11 Best Free Outdoor Apps
Ray Cogan
From weekend summer camping trips to long winter ski vacations, you need to make sure you are prepared when you head to the great outdoors. With these 11 apps, you’ll have the right resources exactly at your fingertips. (Most are free, but some offer optional in-app purchases.)
- Cairn : Safety is key when you are hiking. But when you don’t have cell service or your phone is turned off how will your loved ones know where you are if tragedy were to strike? With Cairn, you don’t have to worry about either. Start by entering in your destination, the latest time you will return, an emergency contact, and any other notes you’d like to provide. Download maps to use while offline and view reported cell coverage spots in case of an emergency. If you do not return within the time you have allotted, your last logged locations will be sent to your emergency contact. With Cairn, you’ll feel more comfortable going solo.
- Komoot
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Whether you are roadcycling, hiking, bikepacking or mountain biking, Komoot is there to guide you. This navigation app lets you customize your favorite way to take on the terrain and what you may want to see along the way - regardless of how on or off-track you like to get.
See also: How to Protect Your Bike from Theft (And What to Do If It Gets Stolen Anyway)
Like a GPS, Komoot will give you turn-by-turn voice navigation on or offline, giving you the ability to explore deeper with knowledge of what comes next.
- Weather Live : There’s no better start to a trip into the great outdoors than knowing the weather will be ideal. Hailed as “the world’s most beautiful weather app,” Weather Live lets you view forecast temperatures, extended forecasts, warnings and alerts, and much more with customizable weather layouts to reflect real-time weather conditions. See also: What Are The Odds You’ll Actually Get Struck By Lightning?
- Red Cross: First Aid : It’s best to be prepared for anything that may occur during your next hiking or camping trip. Luckily, The American Red Cross created apps to assist you in just that. (There’s an app for pet first aid, too!) Keep you and your loved ones safe with access to step-by-step instructions and information on emergencies such as allergies, bleeding, broken bones, weather emergencies and more.
- Flyover Country : For those who love sitting in the window seat and wonder what exactly is below, Flyover Country is there to answer all your questions. Before taking off, load your path and GPS determined location to the app. From there, check out cloud and landscape information at any point throughout your trip. GPS tracking, flight speed, altitude and direction keep your map on track to provide you with the most accurate information as possible.
- Snocru : Prefer high altitudes, high speeds and fresh, sparkling snow? Snocru is for you. Use this app on your computer, smart phone or smart watch to track altitude, speed, current slope angle and much more. Share and compete with your friends or others on the slope using the “Near Me” feature. See also: 12 Ways to Stay Active in the Winter Before you head out, visit the “Resorts” section to view the current conditions of your chosen resort. While you’re out, check the leaderboards to view your ranking compared to others using the app.
- Chimani : Available for IOS and Android, Chimani provides topographic maps of all 419 U.S. National Parks. This free app can be used with or without data signal or WiFi and includes features such as trail guides, points of interest, photos, amenities and much more. See also: How to Store Outdoor Gear during the Offseason In-app purchases are offered as well as discounts on lodging, dining and park activities.
- PlantSnap : PlantSnap has been built to recognize 90% of all known species of plants and trees around the world – that’s about 585,000 species offered in 30 different languages. Simply take a photo of the plant you’d like to know more about. Within seconds, the app will tell you what it is and show more information such as pictures, scientific classification and much more.
- RA Camping : The RA Camping app from Reserve America makes it easy to find a campsite across the United States based on customizable criteria. This includes camp type, location, park name, dates, amenities and more. View from a list or a map to compare sites and locations.
- MountainHub : This app prides itself on being an all-in-one app for outdoor adventuring. A team of adventurers with passion for technology created this app to simplify your own adventuring. Use it to avoid hazards and crowded trails, find the best camping sites, view terrain and conditions and download trail maps and more – all within one app. See also: 10 Brilliant Camping Hacks for Your Next Trip The app, powered by Aspira, also provides in-depth information and resources to become the go-to for all things camping.
- Night Sk y : With Night Sky, identifying stars, planets, constellations and more has never been easier. With this app, check out stars and constellations in augmented reality to explore in greater detail – some that we can’t even see with the human eye. Simply raise your phone, iPad, or Apple Watch to the sky, and begin your exploration.
From the backyard to the backcountry… when you trust your home is secure, you can enjoy getting out and having fun with good company. Learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE.
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Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
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