I’ve found a potential alternative to Komoot: Outdooractive, another German app that offers many similar features. I’m surprised it flew under my radar for so long.

Like Komoot, Outdooractive requires a Pro (€2.50 per month) or Pro+ (€5 per month) account to access more detailed maps and additional features. During my initial test run to the supermarket, I was impressed to find that the smartwatch app seems more helpful than Komoot’s Wear OS app, as it utilizes the compass to show direction in addition to providing navigation instructions.

Going forward, I plan to limit my use of apps like Komoot and Outdooractive to planning and navigation only. Instead, I’ll download the GPX files and save them, along with some photos, on my GoBlog instance, which I’ve been using to write my diary (although I did stop updating it last year). By doing so, I’ll be less reliant on these services and won’t have to worry about what happens if their owners decide to sell the apps to private equity firms.