An outdoor skills app for hiking and backpacking
Last updated 2 June 2026
Maps tell you where you are; an outdoor skills app helps with the rest of the trip, packing, knots, weather, navigation, and what to do when something goes wrong. On iPhone, Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) covers these with offline articles plus practical tools, free and with no ads.
Skills and tools for the trail
Alongside more than 40 reference articles, FOC includes practical tools: a packing-list generator that adapts to terrain, weather, party size, and trip length; a knot guide with step-by-step instructions; daylight, water-needs, temperature, and windchill calculators; and prebuilt checklists for day hikes, multi-day tours, and winter gear.
Built to work off-grid
The reference and tools work on the device, so they keep working past the last bar of signal. FOC is free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking. Bring a map and compass too, and tell someone your plan, an app is a companion, not a guarantee.
How it compares
| What you need | FOC | Maps-only app |
|---|---|---|
| Skills and reference | Yes | No |
| Packing-list generator | Yes | No |
| Knots and calculators | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Yes | With downloads |
| Price | Free | Varies |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a good hiking skills app for iPhone?
Yes. Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) covers outdoor skills, packing, knots, weather, navigation, and survival, with offline articles and practical tools.
Does FOC help with packing?
Yes. It has a packing-list generator that adapts to terrain, weather, party size, transport, and trip length, plus prebuilt checklists for day, multi-day, and winter trips.
Does it work without a connection?
Yes. The reference and tools work on the device, so they keep working off-grid. Some optional extras like videos use the internet only if you open them.
Is FOC free?
Yes. FOC is free with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking.
Related
Sources
This is general reference, not medical, safety, or professional advice. Skills like first aid and foraging carry real risk. In a real emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 911 in the US).