I used two GPS hiking apps for backpacking and I’ll do it again

In which the phones website goes outside. | Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images

For most of my life, I've relied on a paper map when I go outdoors. Then, in March, I joined my friend Rusty on the Appalachian Trail for two weeks. He told me to download FarOut.

FarOut was my introduction to the world of app-based navigation. It's focused on thru-hikers, and has useful details, including comments that tell you whether a specific water source is flowing, and if so, how well. It took me...