Planning a long-distance hike can seem daunting. From choosing the right route to finding places to sleep, resupply, or grab a meal along the way, there’s a lot to consider.
But with HiiKER’s waypoints functionality, you can make your preparation easier, organized, and, dare we say, fun. Let’s break down how to use waypoints to create a detailed, seamless hiking plan that helps you stay on track and find everything you need along the route.
What Are Waypoints on HiiKER?
Waypoints on HiiKER are specific points of interest that you can add to your hiking route. These points can be anything from a scenic viewpoint to a campsite, water source, or even a transportation hub. The beauty of waypoints is that they are entirely customisable—you can add them, name them, categorize them, upload photos, and even share them with friends.
Waypoints are particularly useful for long-distance hikes where you need to keep track of essential stops along your route. They allow you to:
- Mark campsites
- Pin resupply locations
- Add transportation hubs or pick-up points
- Highlight water sources and food stops
- Create custom points, such as notable landmarks or photo spots
Here’s how you can use waypoints to plan your next big adventure.
Step 1: Start Planning Your Route
Let’s say you’re planning a multi-day hike on the West Highland Way in Scotland. You’ll want to break down your journey by stops for each day. Start by using HiiKER’s custom route planner to design your ideal hiking route or choose from a pre-existing long-distance trail.
Once you have your route in place, it’s time to start adding waypoints.
Step 2: Marking Campsites and Accommodation
A successful long-distance hike requires carefully planning where you’ll rest each night. With waypoints, you can mark every campsite or accommodation along your route.
For example, on your West Highland Way hike, you might set a waypoint at the Beinglas Farm Campsite for night two. When you add a waypoint, label it as a “campsite” and even include additional details like the facilities available. If you’ve been to this campsite before, you could upload a photo of the site to help others—or yourself—visualize the area.
Categorizing your waypoints by type (e.g., campsites) also makes it easier to organize your hike. When you check your map later, you’ll be able to see all your overnight stops clearly laid out.
Step 3: Add Resupply and Food Stops
On longer hikes, planning where to resupply food or grab a hot meal is crucial. HiiKER’s waypoints make this part of planning simple. As you look at your chosen route, mark any locations where you’ll stop for food or resupply.
For instance, on the Pacific Crest Trail, you might stop in Kennedy Meadows to resupply. Add this as a waypoint, categorizing it under “resupply.” With waypoints, you can store all the information you need: is there a grocery store nearby? How far is it from the trail? You can even take a photo of the area and share it with fellow hikers.
The ability to upload photos and add detailed descriptions makes it easy to ensure you don’t miss a stop—or a meal.
Step 4: Pin Water Sources
Hydration is critical, especially on long-distance hikes where natural water sources might be sparse. On routes like the Appalachian Trail, you’ll find many streams and rivers, but not all of them are easily accessible. By adding waypoints for reliable water sources, you’ll never be caught off guard.
Let’s say you come across a reliable stream at Deep Gap. You can pin it as a waypoint, label it “Water Source,” and upload a photo of the stream. Add a short description, like “fresh water, easy access.” If you’re hiking with friends or sharing your route, this is an excellent way to help others keep track of essential stops.
Step 5: Include Transportation Hubs
Getting to and from the trailhead or having an emergency exit plan is essential, especially on multi-day hikes. Use waypoints to mark transportation hubs, like bus stops or train stations, or even places where a friend might pick you up.
On a route like the Camino de Santiago, you might set a waypoint at Pamplona to indicate a train station where you can catch public transport back home. This makes it easy to find your way to and from the trail without scrambling at the last minute.
Step 6: Customize with Personal Points of Interest
Beyond the practical, waypoints also let you add personal touchpoints. Are there stunning viewpoints or photo spots you don’t want to miss? Add them as custom waypoints and label them “scenic spot” or “photo op.” For example, on the Tour du Mont Blanc, you might pin a spot with an exceptional view of Les Drus mountain.
Not only can you upload your photos and descriptions, but you can also share these waypoints with friends, offering them a detailed guide to your adventure.
Step 7: Share Your Route and Waypoints
Once your waypoints are set, you can easily share your entire route, complete with all your waypoints, with friends or hiking buddies. Simply send them the link, and they can view your carefully planned stops for camping, resupply, water sources, and more. This makes coordinating group hikes much more efficient, as everyone can have access to the same detailed information.
Step 8: Access Waypoints Offline
When you’re out on the trail, you don’t want to rely on mobile signal to view your waypoints. HiiKER lets you download your route and waypoints for offline use. Whether you’re hiking in remote regions or deep valleys, you’ll still have access to your mapped waypoints and critical information.
Final Thoughts
Planning a long-distance hike can be a huge task, but HiiKER’s waypoints functionality makes it easier than ever to prepare and stay organized. From marking essential stops like campsites and resupply points to adding personal touchpoints and water sources, you can create a fully customized hiking experience that suits your needs. Best of all, you can share your route with friends or fellow hikers, giving everyone access to the same detailed information.
So the next time you plan a big adventure, let HiiKER’s waypoints guide you to success—step by step, waypoint by waypoint.
