What Is a GPX File?
A GPX file is a digital version of a hiking route. It contains the route data and can be opened in a hiking app such as Komoot. When you open the route, you see the hiking route as a line on the map. At the same time, you can see your own position while hiking. As a result, it is easy to check whether you are still following the correct route. GPX is particularly useful on routes where there is not always clear signposting or where several paths meet.
How Does GPX Work During Your Hiking Holiday?
Before you leave, you receive the GPX files for the hiking routes included in your trip. You can open them in Komoot on your smartphone and save them to your phone before you set off. During the hike, your phone shows your position on the map and helps you follow the planned route. You do not need to look at your phone constantly. Instead, check from time to time where you are and how the route continues.
Hiking with GPX and Komoot
Komoot is the hiking app we use for our individual hiking holidays. The app is easy to use and makes it simple to open GPX routes and follow them while hiking. With Komoot, you can view your route, see your current position and check information such as distance and elevation changes. You can download the maps and routes in advance, allowing you to navigate even without a mobile internet connection.
One Month of Free Komoot Premium
When you go on a hiking holiday with Canary-Hiking, you receive a code for one month of free Komoot Premium. This allows you to use the route maps and navigation features during your hiking holiday. You therefore do not need to take out a paid Komoot subscription yourself before your trip.
Does GPX Work Without an Internet Connection?
Yes. The GPS function on your smartphone also works when you do not have a mobile internet connection. It is important, however, to download the routes and maps before you leave. Mobile coverage can be limited in mountainous areas. Therefore, it is important to make the route available offline, you can continue to navigate even when there is no mobile signal. A power bank is therefore useful to take with you on longer hiking days.
Do I Need Experience with GPS?
No. You do not need any previous experience with GPS navigation to hike with GPX and Komoot. The basics are simple: you open the route, see your own position and follow the route on the map. We do recommend trying Komoot at home before your hiking holiday. This way, you know how the app works before you set off.
What If I Take a Wrong Turn?
A wrong turn can always happen. With GPX, you can usually see quickly when you have moved away from the planned route. You can then check the map to see where you are and walk back to the point where you left the route. Many hiking routes in the Canary Islands are also signposted. GPX is therefore not a replacement for paying attention to the route, but an additional tool that allows you to check along the way that you are still on the right track. The hiking grade of a route also indicates the distance, elevation changes and terrain you can expect during a hiking day.
The Canary-Hiking Travel App
In addition to GPX and Komoot, you also have access to the Canary-Hiking travel app during your hiking holiday. Here you will find the daily programme, route information, accommodation details and practical information about your trip. This means you have the most important information for your hiking holiday in one place.
Our Practical Tip
Finally, download all routes and maps before you start your hiking holiday and check that they are actually available offline. Fully charge your phone before setting off and take a power bank with you on longer hiking days. This means you can continue to use your navigation throughout the day. Hiking with GPX, Komoot and the Canary-Hiking travel app, you have your route and practical travel information at hand while still having the freedom to hike independently and at your own pace.
