Strava Unveils Major Update for Hiking Enthusiasts

Strava, a platform popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, has introduced a major update focused on hiking. The new version of the app includes tools for discovering and planning routes, allowing users to find popular trails based on heatmap data. Subscribers will gain access to advanced features, such as custom route creation with terrain and trail surface details.

The update also introduces real-time navigation capabilities. Users can receive alerts if they deviate from their route and download maps for offline use in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. Owners of Apple Watch, Garmin, and Coros smartwatches can sync routes directly to their devices, enabling navigation without a smartphone. During activity recording, a full-screen map with detailed route and elevation profile information is available.

Strava’s social features have also been enhanced. Users can now share their hikes as 3D animations with detailed terrain visualization and automatically replay routes in their friends’ feeds. Subscribers have access to additional tools, including track animations and the ability to create hiking clubs with shared routes and challenges. Most features are already available to users, while map style improvements will roll out later this summer.