A decade ago, hikers could head out on expeditions without a mobile phone. Back then, they'd set off with a compass and a distress flare — or sometimes nothing at all. Today, the mobile phone when hiking has become practically essential kit. Some hikers rely on their smartphones for everything: GPS navigation, emergency torch, and calling for help in danger. However, there are a few rules you need to know about mobiles when heading out hiking.
112: This is the emergency number for all European Union countries. Just dial the number and you're through. What's more, your information is automatically transferred to 112 when you call. If you have a SIM card registered in France, 112 will assign you a French-speaking operator directly.
114: This is the European emergency number, equivalent to 112 but designed for people with speaking or hearing difficulties. Just send your emergency message by SMS to 114 and help will be deployed as quickly as possible.
18 and 15: These are the emergency numbers for the Fire Brigade and SAMU (emergency medical services) in France respectively. These numbers still work and allow you to contact the relevant emergency services "directly". But sometimes these numbers get saturated, which is why calling 112 becomes useful as your call will be prioritised.
Your loved ones' numbers: when you head out hiking, never forget to share your route with your loved ones, along with the duration of your hike. You can then call them if you have a problem and struggle to reach emergency services. What's more, they know your route and can alert the emergency services if you don't make contact within a reasonable timeframe. This way, rescue teams can find you more quickly by calculating your logical progression along your route.
A mobile phone when hiking is very practical for calling emergency services. But you need network coverage! When you head out hiking, you'll sometimes pass through areas with no signal, regardless of your operator. Here are some useful reflexes for this:
You can also pack a power bank in your kit. Even if you take two or three batteries with you, there's no guarantee it'll be enough. Indeed, you can never know how many days you'll be stuck if you're in distress. With a power bank in your pocket, you can then recharge your smartphone batteries and considerably extend your autonomy. Also equip yourself with small hand-crank devices to charge your mobile phone via USB when hiking. This will never fully recharge your battery, but 5 to 10 minutes of cranking will give you a good extra minute of autonomy. More than enough to signal to emergency services or your loved ones!
Mobile phone when hiking: memorising emergency contacts
Heading out hiking means anticipating potential problems. If you get lost or have an accident, you'll need to call for help without delay. Clearly, a mobile phone when hiking is the best tool for this. However, don't forget that panic often kicks in during emergencies. In a panic, there's a two-in-three chance the hiker won't remember the emergency numbers. You'll therefore need to save the different emergency numbersin your phone's contacts beforehand. Better still, note them down in your mobile but also on a waterproof document stored in your first-aid kit.Emergency numbers: which ones?
112: This is the emergency number for all European Union countries. Just dial the number and you're through. What's more, your information is automatically transferred to 112 when you call. If you have a SIM card registered in France, 112 will assign you a French-speaking operator directly.
114: This is the European emergency number, equivalent to 112 but designed for people with speaking or hearing difficulties. Just send your emergency message by SMS to 114 and help will be deployed as quickly as possible.
18 and 15: These are the emergency numbers for the Fire Brigade and SAMU (emergency medical services) in France respectively. These numbers still work and allow you to contact the relevant emergency services "directly". But sometimes these numbers get saturated, which is why calling 112 becomes useful as your call will be prioritised.
Your loved ones' numbers: when you head out hiking, never forget to share your route with your loved ones, along with the duration of your hike. You can then call them if you have a problem and struggle to reach emergency services. What's more, they know your route and can alert the emergency services if you don't make contact within a reasonable timeframe. This way, rescue teams can find you more quickly by calculating your logical progression along your route.
Mobile phone when hiking: what about network coverage
A mobile phone when hiking is very practical for calling emergency services. But you need network coverage! When you head out hiking, you'll sometimes pass through areas with no signal, regardless of your operator. Here are some useful reflexes for this:
What about battery life?
A smartphone is very practical. However, don't forget that GSM network, mobile data and GPS quickly drain your mobile phone's battery when hiking. It's therefore essential to take measures to counter this problem.
You can also pack a power bank in your kit. Even if you take two or three batteries with you, there's no guarantee it'll be enough. Indeed, you can never know how many days you'll be stuck if you're in distress. With a power bank in your pocket, you can then recharge your smartphone batteries and considerably extend your autonomy. Also equip yourself with small hand-crank devices to charge your mobile phone via USB when hiking. This will never fully recharge your battery, but 5 to 10 minutes of cranking will give you a good extra minute of autonomy. More than enough to signal to emergency services or your loved ones!
