Are you a planning obsessive, love hiking and barely (ever) put your smartphone down? If you're wondering whether there are apps that could replace the tools of the seasoned hiker, you've come to the right place. Today, Cimalp helps you prepare your hike with your phone. Compass, IGN maps, altimeter… everything — or nearly everything — will fit right in your pocket!
Apps to help you prepare
We kick off this review of smartphone apps for hiking with the essentials. Compass, altimeter, weather forecast… all the indispensable tools for hiking with peace of mind.
WeatherPro
Do you always check the forecast before heading out? Don't miss WeatherPro, a weather app developed by MeteoGroup, the largest meteorological company in Europe. The app is paid-for, but promises high-quality forecasts far more detailed than the native weather apps on Android and iOS.
httpss://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mg.android&hl=en
httpss://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/weatherpro/id294631159?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Exact Altimeter for Europe and Compass
An altimeter and compass are two essential tools for hikers. Never forget the former again by installing the Exact Altimeter for Europe app on your smartphone — available for Android and iOS. As for the compass, it comes built into iOS and can be found by default in the Utilities tab. On Android, the Compass app will help you find your way. Bear in mind, however, that knowing how to read a map with a compass is essential to avoid getting lost: these apps do not function like GPS devices.
httpss://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.bitknights.altimeter
httpss://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/exact-altimeter-for-europe/id318841116?mt=8
iPhiGéNie, the navigation app
Available on iOS and Android, iPhiGéNie is the reference app for IGN (Institut Géographique National) maps. You'll find all the topographic maps you need to properly prepare your hikes. To access these maps, the app requires a paid subscription — an annual Géoportail subscription costs £13.99 per year. An additional module at £5.49 adds extra functionality to the app: tracks, waypoints, GPS beacon… However, if you'd like to try it first, you can install and use it free of charge for 7 days.
This app is a genuine GPS: it pinpoints your exact position on the maps. The maps are also accessible offline once they have been downloaded for the first time. No need to carry all your IGN maps in your pack — a smartphone is now all you need.
httpss://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/iphigenie/id350346756?mt=8
httpss://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iphigenie&hl=fr_FR
Geolocation apps
A simple search in the Apple or Android marketplaces will turn up a wealth of geolocation hiking apps. Heading out to Réunion? Decat'Rando will provide you with tips and information on hikes across this magnificent island. More of an Ardennes person? The Ma Rando app developed by Cirkwi is there to help. Tips, routes, information, news, useful numbers… all these geolocation apps can complement your research and the other apps mentioned in this article.
While all these apps can prove very useful for hiking, don't forget that they are also extremely demanding on battery life. To make sure you don't run out of power mid-route, set off with a fully charged smartphone and invest, if needed, in a portable power bank or a solar charger.
Finally, we'd strongly advise you not to spend your entire walk with your nose glued to your screen. Only take out your smartphone when necessary — because when you're out hiking, the priority is to soak up the views, enjoy the company of those around you, and be present in the moment.
