Packing a backpack is the art of fitting as much functionality into as little space as possible, bringing along the best, lightest tools to ensure a fun, safe and memorable journey. And that’s the exact approach that Chimani has taken in creating Version 3.0 of its outdoors apps for iOS and Android, now available for free download on the iTunes AppStore, Google Play and Amazon AppStore, respectively.

Chimani, Inc. today announced the release and immediate availability of Chimani 3.0, a major upgrade to its entire suite of national park and outdoor destination guides. Chimani also today announced four entirely new national park destination guides including Arches, Canyonlands, Denali and Death Valley.

Chimani 3.0 introduces a new modern user interface for a more intuitive browsing experience while retaining the popular universal national park symbols currently found on menus and points of interest. Incorporating Google’s Material Design elements, the apps are as beautiful and delightful to use as they are functional. And the updated iOS version has been rewritten entirely in Swift, Apple’s new open-source programming language.

“With this new release, Chimani leverages an entirely revamped architecture designed from the ground up for offline use,” said Kerry Gallivan, CEO and co-founder of Chimani, Inc. “Our best-in-class data delivery engine ensures that visitors have the latest information on their device so they can enjoy the parks without an Internet connection.”

Chimani’s robust mapping engine provides faster download of materials for offline access when cell coverage is not available. In addition, the maps employ a completely new cartography design for improved navigation outdoors.

Earn Badges and Share Socially

In addition, each app features a new plus-action button that provides a fun new way to check into “Points of Interest” and earn badges and points. Using this new feature, people are able to record their visits to parks, and use their location to verify their visits, receiving extra points and earning virtual badges with each check-in.

Version 3.0 introduces a new sharing option for the high-quality Photo Gallery images, and a newly overhauled Viewport augmented-reality viewer that improves tracking and more accurate display of objects. A new Notifications feature provides the latest and archived park notices, updated automatically when cell coverage is available. A new design provides expanded details for each park’s shuttle, bus and train schedules. A new sunrise/sunset feature highlights the “golden hours” at each park so you never miss the chance for optimal photography.

Four Great New Park Guides

Along with version 3.0, four new national park destination guides are now available, including Arches, Canyonlands, Denali and Death Valley National Park. Each guide includes the interactive GPS-enabled maps, audio tours, lodging information, transportation schedules, complete list of amenities, park information and the curated, first-hand descriptions of park features for which Chimani is known.

A complete list of Chimani destinations now include Acadia, Arches, Baxter State Park, Bryce Canyon, Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley, Denali, Death Valley, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and National Parks by Chimani – a guide to all 409 national parks.