A decade ago, hikers routinely set out on expeditions without a mobile phone, relying solely on a compass, a distress flare, or nothing at all. Today, a mobile phone has become an almost indispensable piece of hiking gear. Many hikers rely on their smartphones for everything: navigating via GPS, using the built-in torch, and calling mountain rescue in an emergency. However, there are several key safety rules to keep in mind when taking a mobile phone hiking.
Mobile phones while hiking: saving emergency contacts
Going hiking also means planning for contingencies. In the event of getting lost or injured, calling for help immediately is vital. A mobile phone is clearly the most effective tool for this. However, panic often takes over in an emergency, making it easy to forget vital numbers. You should always save emergency numbers in your contacts before leaving. Even better, write them down both in your mobile phone and on a waterproof card stored in your first aid kit.
Emergency numbers: which ones should you know?
112: The universal European emergency number valid across all EU countries. Simply dial 112 to connect. Furthermore, your location data and caller information are transmitted automatically during the call. If your SIM card is registered in France, 112 will connect you directly with a French-speaking operator.
114: This is the European emergency number equivalent to 112, dedicated to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak. Simply send an emergency SMS to 114, and emergency services will be dispatched promptly.
18 and 15: In France, these are the emergency numbers for the Fire and Rescue Service (Pompiers) and the Medical Emergency Service (SAMU) respectively. These numbers remain operational and provide direct access to the relevant emergency teams. However, when local lines are congested, dialling 112 is often preferable as 112 emergency calls receive network priority.
Emergency contacts and family: when you go hiking, always share your itinerary and planned return time with loved ones. That way, you can call them if you run into difficulty or struggle to reach emergency services. Furthermore, knowing your route allows them to alert mountain rescue if you fail to check in within an expected timeframe, helping rescue teams locate you much faster by tracking your planned route.
Mobile phones while hiking: dealing with network coverage
Taking a mobile phone while hiking is very practical for calling emergency services—provided you have network coverage! When hiking, you may pass through dead zones with no signal whatsoever, regardless of your mobile carrier. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Send an SMS to mountain rescue or loved ones and move towards higher ground. The advantage of SMS text messages is that they send automatically as soon as your phone catches even the weakest network signal.
Leave your phone turned on: as it searches for network signal, it communicates with cell towers. Search and rescue teams can leverage these ping logs to help pinpoint your location, even if you never had enough signal to complete a call.
Try calling the emergency numbers listed above anyway. Even when your screen displays ‘Emergency calls only’, your phone can still route emergency calls through other network providers.
If you are hiking in remote or hazardous terrain, consider carrying dedicated safety gear such as satellite communicators or emergency locator beacons (PLBs). When trekking abroad without a guide, check whether you can purchase a local SIM card and research network coverage beforehand. In remote regions of the world, carrying a satellite phone or satellite messenger is indispensable.
What about battery life?
A smartphone is undeniably practical. However, keep in mind that cellular data, roaming, and GPS tracking quickly drain battery life when using a mobile phone while hiking. Taking proactive measures to conserve power is therefore essential.
You might be tempted to carry two or three phones, but remember that extra devices add dead weight to your backpack. Instead, take a single mobile phone for hiking alongside two or three spare batteries or power banks. This provides the battery life you need without overloading your pack.
Packing a power bank in your kit is also highly recommended. Even if you carry two or three spare batteries, there is no guarantee they will suffice. You never know how many days you might find yourself stranded in an emergency. With a power bank in your pocket, you can recharge your smartphone and significantly extend battery life. You can also carry a compact hand-crank USB charger for your mobile phone while hiking. While it will not provide a full charge, 5 to 10 minutes of cranking will give you a precious minute or two of operating time—more than enough to alert rescue services or contact loved ones!
