I am delighted to share that Gaia GPS has joined forces with Outside (previously Pocket Outdoor Media) in a massive effort to transform the outdoor and active lifestyle market.

This means that we are now a sister company to basically every amazing outdoor publication on the planet, including Outside, Backpacker, Trail Runner, Climbing, and so many other titles that inspire us to get outside and adventure. 

Gaia GPS Work Continues

I’m excited to continue to work on Gaia GPS with Anna, Jesse, and the rest of the Gaia GPS team. We’re staying focused on our mission to make the best backcountry navigation app for your adventures. On the short-term horizon, we’re cooking up 3D web maps, turn-by-turn directions in the Android app, and a new version of Gaia Topo with mileage markers on trail segments and hundreds of thousands of miles of additional USFS roads and trails. Plus, iOS users should keep a lookout for an innovative “tap the map” experience that has gotten rave reviews from beta testers. 

But what’s so exciting about joining this larger mission with Outside, Inc. is the prospect that we will be able to continue improving the mapping experience while also enjoying the benefits of being attached to Outside’s powerhouse of incredible outdoor and adventure content. The idea that we can mix maps with cornerstone content has me giddy.  

A Treasure Trove of Content

We see a huge opportunity to integrate Outside’s unmatched depth of journalism work into Gaia GPS’s maps. We want to put amazing information on the interface, so you can pan and zoom on the map and get the beta you need even when you’re out in the field. 

We have been working hard to enable users to edit and comment on the map. We can’t wait to bring our sister companies into the fold for the best in technology development, editorial curation, and user content that will drive an evergreen engine to explore the natural world.

Dreams for Far-Reaching Maps

I also dream of Gaia GPS maps being shared across the greater web. With our sister companies at Outside, we envision an opportunity to add maps and technology to news stories that will help portray a more complete picture through our maps and information.

Active Pass Upgrades 

Over time, we will be looking to incorporate Gaia GPS premium features into the Active Pass subscription from Pocket Outdoor Media (now Outside!). The $99 membership includes hundreds of dollars in value in the form of premium digital content, magazine subscriptions, event entries and photography, training plans, recipes, books, a personalized feed, and interactive experiences with editors, pro athletes, coaches, and other experts. And it will soon include new perks: advanced navigation tools (that’s Gaia GPS!) that’ll keep you safe while skiing and backpacking; exclusive access to first-run documentaries; access to member-only events and adventures; expanded gear discounts; and much more.

And of course, as a huge benefit to current Active Pass subscribers, they will get Gaia GPS included as part of the package! 

We are excited about the days ahead. We’ll be sure to give a shout-out with updates as they arrive.  

Andrew Johnson 

CEO, Gaia GPS

Outside