the ratings given by other users.

These three parameters make it easier to plan your first outings. Of course, you will also find dozens of photos that will allow you to check out the site before you arrive.

In addition to this, you will also have the possibility to post photos, share your location with third parties, view the promotion log or upload the information to social networks, among other functions.

Features

In short, the main features of the app are AllTrails are as follows:

  • To date, it has more than 300,000 hiking and mountain routes for users to explore.
  • The totality of maps available within the AllTrails have the precise GPS location included, so you don't have to spend a lot of time to find the right place on the route.
  • Users of AllTrails can download as many maps as they want from the application in order to use them in case they do not have an internet connection to the route site.
  • Users can choose different routes to visit, as they can be filtered according to the level of experience of the person.
  • AllTrails has different filters that you can use, such as whether the trail is suitable for dogs, or whether it can be walked by people with disabilities.
  • Individuals can activate the activity tracker for AllTrails to make your friends and family aware of your location when you are on an excursion.
  • AllTrails allows its users to save their favourite paths with a single click in order to repeat them later.
  • People can follow other users and visualise what they are doing. This is ideal for inspiration or to try new challenges within the app.

Benefits

Some of the benefits that can be highlighted by using AllTrails for route planning, is as follows:

  • It incorporates an automatic notification system that issues warnings if you have left the route.
  • It has overlay maps that inform you about air quality, weather and light pollution.
  • It also allows you to filter your search to obtain results that are closer to your preferences.

Disadvantages

The points that can be considered as disadvantages of using the application are listed below:

  • The app includes advertisements.
  • The full version is only available on a subscription basis.
  • Synchronisation with several popular hiking applications is not allowed.
  • Battery consumption is high.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from users about AllTrails.

Can you say that the AllTrails application is free?

AllTrails is a freemium application, which means that it can be obtained for free, but to enjoy some features a fee is required.

Can AllTrails be used without mobile data service?

People can download the maps from AllTrails and use them without an internet or mobile data connection.

Is there value in investing in AllTrails?

If you are passionate about the great outdoors, are looking for new challenges in the fresh air, love walking outdoors, then it is worth your while to have AllTrails on your mobile.

What is the function of AllTrails?

The aim of AllTrails is that people with similar interests can be connected in one place. It is also the ideal app for those who want to find new routes to travel and find new challenges while connecting with more people.

If another reason is needed to download AllTrails, It is timely to know that part of the access fee for the Pro version also goes to various organisations working for the sustainability of the planet.

Wikiloc

Wikilocdeveloped in 2006, is one of the most popular hiking apps for trekking in Spain. However, this is not the only outdoor activity offered on it, but it also has others such as cycling, skiing, kayaking, MTB and many more to reach a total of 75 disciplines.

At present, Wikiloc accumulates more than 10 million users and its interface gives you access to more than 35 million routes, which include almost 60 million photos so that you can evaluate their natural beauty before deciding to walk them. In addition, you can recommend the trails you have discovered or the places that have interested you during your outings.

In the following video that we have prepared for you by the mountaineer and youtuber Pau Calado tells us in detail how we can use the application, which has recently added "Route Planner" and 3D mapping functionality.

Maps can be downloaded for offline use. and enable the notification function that alerts you every time you stray from your route. It also has a built-in system that predicts how long it will take you to travel a route and has a live location tracking function. This way, family and friends can find you if you get lost.

Features

Among the most relevant Wikiloc features the following can be highlighted:

  • You can view topographic maps from all over the world for free.
  • In addition, it can operate in offline or offline mode.
  • The app gives you the option to record your routes and add waypoints, among many other functions.
  • The paid version allows you additional features such as live tracking and synchronisation with other devices to connect with friends.
  • The application functions as a powerful GPS navigator.
  • It has an extensive database with more than 34 million routes.
  • Behind the application, there is a large community of more than 10 million users.

Advantages

Among the most relevant advantages of the use of Wikiloc can be highlighted:

  • The app is compatible with a wide range of Garmin devices.
  • The search engine allows you to locate routes according to specific areas.
  • The guidance service can be configured with sounds so that you can enjoy the experience without the need to continuously use your mobile phone to view the location.

Disadvantages

The use of the application offers some aspects that are not as beneficial, such as the following:

  • The only way to make use of all its functions is by purchasing the Premium version.
  • No extra features such as heart rate monitors are built into the app.
  • Other than the Garmin line, there is no compatibility with additional devices.

Frequently asked questions

Some of the questions most frequently asked by users who are interested in Wikiloc are as follows:

Is the Wikiloc application free?

The downloading of Wikiloc is free of charge, but to use the outdoor navigation and other additional functions, you have to purchase the Wikiloc Premium.

Can Wikiloc work offline?

Wikiloc provides the maps offline and the terrain relief and elevations along the route are indicated on the maps.

Can routes be shared on Wikiloc?

At Wikiloc users can publish the routes they take, adding photos, maps, descriptions and other information about the routes.

Is it possible to locate existing routes?

Wikiloc makes it possible to locate the most interesting routes close to your location. This option is one of the most useful and also the simplest to carry out.

If you are interested in sharing your experience and that of others in a single app, Wikiloc will be your best ally. A positive part of the paid version is that 1% is donated to non-profit organisations that work for the conservation of the Earth.

Conclusion

Once the comparison of AllTrails vs Wikiloc it can be concluded that these two applications are relatively similar. Therefore, the decision between choosing one of them will be more a matter of taste, the design of the app, its handling, possible bugs in each version, among other aspects.

However, in order to dispel doubts about these two tools, the best recommendation is to test both for a reasonable period of time.