ViewRanger is still talked about to this day when it comes to hiking, mapping and navigation technology. Like us, you might be still mourning the removal of ViewRanger from the app store.
ViewRanger die-hards were aggrieved for many reasons: Forced to switch to a complicated new system in Outdooractive, loss of free offline maps and “shabby” of lifetime access purchases.
Below we compare five popular apps (HiiKER, OS Maps, AllTrails, Gaia GPS, OutdoorActive) on their strengths and weaknesses.
HiiKER: The Hiking Maps App
A hiker-first app designed to fill ViewRanger’s void.
Strengths
- Free offline maps (no subscription required).
- Global topo maps, including official OS, USGS, OSI, Harvey Maps, Kompass Maps, EastWest Mapping and more around the US, the UK and Europe, including a cool historical map set.
- Clean, intuitive interface focused on hiking navigation—no bloat.
- Dialed in tools: PDF map exports, Garmin/Strava integration, safety features.
- Growing trail database with quality over quantity.
- Customer support. You can often speak with the founders of the company through their in app messaging and they’re known to fix issues in mere minutes! Kudos!
Weaknesses
- Smaller trail library than AllTrails (but expanding).
- Premium maps require PRO+ subscription.
Verdict
Balances power and simplicity — the spiritual successor to ViewRanger.
OS Maps (Ordnance Survey Maps)
The official app for Ordnance Survey (UK) maps, ideal for UK-centric hikers.
Strengths
- Trusted 1:25k/1:50k OS maps for UK detail.
- Simple interface.
- Good for Casual hikers
Weaknesses
- Limited global mapping; weak outside the UK.
- No free offline maps (premium subscription required).
- Basic features: lacks multi-route planning or advanced tools.
Verdict
OS Maps is decent for casual OS mapping purists but might not satisfy someone looking for global maps, community POIs, or advanced planning tools. It’s a solid, dependable choice, but perhaps not as feature-rich as others.
Alltrails
A crowdsourced trail database popular with casual hikers.
Strengths
- Vast library of pre-made trails with user reviews.
- User-friendly for discovering hikes.
Weaknesses
- Crowdsourced data often unreliable for navigation.
- Free version lacks offline maps; basic Mapbox/OSM maps lack detail.
- High battery drain and ad-heavy interface.
- The Instagram generation’s choice for hiking.
Verdict
Great for inspiration, not for serious navigation.
Gaia GPS
A feature-rich app for backcountry explorers.
Strengths
- Lots of map layers (USGS, satellite, snow depth, etc.).
- Offline capabilities for remote areas.
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve; cluttered and downright confusing interface.
- No OS maps for UK users.
- Overly expensive subscription required for full features
Verdict
Overkill for casual hikers; Can be too complex for even the most seasoned “techy” hikers.
OutdoorActive
ViewRanger’s killer, aiming to be the predominant “all-in-one” platform.
Strengths
- Access to global maps (OS, IGN, etc.).
- Large inherited route database (mainly in Europe).
Weaknesses
- Bloated interface; criticized for poor UX.
- Offline maps locked behind paywall (unlike ViewRanger and HiiKER).
- Buggy performance and heavy battery use.
Verdict
Frustratingly corporate—prioritizes features over user needs.
HiiKER Wins
- No Paywalls: Free offline access shames the competitors subscription demands.
- Global Precision: Easy access official maps worldwide outperform even Gaia’s layer complexity.
- Hiker-Centric Design: Focuses on core navigation, avoiding AllTrails’ crowdsourced noise.
While competitors cater to niches or profits, HiiKER delivers what hikers actually need: trustworthy maps, offline freedom, and a seamless experience.
For ViewRanger refugees and serious explorers alike, it’s the clear upgrade.
