While the native Workout app on the Apple Watch is popular, there is one noticeable flaw—the lack of real-time maps. While that’s a nice perk for a run, it can be critical while hiking or backpacking.
WorkOutDoors solves that problem. And it’s much more, providing a highly customizable and powerful way to track any workout imaginable on any Apple Watch.
On the map side, probably the best feature is that you can use the iPhone app to download maps to save on the watch that are accessible when offline. Offline or online, the app will show the fully functional vector maps with paths, trails, tracks, and more.
There is also the option to view topographic maps with contour lines and hill shading. To better read the terrain, you can configure different colors for contours. The map can auto-rotate to match the compass and pan/zoom with the Digital Crown.
As a nice touch, you can even view the map without starting a workout.
But when it’s time to start a workout, you can select from 38 different activities. For each workout type, it’s possible to create multiple screens with metric from a pool of more than 600 data fields and graphs.
You can download WorkOutDoors on the App Store now for $5.99. It’s for the iPhone and Apple Watch. There is no subscription or other in-app purchases required.
After downloading the app, head to the companion Watch app on your iPhone. Under the My Watch tab, make sure the app is installed.
No matter what Apple Watch you have, definitely make sure to check out WorkOutDoors. The amount of customization options is staggering. And with just a little work, you can create the workout tracker of your dreams.
Especially with the Apple Watch Ultra, the app’s ability to store maps offline without needing a cellular signal can help make the watch a top-notch hiking companion and much more.
I’ve been using the app for just a few days on my Apple Watch Ultra and am still finding new features to try out. It’s well worth the price of admission, no matter the Apple Watch model you have.
