In the world of climbing, mobile apps have become essential tools. Whether you’re searching for the perfect outdoor route, tracking your gym progress, or optimizing your training, there’s an app tailored to your needs. In this article, I’ll dive deeper into the features of the top five climbing apps of 2024, comparing them, sharing personal experiences, and offering insights to help you decide which app is best for you, so you are ready for 2025 to elevate your bouldering game.
1. TopLogger: The Gym Climber’s Essential Tool
TopLogger remains a top choice for indoor climbers. Designed to enhance your gym experience, it allows you to log climbs, track your progress, and stay updated on newly set routes. Its interactive maps and live competition leaderboards make climbing more engaging.
Key Features
- Interactive gym maps for easy navigation.
- Notifications for new problems and routes.
- Detailed progress tracking with charts.
- Community-focused competitions and live rankings.
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for indoor climbers who want a deeper connection with their local gym community.
Downside: Limited to gyms registered with the app.
2. 27Crags: For the Outdoor Explorer
27Crags has evolved into one of the most comprehensive resources for outdoor climbing. With over 10,000 climbing areas and detailed topo’s, it’s an essential tool for planning trips and navigating remote crags. Premium users can even download maps offline for use in areas with no signal.
Key Features
- Detailed topo’s for outdoor climbing areas worldwide.
- Offline access with premium membership.
- GPS navigation for finding routes.
- Community-driven content with to-do lists and beta sharing.
Why We Love It: The extensive database and offline features make it ideal for adventurers exploring new climbing areas.
Downside: Premium subscription is required for full access.
3. Crimpd: Your Personal Training Partner
For climbers looking to improve their strength and technique, Crimpd offers tailored training plans and a variety of exercises. With over 75 training protocols and assessments, it’s a powerful tool for structured progression.
Key Features
- Comprehensive training plans tailored to climbers.
- Tracks and logs training sessions for progress analysis.
- Offers free and premium features.
Why We Love It: Crimpd’s integration with Lattice Training makes it a go-to app for climbers focused on performance.
Downside: Some advanced features require a subscription.
4. Beastmaker: Finger Training Made Easy
The Beastmaker app, designed for use with the popular training board, helps climbers improve their grip strength. It includes pre-set training routines and custom timers, ensuring your sessions are both efficient and effective.
Key Features
- Pre-programmed workouts for different skill levels.
- Customizable timers for tailored training.
- Tracks finger strength progress over time.
Why We Love It: It’s a must-have for climbers serious about fingerboard training.
Downside: Limited functionality beyond fingerboard exercises.
5. Vertical-Life: A Versatile Climber’s Companion
Vertical-Life bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor climbing. It provides detailed route information for thousands of climbing areas while offering gym-specific features like maps and problem tracking. The integration with 8a.nu adds a competitive edge.
Key Features
- Extensive climbing area database.
- Indoor climbing features for participating gyms.
- Training plans and challenges.
- Offline access with premium membership.
Why We Love It: Its versatility makes it suitable for climbers who mix gym sessions with outdoor adventures.
Downside: Advanced features require a paid subscription.
Quick Comparison
| App | Best For | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| TopLogger | Indoor climbing | Gym maps, progress tracking, competitions | Gym must be on the platform |
| 27Crags | Outdoor climbing | Route navigation, offline maps | Requires subscription for full access |
| Crimpd | Training-focused climbers | Tailored plans, extensive exercise library | Some features require subscription |
| Beastmaker | Fingerboard training | Pre-set plans, progress tracking | Limited to finger strength exercises |
| Vertical-Life | Versatile climbing use | Indoor-outdoor routes, training tools | Paid subscription for premium access |
Final Thoughts
The best app depends on your climbing goals. Whether you’re looking for gym engagement, outdoor exploration, or focused training, there’s an app here for you. Looking to dive deeper into climbing tips? Don’t miss these related guides:
