# CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping

> Route Planning & Navigation

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1460038458](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1460038458)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1460038458`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** CalTopo LLC
- **Category:** Navigation
- **Rating:** 4.80 / 5 (7,402 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.29.1
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-04
- **First published:** 2019-10-24
- **Size:** 165 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-18
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caltopo-backcountry-mapping/id1460038458)
- **Website:** [http://caltopo.com/about](http://caltopo.com/about)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://files.caltopo.com/privacypolicy.html](http://files.caltopo.com/privacypolicy.html)

## Description

CalTopo Backcountry Mapping delivers a satellite-ready, offline-capable navigation experience for iOS. Download maps and layers, plan routes, and sync changes across devices so your maps stay current in remote areas. Use GPS to track your location even when offline and share maps with your team for collaborative planning.

Explore a rich set of layers—topo maps, imagery, slope shading, weather forecasts, sun exposure, avalanche data, and public lands—plus real-time updates from the field. Trusted by professional guides, avalanche educators, and search-and-rescue teams, CalTopo keeps you informed and safe in backcountry terrain.

## Rankings

- #20,746 — Overall

## Review summary

CalTopo on iOS is lauded for deep planning tools, offline capability, and broad, cross-platform utility, including professional SAR use. However, stability and UX issues recur: crashes, blank screens, slow/offline map loading, and confusing sign-in and paid-layer models detract from reliability. Users want a smoother launch, better UI, transparent data access, and CarPlay support before it reaches its full potential.

### Pros

- Strong trip planning and backcountry navigation capabilities across web/PC and mobile.
- Powerful, customizable mapping tools with data import, sharing, and photo attachments.
- Broad activity support and professional use, including SAR and emergency response.
- Solid offline usage and offline map access.
- Useful features like Snap To and a comprehensive one-stop mapping solution for planning and operations.

### Cons

- Critical bugs and reliability issues (crashes, blank screens, app not launching) that persist.
- Offline performance problems (frequent restarts, slow or partial map downloads, tiling issues).
- Non-intuitive UI/UX and navigation, with confusing layer controls and artifacts.
- Mandatory third-party login and privacy concerns.
- Confusing paywall/layer access where paid layers differ from what’s available in the app.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1460038458)