Customer Reviews (500)

KJerry • 2025-03-26T13:58:25-07:00

I have used every tracking app known to Man and really enjoy onX Backcountry.

DE228 • 2025-03-25T15:55:22-07:00

It’s a good app, but my Garmin inReach app already does basically the same. I wish they allowed you to download the entire state in high quality. It lets you do 25 miles max at a time and it’s just not anymore useful than Garmin for my needs. Those that have high storage limit Apple devices should be allowed to download more. Yes you can make your own path but that’s pretty much it. I deleted it.

ODanny G • 2025-03-24T19:21:39-07:00

Great app for those going off grid and getting around trails.

Summary of Key Insights

onX Backcountry is a well-regarded app overall, particularly appreciated for its detailed maps, offline functionality, and backcountry skiing features. Its strengths lie in its accuracy, user-friendly interface, and helpfulness in planning and navigating outdoor adventures. However, users frequently cite issues such as the lack of landscape mode on iPads, the absence of an Apple Watch app, and occasional app crashes or freezes. Some users also find the subscription model and upgrade prompts intrusive. There is also feedback that it is missing trails in some areas, and that some features are behind a paywall. Overall sentiment is positive, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews, but addressing the identified pain points could significantly improve user satisfaction and retention.

  • Overall Rating: High (significant portion of 5-star reviews)
  • Key Strengths: Detailed maps, offline capabilities, user-friendly interface, backcountry skiing features.
  • Key Weaknesses: Lack of landscape mode on iPad, no Apple Watch app, occasional app crashes/freezes, intrusive upgrade prompts, missing trails in some areas, features behind a paywall.
  • Sentiment: Positive.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 69.8%, 4-star: 5.2%, 3-star: 8.8%, 2-star: 6.2%, 1-star: 10%.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the reviews, it appears to be a recent snapshot of user feedback (likely within the past few months up to July 2024, based on the review dates included in the source data).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Manual assessment of review text to determine overall sentiment (positive, negative, neutral).
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently used keywords and phrases related to features, issues, and user requests.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counting the number of times specific issues or feature requests were mentioned.

Key User Pain Points

  • Lack of Landscape Mode on iPad: Many users express frustration that the app doesn't support landscape mode on iPads, limiting its usability, especially when the iPad is mounted in a vehicle or used with a keyboard.
  • No Apple Watch App: A significant number of users request an Apple Watch app for easier navigation without needing to take out their phone.
  • App Crashes and Freezes: Several users report frequent app crashes and freezes, particularly when using offline maps or 3D mode, impacting reliability.
  • Intrusive Upgrade Prompts: Users find constant pop-up ads and upgrade prompts annoying, especially after already paying for a premium subscription.
  • Missing Trails/Inaccurate Data: Some users report missing trails or inaccurate information in certain areas, reducing the app's trustworthiness.
  • Difficulty Cancelling Subscriptions: Several users have had trouble canceling subscriptions and have been charged unexpectedly.
  • Clunky User Interface: Some users find the app difficult to use and unintuitive, especially when trying to perform specific actions.
  • Offline 3D Unavailable: Some users were expecting to be able to use 3D maps offline, and are disappointed that this is not a feature.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Apple Watch App: A dedicated Apple Watch app for navigation and tracking.
  • Landscape Mode on iPad: Support for landscape mode on iPad devices.
  • GPX Export: Ability to export routes as GPX files for use on other devices.
  • Horse Trail Filter: A filter to specifically identify trails suitable for horseback riding.
  • Improved Trail Data: More comprehensive and accurate trail data, particularly in less popular areas.
  • More Customization: More customization of slope gradient colors for colorblind users.
  • Reverse Trail Button: A button to easily reverse the direction of a trail.
  • Directions Function: A directions function to navigate to trailheads from within the app.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Detailed Maps: Users consistently praise the app's detailed and accurate maps, including topographic information and various overlays.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to download maps for offline use is highly valued, especially in areas with limited or no cell service.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Many users find the app's interface intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible to both experienced and novice outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Backcountry Skiing Features: The app's features for backcountry skiing, such as slope angle information and avalanche forecasts, are highly appreciated.
  • Customer Service: Several users commend the app's customer service for being responsive and helpful.
  • 3D Maps: The 3D map feature is popular for visualizing terrain.
  • Integration with Mountain Project: Integration with Mountain Project is useful for climbers.
  • SNOTEL Data: Access to localized weather conditions and historic trends via SNOTEL data is a valued feature.
  • Tracking Feature: The tracking feature is useful for measuring key trip stats.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:

    • Implement Landscape Mode on iPad: This is a highly requested feature that would significantly improve the user experience for iPad users.
    • Develop an Apple Watch App: This would provide users with easier navigation and tracking without needing to rely on their phones.
    • Address App Crashes and Freezes: Investigate and fix the causes of app crashes and freezes to improve reliability.
    • Improve Subscription Management: Make it easier for users to manage and cancel subscriptions, and reduce the frequency of intrusive upgrade prompts.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Enhance Trail Data Accuracy: Focus on improving the accuracy and completeness of trail data, particularly in less popular areas.
    • Add GPX Export Functionality: Allow users to export routes as GPX files for use on other devices and platforms.
    • Improve Offline 3D Functionality: Allow users to download and use 3D maps offline.
    • Enhance Map Customization: Add more customization options for map displays, such as allowing users to turn off visibility of routes.
    • Improve Account Management: Provide more streamlined access to subscription information and billing details, and reduce the frequency of upsell prompts.

  • Low Priority:

    • Add a Horse Trail Filter: Implement a filter to identify trails suitable for horseback riding.
    • Add a Reverse Trail Button: Include a button to easily reverse the direction of a trail.
    • Add Directions Function: Integrate a directions function to navigate to trailheads from within the app.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Dedicated Apple Watch App Development: A startup could focus solely on developing a comprehensive Apple Watch app for backcountry navigation, potentially partnering with existing mapping services.
  • AI-Powered Trail Verification: Develop an AI-powered system that uses satellite imagery and user-submitted data to verify the accuracy of trail data and identify missing trails.
  • Subscription Management Service for Apps: Create a service that helps users manage their app subscriptions and avoid unwanted charges, potentially integrating with app stores.
  • Customizable Mapping for Colorblind Users: Develop a mapping app that allows users to fully customize color schemes to improve accessibility for colorblind individuals.

Trends and Observations

  • Comparison to Other Apps: Users frequently compare onX Backcountry to other mapping apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and CalTopo, highlighting strengths and weaknesses relative to these competitors.
  • Backcountry Skiing Focus: The app is particularly popular among backcountry skiers, indicating a strong market segment.
  • Desire for Integration: Users express a desire for better integration between onX's different apps (Hunt, Offroad, Backcountry), suggesting an opportunity for bundling or cross-promotion.
  • Customer Service Impact: Positive customer service experiences are frequently mentioned, indicating its importance in user satisfaction.
  • iPad Landscape Mode is a Recurring Theme: The demand for landscape mode on iPads is a consistent pain point.

Conclusion

onX Backcountry is a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly appreciated for its detailed maps, offline functionality, and backcountry skiing features. While the app has many strengths, addressing the identified pain points, such as the lack of landscape mode on iPads, the absence of an Apple Watch app, and occasional app crashes, could significantly improve user satisfaction and retention. By focusing on these areas, onX Backcountry can solidify its position as a leading app in the outdoor navigation space.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onx-backcountry-trail-gps-app/id1529165366?uo=2