Irish Hiking App Hiiker Removes Paywall for Offline Maps

As of the 26th of January 2023 Irish founded hiking app Hiiker will be taking making the bold decision to put hiker’s safety above profit by offering its 600,000 users access to offline maps. This is an industry-leading move that is challenging the hike-tech giants.

With the increase in people getting outdoors and discovering its many benefits so too does the number of avoidable incidents increase. Having access to online maps free of charge could dramatically decrease the number of callouts that Galway Mountain Rescue receive, says Mick Casserly, “Galway Mountain Rescue is regularly called to assist hikers that have gotten lost, even on a
waymarked route. Giving users instant access to offline maps for free could dramatically reduce these incidents.”

This announcement by hiiker has been endorsed by Mountain Rescue Teams across Ireland and also in the UK.

When we went for a hike with Fiona Kelly from Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team in the summer. Knowing where you are going was her number one tip for staying safe on the hills in Ireland.

Staying Safe On The Hills Tips With DWMRT

Fiona Kelly from Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue also recently spoke on the HiiKER podcast about how so many people are still not adequately prepared while out hiking and
hillwalking.

“Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue use powerful tools such as HiiKER to enable our volunteers to reach those that are in need of our services. Likewise, hikers and walkers should be as prepared as possible before heading into the mountains. We are delighted that HiiKER is now offering hikers free offline maps to promote safety in the mountains” Fiona Kelly, Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue

Read more about about it

The change will come into effect for all existing and new users from Jan 5th 2023. All existing users that pay for offline maps will be upgraded to the HiiKER PRO+ plan (at no additional cost). This plan grants them access to more maps and other useful features when planning and navigating.