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 has become an almost indispensable piece of hiking kit. Some hikers rely entirely on their smartphones: for navigation via GPS, as a torch when needed, and to call for help in an emergency. That said, there are a few key rules to know about using a mobile phone when hiking.
112: this is the emergency number for all European Union countries. Simply dial the number and you're connected. Your information is also directly transferred when you call 112. 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 hearing or speech difficulties. Simply send an emergency SMS to 114 and help will be dispatched as quickly as possible.
18 and 15: these are the emergency numbers for the Fire Brigade and the SAMU (emergency medical services) in France respectively. These numbers are always operational and allow you to contact the relevant emergency services directly. However, they can sometimes be busy, which is why calling 112 can be a better option as the call will be prioritised.
Your contacts' numbers: when you go hiking, always share your itinerary with your loved ones, along with the expected duration of your hike. You can then contact them if you run into trouble and are having difficulty reaching the emergency services. They'll know your route and can alert the emergency services if they haven't heard from you within a reasonable timeframe — meaning rescuers can find you more quickly by tracking your expected progress along your route.
A mobile phone on a hike is extremely useful for calling for help. But you need to have a signal first! When you go hiking, you may pass through areas with no network coverage, regardless of your carrier. Here are a few useful tips for this:
Send an SMS to the emergency services or your loved ones and head to higher ground. The advantage of SMS messages is that they send automatically as soon as the phone picks up a signal.
Keep your phone switched on, because while searching for a network it exchanges information with relay towers. Rescuers can use this information to try to locate you, even if you haven't had a signal.
Try calling the emergency numbers listed above. In some cases, your phone may be able to reach these numbers via networks other than your own carrier's when your screen displays "Emergency calls only".
If you're hiking in remote or potentially dangerous areas, consider equipping yourself with more high-performance devices such as satellite phones or personal locator beacons. On treks abroad, if you don't have a guide, check whether you can get a local SIM card and research network coverage. In some remote regions of the world, a satellite phone is a necessity.
You could also pack a power bank. Even if you bring two or three spare batteries, that may not be enough. You can never know how many days you might be stranded in a distress situation. With a power bank in your pocket, you'll be able to recharge your smartphone's batteries and significantly extend your battery life. Also consider bringing small hand-crank devices to charge your mobile phone via USB when hiking. They'll never fully charge your battery, but 5 to 10 minutes of cranking will give you a good extra minute of power — more than enough to signal rescuers or contact your loved ones.
Mobile phone on a hike: saving emergency contacts
Hiking means anticipating potential problems. If you get lost or have an accident, you'll need to call for help without delay. A mobile phone is clearly the best tool for this when hiking. However, it's important to remember that panic is often part of the equation in an emergency. In a panic, there's a two in three chance that the hiker won't remember the emergency numbers. You should therefore save the different emergency numbers. Even better, it's worth saving them in your phone as well as on a waterproof document stored in your first aid kit.Emergency numbers: which ones do you need?
112: this is the emergency number for all European Union countries. Simply dial the number and you're connected. Your information is also directly transferred when you call 112. 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 hearing or speech difficulties. Simply send an emergency SMS to 114 and help will be dispatched as quickly as possible.
18 and 15: these are the emergency numbers for the Fire Brigade and the SAMU (emergency medical services) in France respectively. These numbers are always operational and allow you to contact the relevant emergency services directly. However, they can sometimes be busy, which is why calling 112 can be a better option as the call will be prioritised.
Your contacts' numbers: when you go hiking, always share your itinerary with your loved ones, along with the expected duration of your hike. You can then contact them if you run into trouble and are having difficulty reaching the emergency services. They'll know your route and can alert the emergency services if they haven't heard from you within a reasonable timeframe — meaning rescuers can find you more quickly by tracking your expected progress along your route.
Mobile phone on a hike: what about network coverage
A mobile phone on a hike is extremely useful for calling for help. But you need to have a signal first! When you go hiking, you may pass through areas with no network coverage, regardless of your carrier. Here are a few useful tips for this:
Send an SMS to the emergency services or your loved ones and head to higher ground. The advantage of SMS messages is that they send automatically as soon as the phone picks up a signal.
Keep your phone switched on, because while searching for a network it exchanges information with relay towers. Rescuers can use this information to try to locate you, even if you haven't had a signal.
Try calling the emergency numbers listed above. In some cases, your phone may be able to reach these numbers via networks other than your own carrier's when your screen displays "Emergency calls only".
If you're hiking in remote or potentially dangerous areas, consider equipping yourself with more high-performance devices such as satellite phones or personal locator beacons. On treks abroad, if you don't have a guide, check whether you can get a local SIM card and research network coverage. In some remote regions of the world, a satellite phone is a necessity.
What about battery life?
A smartphone is a handy tool. However, it's worth remembering that GSM network, mobile data and the GPS sensor can drain your phone's battery quickly when hiking. It's therefore essential to take steps to address this problem. You might be tempted to bring two or three phones with you. However, bear in mind that this adds weight to your pack. Instead, consider taking just one mobile phone hiking but with two or three spare batteries. You'll have all the battery life you need without adding extra weight to your bag.
You could also pack a power bank. Even if you bring two or three spare batteries, that may not be enough. You can never know how many days you might be stranded in a distress situation. With a power bank in your pocket, you'll be able to recharge your smartphone's batteries and significantly extend your battery life. Also consider bringing small hand-crank devices to charge your mobile phone via USB when hiking. They'll never fully charge your battery, but 5 to 10 minutes of cranking will give you a good extra minute of power — more than enough to signal rescuers or contact your loved ones.
