Cairn – Hiking Safety Tracker

This is a great app for hikers and backpackers. It’s easy to use. You can download maps so you can use them even when you are off-line. It uses the GPS chip in your phone so you can determine your location on the map. It helps you find places with cell phone signal if you need it. And it gives you an easy way to notify a circle of friends of where you are going and when you expect to be back. It notifies them if you are overdue, and you can check in to let them know that you returned safely. I use this on all my solo hikes.

I came across Cairn a few months ago as I was preparing for a big 17 mile hike. Cairn popped up in my research of “best hiking apps” and wow I was not disappointed. This app was perfect for letting my family know I was ok during my all day hike without me having to pull out my phone and check in every few hours. I have since used Cairn on every hike I go on and have never had anything but positive experiences. My trail progress is recorded and my family can have peace of mind knowing that I am safe because they can see my location. I’m telling all my hiking friends that they need to download this!! Also, this is the only app I am willing to subscribe to, and I can be cheap so that’s saying something :)

We have been using this app in Puerto Rico to help map all the science studies we have been doing in the rainforests above caguas after the hurricane. We have no cell service at all and little to no power. The ability to download detailed topography for free anywhere you might be traveling or working is amazing. I have also had a contact with the cairns team. I was having trouble signing in with my new phone. They were amazingly helpful, and prompt in their response. This app should should not be free. It is too good to be true. Keep it up y’all!