Are you an organisation enthusiast who loves hiking and barely puts down your smartphone? If you're wondering whether there are apps that could replace the classic hiker's toolkit, you've come to the right place. Today Cimalp helps you plan your hiking trip using your phone. Compass, IGN maps, altimeter… almost everything fits right in your pocket!
Apps to help you prepare
We kick off this roundup of hiking smartphone apps with the essentials. Compass, altimeter, weather… these tools are all indispensable for hiking with confidence.
WeatherPro
Do you always check the weather before heading out? Don't overlook WeatherPro, a weather app developed by MeteoGroup, the largest meteorological company in Europe. The app is paid, but it delivers excellent-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 a compass are two essential tools for hikers. Never forget the first 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 under 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 work 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 plan your hikes. To access these maps, the app requires a paid subscription — an annual Géoportail subscription costs £13.99 per year. An add-on module at £5.49 unlocks additional features: tracks, waypoints, GPS markers… However, if you'd like to try it first, you can install and use it free for 7 days.
This app is a true GPS: it pinpoints your exact position on maps. The maps are also accessible offline once they have been downloaded for the first time. No more need to carry all your IGN maps in your bag — 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
Geolocated apps
A simple search in the Apple or Android marketplaces will turn up a wealth of geolocated hiking apps. Heading to Réunion Island? Decat'Rando will give you tips and information on hikes across this stunning island. More of an Ardennes fan? The Ma Rando app developed by Cirkwi has got you covered. Tips, routes, information, news, useful numbers… all these geolocated apps can complement your research alongside the other apps mentioned in this article.
While all these apps can prove useful for hiking, don't forget that they are also major battery drains. To make sure you don't run out of power mid-route, set off with a fully charged smartphone and, if needed, invest in a portable power bank or a solar charger.
Finally, we cannot recommend enough that you avoid keeping your nose glued to your screen for the entire outing. Use your smartphone only when necessary — because when you're out hiking, the most important thing is to enjoy the view, the company you're with, and the present moment.
