Embarking on a multi-day hike is an adventure that requires careful planning and organization. HiiKER’s stages functionality is designed to make this process smoother and more intuitive, helping hikers break down their long journeys into manageable segments.
This how-to guide will walk you through using HiiKER’s stages functionality effectively, ensuring you’re well-prepared for each day of your adventure.
It’s important to note that this functionality is only available to PRO+ users. To see the latest offers available on PRO+ subscriptions, head to https://hiiker.app/purchases
Open the HiiKER App
Begin by launching the HiiKER app on your smartphone. Make sure you have the latest version installed to access all the newest features, including the stages functionality for multi-day hikes.
Select Your Trail
Navigate to the search page within the HiiKER app. You can choose from over 95,000 trails available worldwide. Once you have selected your desired trail, open the trail details to start planning your hike.
Accessing the Stages Functionality
On the trail overview page, you will see the option for stages. Within this, you will have a list of curated sections of your chosen route which you can use to plan and navigate, rather than using the entire route map. This is particularly helpful on those humongous trails!
With each stage, you will have the daily breakdown of distance and elevation gain. you’ll also see all the available accommodation and amenities on that secion of the trail. So, while planning, you can see what accommodation, camping, resupply points are along the trail. And if you need to make an emergency stop, all these points of information are available offline.
Customise your trail stages
For each stage, you have the ability to edit the route in the planner. This allows you to alter the route to your own liking. If you want a less or more distance, less climbing or more climbing, you have to veer off trail a bit to see a friend or just want to blaze your own trail. These route sections will then be saved in your planned hikes. Just remember to label them so you can find them later.
Record using trail stages
From the planner, you can record each stage. On the planned trail overview page, you will see the option to “start navigation”. You can also export the route GPX to a smartwatch and record your activity there. Using a smartwatch where possible, will offer the best recording experience.
Offline Accessibility
Ensure that you download your stages for offline use, especially if you anticipate limited network coverage on your trail. HiiKER allows you to access all your planned stages and trail maps offline, which is essential for remote or rugged locations.
Begin Your Hike
With your stages clearly defined and accessible offline, you’re ready to start your multi-day hiking adventure. Open the app each day, refer to your planned stage, and follow the trail with confidence.
