Hiking Project vs. Alltrails App: What Are the Main Differences?

Both the Hiking Project vs. Alltrails app are perfect for hikers, and each has its own pros and cons. But what is the difference between them? Which one is better? Let’s explore!

Hiking Project vs. Alltrails App: Comparison Table

Both the Hiking Project and Alltrails app offer some great experiences for hikers. With that in mind, you may wonder, “which is better?”

The Hiking Project App

The  Alltrails App

Available
  • iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
  • Apple Watch, iPhone, or Android.
Pros
  • Completely free.
  • Detailed descriptions of trails.
  • Ability to search and save new hikes.
  • Record hikes.
  • Recommendations.
  • Pet-friendly status.
  • Reviews from other users.
  • Detailed hike descriptions.
  •  Ability to find trails based on tags.
Cons
  • Mostly US based.
  • No ability to track distance.
  • Requires unlocking the Pro version to use the best features.
  • Crowdsourced maps are not always accurate.
Features
  • User contributions.
  • Large database.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Offline functionality.
  • Detailed trail descriptions.
  • Ability to check in on the trail.
  • The exact location is shown on the trail.
Free Features
  • User-friendly interface.
  • The large audience of active users.
  • Detailed hike descriptions.

Pro Features

  • Lifeline capabilities
  • The real-time map overlay
  • Alerts when you are off route
  • Required to access most features
  • Download maps and offline access

Hiking Project And Alltrails App: Head-To-Head Comparison

Now, let’s dig into the details of the differences between the Hiking Project and the Alltrails App. Each factor is important as it affects your final decision.

#1. Available 

1. Hiking Project App

iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

2. Alltrails App

Apple Watch, iPhone, or Android.

#2. Features

1. Hiking Project App

  • User contributions.
  • Large database.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Offline functionality.
  • Detailed trail descriptions.
  • Ability to check in on the trail.
  • The exact location is shown on the trail.

2. Alltrails App

Free Features

  • User-friendly interface.
  • The large audience of active users.
  • Detailed hike descriptions.

Pro Features

  • Lifeline capabilities
  • Real-time map overlays
  • Alerts when you are off route
  • Required to access most features
  • Download maps and offline access

#3. Pros And Cons

1. Hiking Project App

Pros

  • Completely free.
  • Detailed descriptions of trails.
  • Ability to search and save new hikes.

Cons

  • Mostly US based.
  • No ability to track distance.

2. Alltrails App

Pros

  • Record hikes.
  • Recommendations.
  • Pet-friendly status.
  • Reviews from other users.
  • Detailed hike descriptions.
  •  Ability to find trails based on tags.

Cons

  • Requires unlocking the Pro version to use the best features.
  • Crowdsourced maps are not always accurate.

#4. Offline Usability

Both apps are GPS based, so they give you some location when you are offline.

These apps also allow you to save tracks. After this, you can pull them for reference. It is okay to save hikes under one ‘favorites’ tab. That way, you can keep the favorite hiking lists for later.

AllTrails lets you download maps that you can use offline, but it is only available after you unlock the Pro program. You can also print your customizable maps.

The most striking thing about these apps is GPS capability. They deliver the same technology in this aspect.

Winner: Tie

#5. Ease To Use

The First Impression

After opening Alltrails, it will greet you with a screen that displays “trails nearby” (if you enable it to locate your location). It is ideal for those unsure where to go.

You can then scroll through various trail categories to find one that fits your interest. That’s when you will see it like one hotel reservation application.

Otherwise, the Hiking project will open a map and will not show your pinpoint location if you do not press “Star Trek.” So, if you do not have any nearby immediate trails, move this map to look for somewhere.

The ‘Top Hikes’ menu will include trail results in the general area based on ratings of previous users.

Map Readability

The Alltrails app features various layers users can add and different locations and regions. But additional layers will require users to pay

So, you should consider where you will go and make the best judgment about what you will need.

Once you have decided on one trail you prefer to hike, the app will give you complete and detailed information about this trail, such as elevation and length change. In addition, it’ll also provide reviews and a short description.

For the Alltrails app, it is possible to put some reviews once you have logged in.

We encourage you to do this as it lets other users know about the current conditions of your chosen trail.

On the Hiking Project app, if you want to leave feedback, you will need to submit it through the web and wait until it is approved.

When opening a map on the Alltrails, it features one red line on your trail but feels like you are looking at others’ recordings.

Although it is seemingly unappealing, it displays full trails within your location.

The Hiking Project app only displays other trails and paths that have been commented on, hiked, or/and tracked.

After opening a trail on the Hiking Project app, you’ll see it is a bit more streamlined.

When you have pressed on this trail, a new screen will pop up with the name of your chosen trail and nearby trails.

Pressing this name and elevation changes will show up. You must tap this name to open additional information. But it does not stay there when scrolling.

The Hiking Project app does not allow users to leave comments directly, so you will not receive anything about current conditions.

The winner: AllTrails

#6. Cost

The Hiking Project is a great free app for sharing,  tracking, and location for hiking while offline.

It doesn’t come with all of the whistles and bells you can get from the Alltrails app, but it does not need to.

AllTrails app will give you a more in-depth hiking experience for adventure and exploring.

However, you will need to pay to use the better features, while the free features are kept at the basic level.

For $29.99 for a year, it’s value for money. You don’t have to spend too much money to enjoy the great features of the AllTrails app, which Hiking Project does not offer.

Winner: Tie

Hiking Project vs. Alltrails App: Which One Is Better?

If you are familiar with travel apps, the AllTrails app is your best bet. It features various great info that helps you narrow a search.

The Hiking Project app’s user interface is cleaner, but it lacks some vital information, including recent information.

The Hiking Project developers think they need to review every route, trail, symbol, and photo submitted.

They recognize the importance of showing legal and accurate trails, keeping hikers on track, and protecting places.

FAQs

After reviewing a range of features for the Hiking Project vs. Alltrails App, it’s time to answer these frequently asked questions:

Is It Worth Paying for Alltrails?

The AllTrails app is an excellent tool for those wanting to hike, run, ride, or dog walking on well-trodden paths.

Is the Hiking Project App Free?

Yes. The Hiking Project app is entirely free.

Does Alltrails App Work Without Wifi?

One of the best benefits of the AllTrails Pro is that it allows you to download maps to your device for offline use.

What Is the Difference Between Alltrails and Alltrails Pro?

AllTrails Pro benefits include planning routes, downloading maps, and accessing several extra map sources.

What Is Wrong With Alltrails?

The AllTrails application shows you the exact trail a specific user took to hit a location. So this app makes it too easy for you to find and visit sensitive areas, which can ruin your experience.

How Much Is Subscription to Alltrails?

The Pro Alltrails costs $29.99 for one year. It is suitable for people who explore the outdoors frequently.

What Are the Advantages of Alltrails Pro?

Following are the key benefits of Alltrails Pro:

  • No Ads.
  • Download Offline Maps.
  • Access to AllTrails Navigator.
  • Use Lifeline to Keep Yourself Safe.
  • Print Paper Versions of Your Maps.
  • See Real-Time Details About Trail Conditions.

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