Finally, Strava and Komoot are bringing offline maps to the Apple Watch

Strava and Komoot — two of the most popular apps for cyclists, hikers, and runners — are bringing offline maps to the Apple Watch, ending a major source of frustration for many. Now you can easily see routes and log your workouts, all in your favorite app, without having to bring along a relatively heavy and cumbersome iPhone.

Strava says Offline maps are only available to subscribers, however Comote offer Free and step-by-step navigation is also set up. Strava subscribers pay $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year plus any taxes.

One of the biggest selling points of the Apple Watch Ultra is its ability to work without an iPhone. But athletes still have to bring their phones with them if they want clear, detailed routes on their wrists, or pay extra for apps like WorkOutDoors or Footpath (my personal favorite). Switching between apps was less fluid, and downright cumbersome, compared to wearing a Garmin watch. Offline mapping in Strava and Komoot brings the two platforms closer together Apple is slowly moving away from Garmin’s advantages.

DesFit has an excellent overview of the Komoot app which does the basics for now, but does it better than Strava. Komoot says more advanced features like automatic redirection will arrive in future updates.

“Our goal was to make Komoot’s Apple Watch app fully capable on its own,” said Tom Eldred, product manager at Komoot. “For many of us, being able to disconnect is the best part of being outdoors, so we wanted the community to have the freedom to leave their phones at home – or at least in their pockets.”