onX Backcountry Review
onX Backcountry is a GPS navigation and mapping app tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, including skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and backpackers. With a range of features like offline maps, avalanche forecasts, 3D terrain visualization, and detailed route planning, the app is designed to enhance safety and ease of navigation in backcountry environments.
It’s especially useful for planning ski tours, tracking routes, and accessing vital weather and snow data even in remote areas without cell service.
For the whole scoop, keep reading, or listen to our full review right here:
Features and Functionality
Key Features:
Offline Maps: Download maps for use without internet connectivity, ensuring you’re always able to navigate safely, even off the grid.
Snow Mode: Offers specialized layers for backcountry skiing, including slope angle, slope aspect, and avalanche forecasts, plus data from SNOTEL weather stations for accurate snow conditions.
3D Terrain Maps: Visualize routes in three dimensions, allowing users to plan and see elevation changes, making it easier to assess the terrain before heading out.
Route Builder & Custom Waypoints: Plan your routes with tools that allow users to set waypoints, mark potential hazards, and measure distances and elevation.
Real-Time Weather & Avalanche Data: Integrates local avalanche forecasts and weather updates, crucial for safety during winter sports.
Guidebook Integration: Features routes curated by experts through a partnership with Beacon Guidebooks, providing information on nearly 4,000 ski and snowboard routes.
Best Use Cases
Who is this app for?
Ideal for backcountry skiers, splitboarders, and outdoor adventurers who need reliable navigation, safety data, and route planning tools. It’s beneficial for those who frequent remote or less-popular trails where traditional maps may not suffice.
When should you use this app?
Use onX Backcountry during ski tours, backcountry expeditions, and multi-day trips where safety and navigation are critical. It’s also useful for trip planning ahead of time.
Why We Love onX Backcountry
- Extensive Safety Features: Tools like slope angle overlays and avalanche forecasts help users make informed decisions in potentially dangerous conditions.
- Offline Reliability: Downloadable maps ensure that users can navigate without worrying about losing connection in remote areas.
- Detailed Route Planning: Easily set waypoints, plan routes, and share them with friends for coordinated group trips.
- 3D Visualization: A 3D view of the terrain allows users to better understand the landscape, making it easier to navigate complex backcountry routes.
Pros and Cons of onX Backcountry
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of using onX Backcountry, based on my research:
Pros:
- Offline Functionality: onX Backcountry, like other similar apps, allows you to download maps for offline use. This is essential for navigating in areas without reliable cell service.
- Snow Mode: onX Backcountry offers a dedicated “Snow Mode” with features specifically for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. This mode includes slope angle overlays, avalanche forecasts, and SNOTEL data for assessing snow conditions. This feature sets it apart as being particularly useful in the winter.
- Guidebook Integration: onX Backcountry partners with Beacon Guidebooks to provide users with curated backcountry ski and snowboard routes. This gives access to expert-sourced information on approximately 4,000 routes.
- Route Planning and 3D Visualization: The app has intuitive route-building tools, allowing users to set waypoints, mark potential hazards, and measure distances and elevation. The 3D terrain visualization feature helps with planning and understanding the terrain before heading out.
- Safety Features: onX Backcountry prioritizes safety with features like avalanche forecasts, slope angle analysis, and offline maps.
- User-Friendly Interface: Despite its wealth of features, onX Backcountry is designed to be user-friendly. The interface allows for easy switching between map layers and accessing various tools.
- Comprehensive Data: onX Backcountry includes information on trail networks, campsites, public land boundaries, and points of interest like breweries. It boasts over 650,000 miles of trails, 4,000+ ski routes, and 300,000+ rock climbs.
Cons:
- Subscription Model: onX Backcountry requires a paid subscription for full access, which can be a drawback for casual or infrequent users. While there is a 7-day free trial, the yearly subscription cost of $37.99 might deter some users.
- Battery Consumption: Real-time tracking features, such as GPS, can drain battery life quickly, which can be an issue on longer trips.
- Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported glitches with the app, particularly on Android devices, though the sources don’t specify what these glitches are.
- Inaccurate Trail Mileage: A user review mentions that the trail mileage displayed in the app is often inaccurate.
- Waypoint Issues: Another user reported issues with waypoints disappearing while on the trail.
- Potentially Sluggish Performance: A user review indicates that the app, particularly 3D mode, can be sluggish and unresponsive.
- Topo Map Quality: While onX Backcountry’s 3D imagery is highlighted as a strong feature, the quality of its topo maps may be inferior to competitors like Gaia and CalTopo. This may make onX Backcountry less suitable for navigating complex terrain.
OnX Cost Comparison: Let’s look at pricing details for onX Backcountry subscriptions compared to their competitors:
| App | Free Version | Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| onX Backcountry | No | $4.99 | $29.99 | Backcountry navigation, avalanche data |
| Gaia GPS | Limited | N/A | $39.99 | Topographic maps, multi-sport tracking |
| OUTMAP | Limited | N/A | $29.99 (Premium) | 3D terrain visualization, offline maps, versatile outdoor use |
| Avenza Maps | Limited | N/A | $29.99 (Plus), $129 (Pro) | Custom map imports, offline use |
| AllTrails | Limited | N/A | $35.99 | Trail exploration, offline maps |
| Strava | Yes | $7.99 | $59.99 | Multi-sport tracking, community focus |
onX Backcountry Cost Comparison Summary
- onX Backcountry and OUTMAP are both competitively priced at $29.99/year, offering essential features for backcountry navigation and terrain analysis.
- Gaia GPS is slightly more expensive, but it offers broader multi-sport support, which can be beneficial for those engaging in different outdoor activities throughout the year.
- Avenza Maps focuses on offline use with custom maps, while AllTrails provides a budget-friendly option for those exploring trails with limited need for advanced features.
- Strava is more community-oriented and charges a premium for additional features, making it a good choice for those looking to combine fitness tracking across various sports but less so for specific backcountry needs.
Each app has its strengths depending on your specific requirements for skiing, hiking, or general outdoor adventures. If advanced navigation and safety tools are your priority, onX Backcountry and OUTMAP stand out as cost-effective and robust options.
User Experience and Interface
Design and Usability:
onX Backcountry has a user-friendly interface, although users new to detailed mapping apps may need a short learning period. The app makes it easy to switch between different map layers, including topographic, satellite, and 3D views.
Performance:
The app is reliable and accurate, with strong offline performance. However, using features like live tracking over extended periods can impact battery life.
OnX Backcountry Compatibility and Pricing
Platforms Supported
Free vs Paid Version
- Free version: Provides limited features. Full access requires a subscription ($29.99/year).
- 7-Day Free Trial: Users can explore the app’s premium features before committing to a subscription.
In-App Purchases
- Subscription unlocks advanced mapping features, safety layers, and unlimited offline maps.
Real User Reviews
What users are saying:
“This app is a game-changer for backcountry skiers. I can check avalanche forecasts and plan my route all in one place.”
– a 5-star review on GearJunkie.
“Offline maps are extremely helpful, but battery life can be an issue if you’re using tracking all day.”
– a 4-star review
“Having access to slope angle and historical avalanche data has made me feel much safer on my ski trips.”
– a 5-star review on Outdoor Sports Wire.
Overall Rating:
4.5/5 stars based on user feedback.
How to Get Started with onX Backcountry
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download: Get onX Backcountry from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Start a Free Trial: Begin by exploring the app with a 7-day free trial to access all features.
- How to Use: Plan your routes, download maps, and activate Snow Mode for specialized layers and safety data.
Similar Apps
- Gaia GPS – Offers robust offline navigation and safety features, especially for backcountry use.
- OUTMAP – Excels in 3D mapping and terrain analysis.
- Avenza Maps – Provides offline maps with the ability to import custom geospatial PDFs.
Final Verdict
onX Backcountry is a must-have app for serious backcountry adventurers. Its robust set of features, including offline maps, avalanche forecasts, and detailed route planning, make it invaluable for safety and navigation. While the subscription may be a hurdle for some, the wealth of information and peace of mind it provides are worth the cost for those who frequent backcountry areas.
Download onX Backcountry Today:
Ready to explore new trails safely? Download onX Backcountry and make informed decisions with advanced maps and safety features.
