A personal review: Komoot (and Aftershokz trek air)

[linda9389]

Sick of my app recommendations yet? If so, sorry but I found another one and I love it 😍 Komoot 😍. It gets great reviews in the hiking/cycling world, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t be just as useful for running. I’m currently using it with great success. It handles paths and trails really well, it stores maps for offline use on your phone and it gives great turn by turn voice navigation (worldwide). And it can be free!

I plan a route in Komoot on my laptop (or import from Strava etc. using a GPX file) using the various map overlays (great for paths and trails and cycle routes etc.) then it automatically syncs to my phone. One bonus is the option to download the map to the phone to use when there is no signal (great for trails, woods, etc.). When I want to ride, I hit navigate and Komoot gives me turn by turn voice directions. On my phone, my live position is shown on the detailed map along with the full route. If I go astray, Komoot will attempt to get me back on track so long as I have internet access, otherwise it advises me to check the map on my phone. Access to one region is entirely free (and as far as I can tell you can still use it in other regions - the voice navigation still works when you have internet).

I also like to export the GPX file to dwMap so I can have the simplistic route map on my garmin 235 as I hate stopping to get my phone out when I’m riding! I have the best of both worlds then – visual on my watch and audio from my phone.

Just one slight caveat … when I say it’s free … it sort of is …. but then again … it sort of wasn’t because I decided to treat myself to a pair of Aftershokz so I could clearly hear the audio 🤣🤣🤣!!! I’ve thought about them for running in the past, but couldn’t really justify the spend given I already have some cheap Bluetooth in-ear headphones. But it seems very important to be able to hear ambient sound for road cycling … and, well, I’ve been having a hard time … so decided it was time to treat myself 😜 And I love them too! Music sounds perfectly good enough for me, even in busy traffic I can clearly hear virtually all the navigation instructions, so I imagine they would be excellent for Podcasts or audiobooks too, I’ve yet to try phone calls but in theory I can answer the phone with them too. They’re light and comfortable and I’m barely aware they’re there – even with glasses and a cycle helmet.

So, a thumbs up for both, Komoot is free, Aftershokz a bit more expensive 👌👌👌

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

That komoot malarkey sounds v. interesting, Linda! I might investigate whilst I have some time on my hands. 😁 And Aftershokz! I got myself some on Amazon Prime day for a super reduced price. Was due to try them out on a run today, but well, you know...injury saw to that! Something to look forward to. 👍 xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Very disappointing for you

I did think when I ordered them that it was a shame I hadn't thought of it on Prime day!

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Love my Aftershokz! I love how you can hear traffic, have a conversation and listen to music all in one go. Definitely worth the investment 👍🏽

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Hubby and I are going cycling next weekend and it did occur to me that they will be great for being able to have a conversation en route while listening to music and navigation

[Chris9R 10 Miles]

Another thumbs up for aftershokz! I have the air version I use them for running and work can wear them all day and don’t notice you have them on. Sounds never going to be as good as “normal” headphones as they are bone conductor one, but more than good enough for pod casts, music, radio even calls

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Chris9R]

I'm really impressed and was surprised at just how good the music sounds (which had been one of the things that had been putting me off spending the money).

[Chris9R 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

They are much better than I expect 👍🏻

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Great review Linda! I love and hate tech in equal measure. I don’t run anywhere which needs navigation, but should that time come, that app sounds awesome. 👍

As for Aftershokz, well I can feel my curiosity rising. That usually results in me getting things - but I don’t need them (I do). I have some perfectly good Soundcore

Spirit headphones which I love ...... but I haven’t bought anything for myself for a while (who am I kidding - what about the hydration vest?) ..... we’ll see! 😈

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Haha. Once I started running longer distances I needed new and more pleasant routes to keep me entertained - I much prefer greenery and trails to street running. I love going to new places and exploring while I run but of course that comes with a high risk of getting lost On the bike it's even worse as the distances are greater. I also love planning my routes in advance - a bit like planning a holiday - so that all adds to the fun too. You should try it!

I see what you mean about the headphones - but I definitely 'needed' them 🤣🤣🤣

[walsertal]

You can directly sync the routes planned with komoot with your Garmin. Komoot has a Garmin app that does that nicely.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to walsertal]

I only have a 235 so I'm not sure I can do that before a ride in order to display my route while I'm riding, but I'll have another look. Thanks.