5 Best Apps for Overlanding in 2022

Our recommendations for all of the best iPhone and Android apps for overlanding to help you out on- and off-road this year.

While you’re out on the road, your phone is your only connection to the world wide web. Of course you can (and should) print out paper maps, read lots of books, and have a contingency plan in case of emergencies.  However, we know that’s not possible all the time. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best apps for overlanding that can help you out of those tight spots while you’re out adventuring. We spend a lot of time helping you build a gear box, so why not give you some gear for your phone, too?

1. Gasbuddy

We use Gasbuddy for more than just off-roading and overland adventures. Honestly, it’s helpful on road trips of literally any kind. When we know exactly where we’re headed, our preferred method is searching along a route. If not, though, Gasbuddy is also excellent at finding the cheapest gas based on your location.

Another great way we use Gasbuddy is to plan ahead for our whole trip with their Gas Cost Calculator. If we’re planning on splitting gas costs between a couple of people, this tool helps a ton. It keeps our costs low and helps us budget ahead of time. Plus, with gas prices looking the way they have been recently, we want to save every penny we can.

The reason we think Gasbuddy is an underrated app for overlanding is because it isn’t specifically intended for overlanders. Because of that factor, it might not be on your radar yet. If it isn’t we highly recommend you take a look.

Get Gasbuddy free for iPhone or Android, or use their website.

2. Maps.Me

Maps.me is a necessity, in our opinion. It’s not just your tried and true map app, like Google or Apple Maps. By letting you download maps ahead of time, it keeps you connected and on track even when you don’t have cell service. As long as you can keep your phone charged, you can use a map from Maps.Me.

Unlike Google maps, Maps.Me allows you to change transportation modes on a downloaded map. So, say you want to take a hike near your camp spot: just tell Maps.Me you’re walking and it will adapt.

One of our favorite ways to use Maps.Me is actually as trip planning inspiration. The app is great and easy to use, but their website also has a ton of great resources for trip planning as well. If you’re making a stop along a journey and don’t really know what to do, check Maps.Me. On their website, there’s a search feature for almost any location or attraction. Of course, this includes camping and other cool outdoor stuff, but they’ve also got filters for historical sites, entertainment, businesses, and more.

Which Mapping App is Easier to Use?

When it comes to a user-friendly mapping experience, we lean toward apps that make navigating the backcountry feel more like an adventure and less like a test in patience. In our experience, Maps.Me stands out for its clean, approachable layout—think less clutter, more clarity. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to get the hang of it. The controls are intuitive, the menus make sense, and finding your route or past adventures is refreshingly straightforward.

Compared to some other mapping platforms, which can feel like relics from the early days of GPS, Maps.Me’s interface is modern and designed for real-life use. Syncing your maps and saved locations across devices happens almost instantly, which is one less thing to worry about when you’re managing trip details on your phone and tablet. Organization is a breeze, too—you can sort routes and favorites in a snap, without getting lost in a sea of confusing folders or settings.

So, if you’ve ever fumbled through labyrinthine menus or waited impatiently for your routes to sync, you’ll appreciate how seamless and approachable Maps.Me makes the whole process. It’s the kind of app you can hand to a travel buddy (even one who claims they’re “bad with tech”) and they’ll be navigating like a pro in minutes.

Get Maps.Me for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

3. iOverlander

iOverlander is an app built for overlanders, by overlanders. It’s famous among the overlanding community, so it’s no wonder this app made our list. They’re also a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to helping others, so we love patronizing them when we can. Though they do ask for donations on their website, they keep their services totally free.

The brilliant minds behind iOverlander realized that while it’s great to stay focused on your journey, that can also sometimes mean you forget to plan around a destination. Or, when disaster strikes, they know you need a place to crash that’s cheap and close by. On their map, they’ve got national and state parks and campgrounds, but also a handy list of Walmart parking lots.

The most important things to know about iOverlander are its humble beginnings and recent growth. iOverlander literally started as a spreadsheet – just a collection of overnight crash spots shared between friends. Now, it’s both an app and a website. These platforms both take submissions, as well, so if you see a spot, share a spot!

Get iOverlander for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

4. Gaia GPS

This app is so good, it’s the only paid one on our list of best overlanding apps. For free, you can access online maps in limited areas, but the paid membership gets you so much more. With a membership, you can access online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership gives you access to Nat Geo Trails Illustrated, High Resolution Satellite Imagery, USFS, and weather maps.

Nat Geo Trails is one of our favorite Gaia features for hiking and other adventures on foot. It’s generally super accurate and keeps us on track all the time. With Gaia, you can also print these maps as a useful backup tool. We love Gaia’s topo maps for hiking and backpacking as well.

Another great thing you can do with Gaia maps is map overlay. With this feature, you can overlay a trail map with a topo or satellite map. This makes it super easy to plan hiking trails. It’s also super helpful if you want to make sure the hike you’re on is the one you think you’re taking. (We’ve all been out on the trail and realized it’s way longer than the map is telling you it is…)

Gaia GPS: Pros and Cons for Backcountry Navigation

So, why consider Gaia GPS for your off-grid adventures? Let’s break down what makes this app shine—and where it could use a little trail magic.

Reasons We Love Gaia GPS

• Test Drive Available: You can start with a free version to see if it clicks with your style before committing.
• Map Nerd’s Paradise: Gaia boasts the biggest collection of map layers out there—including global options, topos, satellite views, weather overlays, Nat Geo Trails, and even snow conditions or wildfire boundaries, all rolled into one.
• Tailored for Overlanding and Hiking: There are custom base maps made specifically for overland routes and plenty of overlays to suit whether you’re in your 4×4 or hiking boots.
• Flexible Trip Planning: Build detailed routes, record tracks, and add waypoints as you go. You can export your adventures to GPX or KML files if you want to geek out with another mapping tool later.
• Offline Powerhouse: Download maps and layers before you hit the road (or trail) so you’re never left guessing when the cell signal drops.
• Works Where You Need It: On your phone, tablet, in your rig with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto—Gaia fits into your travel setup.
• Share and Learn: Tap into public tracks or upload your own, so you and fellow explorers can benefit from each other’s favorite routes and campsites.

A Few Bumps in the Trail

• Learning Curve: The interface isn’t the most beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just venturing into digital mapping.
• Syncing Headaches: Moving maps and routes between devices can be a bit sluggish and, occasionally, unreliable.
• Organization Could Be Better: Managing your files and folders might feel more like a scavenger hunt than you’d like.
• Trail Details Vary: While maps are extensive, sometimes the nitty-gritty info about specific trails is a little sparse—so it pays to double-check before venturing far off the grid.

Tips for Using Gaia GPS Offline

If you’re heading out where cell service is just a distant dream (as so many adventures seem to be), Gaia GPS shines as your trusty offline co-pilot. We especially love how easy Gaia makes it to customize your experience; you can choose exactly which details you want visible—like elevation or distance covered—so the info you need is always front and center.

Before you set off, always make sure your maps are truly downloaded. There’s nothing worse than getting out to the trailhead, only to discover your maps are locked behind a digital door you can’t open. To double-check, we recommend a quick at-home ritual: restart your device, switch to airplane mode, and open Gaia. If your maps load up clearly and you can zoom in for all the trail details, you’re good to go. This peace of mind makes a huge difference, especially when you’re planning to wander off the grid.

Additionally, recording live tracks with Gaia is simple and lets you keep tabs on exactly where you’ve been—handy for trip notes or sharing your route later. From toggling map layers to tracking your mileage, Gaia GPS is designed to keep every detail organized and accessible, whether you’re connected or far off the beaten path.

Get Gaia GPS for free on iPhone or Android, or use their website.

5. OnX Offroad

OnX Offroad is our favorite all around best app that’s specifically made for off-roaders. In fact, it’s one of the Tread staff’s most-used apps. While it does require a paid subscription, we believe it’s well worth the investment.  More than just showing you terrain maps and some trails, OnX Premium displays aerial, topo, and hybrid basemaps with comprehensive trail overlays and customizable waypoints. With Onx Premium, you can save unlimited offline maps and see all the trails around you at once, not just a pre-selected handful. They keep record of over 500k recreation sites that you can access any time you need.

OnX Offroad: Built for Off-Roaders by Off-Roaders

Let’s talk evolution—because OnX Offroad didn’t just pop up overnight. It started back in 2009 with OnX Hunt, an app true to its name (and roots, catering to hunters for years). Eventually, the team’s passion for exploring beyond the pavement led them to launch OnX Offroad, and it’s been gaining serious momentum ever since. They’ve powered up by continually adding trail info and investing in a straightforward, user-friendly interface—something even the greenest off-roader can navigate.

What sets OnX Offroad apart is how it blends rich, crowdsourced trail details with practical navigation features. Their trail database is extensive, offering up trail ratings, photos, vehicle recommendations, and even the best seasons to visit each path—all contributed by a growing community of fellow adventurers. If you love digging into the nitty-gritty before setting out, you’ll appreciate this abundance of real-world trail data.

Feature Highlights

• Try Before You Buy: OnX Offroad lets you take it for a spin with a free trial. Afterward, memberships unlock its full potential.
• Multiple Subscription Levels: Choose what fits—Premium or Elite. Premium grants you essentials like offline maps, detailed trail overlays, customizable waypoints, and seamless syncing across devices. Elite steps it up with added property info and expanded downloadable content.
• Trail Library: Dive into one of the largest collections of mapped and rated 4×4 trails in North America, complete with photos and tips.
• Offline Access: Download trails and maps to use in signal-free zones.
• Snap-to-Trail Route Builder: Plan routes by snapping your itinerary to actual trails—a nifty way to visualize your journey and avoid surprises.
• Multi-Device Support: Map it out on desktop, tweak on your phone, and watch it all sync near-instantly. Organize everything neatly in folders—no rummaging around for that one saved trail.
• Tracking and Waypoints: Record your travels, drop pins where you make camp or spot something cool, and revisit anytime.

A couple of caveats: While the app’s trail map overlays are convenient, they can sometimes clutter your view (think green and blue highlights galore). And if you’re the map-layer tinkering type, you might notice fewer options here than in Gaia GPS. International explorers should also note—OnX Offroad’s sweet spot is U.S., Canada, and a dash of Baja, not worldwide.

Overall, OnX Offroad thrives on community-driven content, powerful syncing, and real-deal trail insights—all built with the trail-obsessed in mind.

* * *

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While OnX Offroad is a fairly new app, the OnX crew developed it after spending 10 years working on OnX Hunt, a similar software designed for hunters. It was the staff’s passion for off-road adventures that led them to develop OnX Offroad. They saw the flaws in existing map systems and worked to make them better, and that’s what they’ve done with OnX Offroad.

To view pricing for OnX Overland’s Premium and Elite year-long subscriptions, head to their website.

OnX Offroad: Key Benefits and Limitations

Just like a reliable trail buddy, OnX Offroad brings its own set of strengths and a few quirks to the table. If you’re wondering whether it’s the right app for your next overlanding or off-road adventure, here’s what you need to know—straight from our dusty boots-on-the-ground perspective.

Where OnX Offroad Shines

• User-Friendly Design: One of the biggest reasons we find ourselves reaching for OnX Offroad is its intuitive interface. The app is easy to get the hang of, even if you’re new to off-roading tech or just want to get going quickly.
• Trial Before Commitment: Not sure about jumping in? OnX offers a free trial period, giving you time to explore its features before making any decisions.
• Amazing Trail Information: OnX’s standout feature is its trail database. Each trail entry comes packed with nuggets like technical ratings, recommended vehicles, photos, and seasonal notes. It’s like having an off-road guidebook right in your pocket.
• Seamless Syncing Across Devices: OnX keeps everything connected whether you’re using your phone or tablet. The folder system for organizing your adventures is refreshingly straightforward and helpful.
• Offline Access: Lost signal? No problem. Download maps, routes, and trail info in advance, so you’re never left stranded.
• New Route Building Tools: Planning your path is easier than ever with their snap-to-trail route creation—no more second-guessing if you’ve plotted the right route.

Where OnX Offroad Falls Short

• Limited Free Access: Love exploring freebies? Take note: After the 7-day free trial, you’ll need a paid subscription to keep using most features.
• Map Layer Variety: While OnX covers the basics well, it can’t hold a candle to the variety of basemaps available in apps like Gaia GPS—especially if you’re after comprehensive topographic details or custom overlays.
• Cluttered Trail View: Turn on all the trail overlays and things can get visually overwhelming fast—think map spaghetti instead of a tidy trail menu.
• International Coverage: If you dream of globetrotting beyond North America, OnX currently focuses on the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with limited options elsewhere.
• GPX File Limitations: Downloading GPX files for trail exporting is only available on the pricier subscription tier, something to keep in mind if you love sharing routes or using them in other apps.

In summary, OnX Offroad is a fantastic companion for trail information and easy planning—especially if you lean into off-roading within North America. Just be ready for a few limitations if you need more map detail or international coverage, or if you dislike crowded map views.

Basemaps and Map Layers: OnX Offroad vs Gaia GPS

When it comes to basemaps and map layers, Gaia GPS and OnX Offroad take distinct approaches that cater to slightly different users. Gaia GPS really shines in the versatility department—offering a robust collection of basemaps including Topo, Satellite, and Hybrid modes, plus the ability to overlay multiple maps for even more detail. For hikers and backpackers, Gaia’s topo maps are a go-to, and the Nat Geo Trails overlays help make sure you’re never guessing where the trail actually is.

OnX Offroad, on the other hand, is all about off-roading and packs a punch with its trail-focused overlays. Its basemap selection isn’t as rich as Gaia’s—mainly aerial, topo, and hybrid—but where it stands out is its massive, ever-expanding trail library. This feature is fueled by crowdsourced input and includes technical trail ratings, detailed descriptions, photos, and tips on vehicle suitability and seasonal access. It’s beyond handy for planning your next big adventure, especially if you like visualizing every available off-road route nearby on one screen.

That said, the trail overlay on OnX can feel a bit busy, especially with all those color-coded highlights stacked over the basemap. Some users might prefer Gaia’s cleaner, more customizable map experience. But if you’re hungry for as much trail info as possible and want everything at your fingertips—clutter and all—OnX makes it easy to find routes you’d otherwise miss.

In short: Gaia takes the cake for map variety and layered detail, perfect for those who need pinpoint navigation and map customization. OnX Offroad doubles down on trail coverage and off-road-specific data, making it a powerhouse for trail hunters who want the most info in a single glance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are some of the best overlanding apps available in 2023?

Top Overlanding Apps You Need in 2023

Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness or planning a camping trip, having the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some of the best apps for overlanding enthusiasts in 2023:

Trail Navigation and Mapping

• Comprehensive Mapping Solutions: Most seasoned overlanders consider Gaia GPS a must-have due to its extensive map library, which includes National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps. It offers detailed mapping options, offline capabilities, and even specialized maps tailored for different activities like hunting, skiing, and overlanding. A free version provides basic functionality, while premium memberships add advanced features.
• Community-Driven Exploration: iOverlander, developed by fellow adventurers, is perfect for finding campsites and amenities like water and fuel. Its standout feature is user-generated content; reviews, photos, and tips from previous travelers offer invaluable insights about destinations. It’s completely free, supported by contributions from its community.
• Offline Mapping Tools: Overland Bound One combines map resources, points of interest, and community support. It allows users to import GPX files for offline trail usage, making it a powerful tool for planning adventures beyond cellular coverage.
• Trail Exploration and Planning: OnX Offroad helps you discover and prepare for trails with in-depth information, including difficulty levels and trail conditions. Its database includes over 500,000 recreation points, accessible even when offline. The app also integrates with your vehicle’s display screen if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It offers various subscription tiers, with advanced property boundary insights available at higher price points.

Camping and Reservations

• Centralized Booking System: The Recreation.gov app is indispensable for booking campsites in U.S. National Parks. With real-time availability, it simplifies planning by allowing you to compare locations, reserve sites, and even pay via mobile, eliminating cash or check transactions. This app keeps track of your past visits and lets you make reservations offline, finalizing them once connectivity is restored.
• Flexible Camping Options: The Dyrt Pro offers a wide range of camping options, from free spots to discounted campground reservations. With maps covering public lands managed by the BLM and USFS, this app is perfect for finding the ideal site along your route. A yearly subscription is economical considering the potential savings on campground fees.

Nature Exploration

• Citizen Science and Nature Identification: iNaturalist empowers nature lovers by allowing users to photograph, share, and discuss findings. In collaboration with scientific institutions, this app not only enhances your understanding of biodiversity but also contributes valuable data to global research initiatives. Keep track of your encounters and join citizen science projects to further your interest in the natural world.

These apps are crucial for any overlanding journey in 2023, offering valuable tools and insights to enhance your adventures. Enjoy seamless navigation, community-supported planning, and interactive nature exploration right at your fingertips.

What makes OnX Offroad suitable for finding trails for various off-road vehicles?

OnX Offroad is our favorite all-around best app that’s specifically made for off-roaders. In fact, it’s one of the Tread staff’s most-used apps. While it does require a paid subscription, we believe it’s well worth the investment. More than just showing you terrain maps and some trails, OnX Premium displays aerial, topo, and hybrid basemaps with comprehensive trail overlays and customizable waypoints. With OnX Premium, you can save unlimited offline maps and see all the trails around you at once, not just a pre-selected handful. They keep record of over 500k recreation sites that you can access any time you need.

Why Choose OnX Offroad?

• Versatility Across Vehicles: Whether you’re navigating in a SxS, 4×4, ATV, dirt bike, or snowmobile, OnX Offroad caters to a variety of off-road vehicles, ensuring you find trails suited to your ride.
• Detailed Trail Insights: Each trail comes with open and closed dates, difficulty ratings, and photos, providing you with all the necessary information to plan your adventure and match your skill level.
• Seamless Integration: With offline map capabilities, you can download maps to your phone or tablet, making it easy to explore even in remote areas. Plus, the app syncs with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can view trails right on your vehicle’s dash display.
• Flexible Pricing Plans: OnX offers three different pricing plans, starting with a free option and going up to $99 per year. The Premium plan, at $29.99, is ideal for most users, offering extensive features without the need for property boundary details available in the Elite plan.

Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend warrior, OnX Offroad provides the tools and insights you need to enhance your off-road experience.

What are the available pricing plans, and how do they differ?

OnX Offroad offers three membership tiers: a free plan, a Premium plan at $29.99 per year, and an Elite plan at $99.99 per year. The Elite plan includes additional features such as viewing property boundaries and landowner information, which may not be necessary for most users, making the Premium plan a sufficient choice for many.

Does OnX Offroad offer offline maps and system integration capabilities?

Yes, users can download maps for offline use and the app can be integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing trail maps to be displayed directly on the vehicle’s dashboard.

How extensive is OnX Offroad’s database of recreation points?

The app boasts a vast database of more than 500,000 recreation points, providing users with a wide range of options for exploration.

What specific trail information can users expect from the app?

Users can access details such as trail open and closed dates, difficulty ratings, and photos to ensure they are well-prepared before embarking on their journey.

For what types of vehicles is OnX Offroad designed?

OnX Offroad is tailored for a variety of off-road vehicles, including side-by-sides (SxS), 4x4s, ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles.

What premium features can be unlocked with a subscription?

With a membership, you can access both online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership opens up a world of premium features, allowing you to unlock the full map catalog for a more comprehensive exploration experience.

Here’s what you get with a subscription:

• Nat Geo Trails Illustrated: Dive into detailed trail maps from National Geographic.
• High Resolution Satellite Imagery: View landscapes from above with crisp, clear satellite images.
• USFS Maps: Gain insights with maps from the United States Forest Service.
• Weather Maps: Stay informed with up-to-date weather conditions and forecasts.

These premium features are designed to enhance your outdoor adventures, offering tools that help you plan more effectively and explore with confidence.

How do off-road apps function without cell service?

By letting you download maps ahead of time, it keeps you connected and on track even when you don’t have cell service. As long as you can keep your phone charged, you can use a map from Maps.Me.

Even better, many off-road apps are designed to function entirely offline. They operate smoothly in airplane mode, ensuring that your adventure isn’t interrupted by unexpected calls or text messages. This seamless offline capability allows you to focus on your journey through the wilderness without worrying about staying within cell range.

Is there a mode or setting specifically for offline use?

The app is designed to be used in a dedicated offline mode, such as airplane mode, to enhance its functionality without needing a network connection.

Are there additional benefits to using the app offline?

Absolutely, using the app offline prevents interruptions from incoming calls or text messages, ensuring a peaceful experience.

Can the app function without any connectivity?

Yes, the app is capable of operating without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to navigate even when there’s no signal.

What capabilities does the Gaia app provide for trip planning and off-roading?

4 / Gaia GPS

This app is so good, it’s the only paid one on our list of best overlanding apps. For free, you can access online maps in limited areas, but the paid membership gets you so much more. With a membership, you can access online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership gives you access to Nat Geo Trails Illustrated, High Resolution Satellite Imagery, USFS, and weather maps.

Photo: pexels.com

Nat Geo Trails is one of our favorite Gaia features for hiking and other adventures on foot. It’s generally super accurate and keeps us on track all the time. With Gaia, you can also print these maps as a useful backup tool. We love Gaia’s topo maps for hiking and backpacking as well.

Another great thing you can do with Gaia maps is map overlay. With this feature, you can overlay a trail map with a topo or satellite map. This makes it super easy to plan hiking trails. It’s also super helpful if you want to make sure the hike you’re on is the one you think you’re taking. (We’ve all been out on the trail and realized it’s way longer than the map is telling you it is…)

Unmatched Trip Planning and Off-Roading Features

Gaia GPS is not just about maps; it’s an all-encompassing tool for trip planning and off-roading. You can plan trips ahead of time and use the app while off-roading. Download hunting maps and off-road maps to see if your route is on public or private land, ensuring compliance and safety.

The app syncs GPS data and maps seamlessly across all your devices, making it easy to switch between devices without losing your way. Beyond the extensive map database, it includes multiple satellite imagery maps, FAA aviation charts, and even decades-old USGS topo maps. Print them or archive them for later use.

Key features like weather forecasting and wildfire data are integrated, providing critical information for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior, Gaia GPS equips you with the tools you need to explore confidently.

Are there additional features that aid in safety and planning?

Yes, the app includes features such as weather forecasting and wildfire data to help ensure safe and well-planned trips.

Does the app offer any synchronization features?

The app allows for seamless synchronization of GPS data and maps across all your devices, ensuring you have access to up-to-date information wherever you go.

Can the app identify if routes are on public or private land?

Yes, the app provides information on whether your chosen route is located on public or private land.

What types of maps are available for use?

The app offers a diverse array of maps, including those for hunting, off-roading, U.S. Forest Service maps, satellite imagery, aviation charts, and historical topo maps.

Can I use the app offline for trip planning and off-roading?

Yes, the app allows you to download maps for offline use, making it ideal for planning trips ahead of time and navigating while off-roading.

What is the cost of the Gaia app membership and where is it available?

With a membership, you can access online and offline maps as well as Gaia’s extensive database of maps. The paid membership gives you access to Nat Geo Trails Illustrated, High Resolution Satellite Imagery, USFS, and weather maps.

What it costs: The app is free to download, with memberships beginning at $19.99. This allows you to choose a plan that fits your needs while unlocking premium features that enhance your outdoor adventures.

Where to find it: Easily download the app from the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android devices. This ensures that you can quickly start exploring with the tools and maps you need right at your fingertips.

By combining affordability with a robust suite of features, the app empowers you to navigate the great outdoors with confidence and precision.

Where is the app available for download?

You can find the app on the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices.

What is the cost of the app membership?

The app is free to download, with memberships starting at $19.99.