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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Hiking and Skiing vs Gaia GPS

Hiking and Skiing 4.6★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75

Gaia GPS is the stronger choice for serious navigation and outdoor tracking, despite recent price hikes and some stability issues, while Hiking and Skiing excels in augmented reality peak identification but struggles with core navigation features and its subscription model.

Full reviews: Hiking and Skiing · Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS is highly trusted for navigation and detailed maps, especially offline, though recent updates and price increases have caused user frustration. Hiking and Skiing offers unique AR peak identification, but its navigation features are less reliable, and many users dislike its subscription model and free tier limitations.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: Gaia GPSR2R10R14R16
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is praised for its augmented reality (AR) peak identification, allowing users to identify mountains and their details through the camera R2R14. It also offers route planning, track saving, and trip history R14R16. However, users report issues with inconsistent naming for navigation , difficulty finding or identifying peaks in remote areas , and a buggy Mac version R10. Some users also want the ability to upload their own route data .
Gaia GPS Gaia GPS is highly valued for its accurate navigation, extensive map layers, and offline capabilities R92. Users appreciate its ability to create and share off-road routes , track hikes , and provide detailed information . However, recent updates have led to the removal of popular map layers like Nat Geo Trails , and some users report issues with features not working offline, such as 'snap to trail' . There's also a desire for 3D maps on iOS and OS maps for UK users .
Ease of Use tieR1R6R12R19
Hiking and Skiing Some users find Hiking and Skiing easy to use and fun , with its AR feature being described as 'magic' . However, many others find it too complicated for basic navigation R1, difficult to search and orient oneself on the map R6, and slow to load R12. The interface can also be cluttered with tracking information R19, and some find the text size too small .
Gaia GPS Gaia GPS is generally considered user-friendly and intuitive by many . However, a significant number of users find its UI not intuitive, difficult to get started with, and hard to find trails or purchase subscriptions . Map downloads are also reported to be slow and complicated to set up .
Reliability and Performance tieR3R7R10R14
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is praised for its AR reliability and horizon accuracy R14 and works well for some users even in remote areas R16R54. However, many reviews point to significant reliability issues: the app often fails to work on Apple Watch R3, is buggy on Mac R10, and frequently tries to download data even without service R60. Users also report inaccurate peak identification , compass calibration problems , and the app losing its place when switching apps . Some users couldn't get it to work at all R7.
Gaia GPS Gaia GPS is trusted for its accuracy and reliability in navigation, even without cell service R92. However, recent updates have introduced stability problems, with users reporting constant crashing, especially when trying to download offline maps . Some features, like the location arrow or compass, don't always work , and the app is criticized for high battery usage, particularly in the background or airplane mode . There are also reports of lost recorded tracks .
Price and Value tieR4R9R15R16
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is a free app with in-app purchases, but its free version is severely limited, often allowing only 'one location per day' or one use before requiring payment R4R15. This aggressive paywalling leads to many complaints about being 'useless' without a subscription R46. The subscription price, around $23-$30/year or $89 for a 'lifetime' R9R16R24, is considered too expensive and not worth it by many users, who prefer a one-time purchase option R24.
Gaia GPS Gaia GPS also offers a free version with in-app purchases, and its value is highly debated due to recent price increases. Many long-time users express frustration over the price hike, with subscriptions increasing from around $20 to $60/year or more . This has led some to cancel subscriptions, despite loving the app . While some find it 'worth every cent' R92, others feel it's overpriced compared to competitors or that the value has decreased with the removal of map layers . Some users desire monthly subscription options instead of annual .
Support and Updates edge: Hiking and SkiingR48R51R54R58
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing receives positive feedback for its customer support, with developers responding quickly and being persistent in solving problems R54R58. However, some users complain about frequent updates, finding them irritating and a reason to delete the app R51. There are also requests for more login options beyond a single form R48.
Gaia GPS Gaia GPS has a mixed record on support. Some users praise customer service for quick issue resolution . However, many others report a decline in support quality since the acquisition by Outside Inc. , with some experiencing no response to issues like lost tracks or slow resolution for restoring purchased maps . Updates are also a point of contention, with some users noting improvements while others complain that updates remove or change functionality and automatically publish private tracks .
Pick Hiking and Skiing if

you prioritize augmented reality (AR) peak identification and enjoy discovering mountain names and details through your camera R2R54. It's also a good choice if you appreciate responsive customer support R54R58.

Pick Gaia GPS if

you need a robust, accurate, and reliable GPS app for serious trail navigation, off-roading, and backpacking, especially for offline use R92. It's also suitable if you value a wide range of map layers and the ability to create and share routes R92.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, particularly concerning pricing and recent changes/bugs. For Hiking and Skiing, many negative reviews stem from the limitations of the free tier and the perceived high cost of the subscription. For Gaia GPS, recent acquisition by Outside Inc. and subsequent price hikes and removal of map layers are major sources of dissatisfaction, despite its strong core functionality.

Frequently asked

How much do these apps cost?
Hiking and Skiing is free with in-app purchases, but its free version is very limited, often allowing only one use per day R15; a subscription costs around $23-$30 per year or $89 for a 'lifetime' membership R9R16R24. Gaia GPS is also free with in-app purchases, but its subscription price has recently increased, with many users reporting annual costs around $60 .
Do these apps work offline?
Gaia GPS is highly praised for its offline capabilities and accuracy without cell service, which is a key feature for many users R92. Hiking and Skiing allows downloading regional map data for offline use R54, but some users report it constantly tries to download data even without service R60, and some features may not work without cell service R46.
Are there issues with Apple Watch support?
Hiking and Skiing users report issues with the app not installing or pulling up on Apple Watch Ultra R3. Gaia GPS has a watch app, but serious backpackers find the current version less useful than previous iterations, requiring a phone to transfer routes R75.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US My review: I don’t use this app often but when I do it’s awesome. I love using it when I travel and want to know something like “what’s that mountain” or how tall is it. Defiantly a worth while app👍
  2. [R10] Hiking and Skiing 2/5 · US Beautiful app, but.: Mac version is incredibly buggy, nearly impossible to use.
  3. [R14] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Just right: This is the best functioning AR peak/summit app as far as reliability and horizon accuracy. It also has a great suite of navigation and history keeping features; being able to plan routes, save your tracks and trips, and leave reviews and check ins all works well together.
  4. [R16] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Cost Outrageous: Too much money for as little as one uses
  5. [R1] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Too complicated: Very hard to just do the simplest thing like going from point A to Point B and following it. Can not figure it out yet
  6. [R6] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Searching could use work: Navigating and searching in general is somewhat difficult. It only has peak names, and not all of them and doesn’t list county, or even state. So for common named peaks, there are many results and it’s not obvious which one is being referred to. And then navigating around in the immersive map, you can’t zoom or move very quickly, so it’s hard to orient yourself. For exam
  7. [R12] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Great app, slow to load: Great app, love the content but very slow to load
  8. [R19] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Use to be great!: Loved this app but now when you try to use it it tries to track your path and blocks the peaks identified with a bunch of stuff on the screen. Good-by.
  9. [R3] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Won’t work on an Apple Watch: I’ve tried installing it and reinstalling it and still am unable to pull up the app on my Apple Watch Ultra. Can you offer any suggestions?
  10. [R7] Hiking and Skiing 2/5 · US Doesn’t work for me: After downloading the app, I kept getting a request to make setting changes that don’t exist on my iPhone. Was not able to get it to work at all so I’m deleting it.
  11. [R4] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Peak visor: The app was great but the pro limits were super lame
  12. [R9] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Far from perfect: For $30/year, you would think it could identify Ben Nevis when you’re looking right at it. After all, it is the tallest munro in the British isles.
  13. [R15] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US (Free version) “One location per day”?: The app seems to work beautifully, but I would not have expected the “one location” limitation to lock me out during an hour’s loop walk around the Viewpoint neighborhood in Prescott Valley Az. I downloaded the “area data” before starting out. What’s a ”location”?
  14. [R48] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · GB App feedback: Would like to use the app but only have one form of log in isn’t it chief. Add sign up option for email/facebook
  15. [R51] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US My goodness, it has updates every few days!: I just don't understand why this app has so many updates. I'm glad I didn't pay for it because I'm deleting it now. Too many other apps out there which don't require updates as often as this one. Very irritating! Goodbye, you have been fired! The tribe has spoken!
  16. [R54] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Great hiking app!!: If you have ever been on a hike or been anywhere that there is a view of mountains in the distance this is an awesome app to help you properly identify surrounding peaks. I have not used it yet for orienteering or mapping out hiking routes but I would think would be incredibly useful. I emailed the developer with some follow up questions and they responded right away which i
  17. [R58] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Great app!: I love this app! It is quick and easy to use and gives detailed info either in real time or with photos. Tech support is awesome and gives one to one service. Recently had a bug and the support was tenacious and persistent in figuring out the problem. I highly recommend.
  18. [R24] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US I DETEST SUBSCRIPTIONS!: Please just figure out what a fair price is for the app (high or low) and I’ll pay it. I am overwhelmed with monthly subscriptions and will not buy anymore. I would gladly pay whatever you consider a fair price to own it. It’s getting out of control. Too bad because it appears that the full version is amazing. :( 9/4/21 Any consideration given to a one time fee? If you th
  19. [R46] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Maybe this works if you buy the pro version but it does t work without cell service. Which is pointless if you’re in the mountains.
  20. [R60] Hiking and Skiing 4/5 · US Mountains don’t have wifi.: The app is definitely cool…except that it’s always trying to download data. I have primarily used it in a 5 mile radius of my home, as I live at 9000’ or so in SW Colorado, but every time I open it, it wants to download data. I barely have service at my house let alone up in the forest. When I see “downloading 1.2k of 10.9mb” I remember to chuck my phone into the abyss
  21. [R92] Gaia GPS 5/5 · US Worth every cent: I was skeptical of paying so much for a map/gps app, but I’ve come to absolutely love Gaia gps. It’s become a necessity on my outdoor adventures and it works great even without cell service, which is a must for me. Additionally the number of available map layers do everything I could want, from geologic maps and public land overlays to driving and hiking maps to get around outsid
  22. [R75] Gaia GPS 3/5 · US Great Phone App/Terrible Watch App: I really don’t get it. Yes it is nice I guess for casual hikers and short walks that the watch application can sort of be independent of the phone. Sort of as you have to have a route on the phone and have the phone to transfer that route. Not great even for this case. For serious backpackers the watch app used to be a great tool before the company sold out

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store