Outdoor smartphone: the 3 mistakes to avoid to make the right choice

For an outdoor enthusiast, gear is not a matter of comfort — it’s a matter of trust. Knowing that your equipment will hold up in all conditions, in any weather and on any terrain, is what allows you to set off with peace of mind and push your limits safely. Many end up making the same observation: their regular smartphone can’t keep up. Screen that stops responding in the rain, battery that fails in the cold, chassis that doesn’t survive a fall on granite... The leap to a outdoor smartphone designed for these conditions then becomes obvious. But choosing the right device is not so simple. Technical sheets are full of acronyms and certifications — IP68, MIL-STD-810, IK05 — whose definitions vary from one manufacturer to another, and whose stated performance is not always tested under the same conditions. It’s hard to find your way and identify the outdoor smartphone truly suited to its uses. To help you see clearly, here are the 3 most common mistakes before buying — and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Misinterpreting resistance and waterproofing standards (IP, IK, MIL-STD...) Certifications IP, MIL-STD or IK are standardized global references: they provide reliable indications of a device's resistance level and allow products to be compared on a common basis.  But these standards also allow some flexibility in test protocols — number of tests, execution conditions, thresholds used.  Result: two smartphones with the same certification can hide very different real-world performance. Understanding what these standards really mean, and under what conditions they were obtained, is the first step to making an informed choice. IP67, IP68, IP69K: what do they really mean? The IP certification (Ingress Protection) indicates the level of protection a device has against external infiltration. It consists of two digits: the first indicates protection against solids — 6 being the maximum level, corresponding to total dust tightness — the second indicates protection against liquids, with a maximum rating of 9, corresponding to high-pressure and high-temperature sprays. IP66 and below : protection against dust and water splashes, but no resistance to full immersion. In particularly wet outdoor conditions — a storm, crossing a river — this level of protection remains insufficient. IP67 : resistance to immersion up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. This level is suitable for daily or domestic use but remains insufficient for intensive outdoor use where you sometimes need to rely on your smartphone even during prolonged immersion. IP68 : resistance to immersion beyond 1 meter for an extended duration. But at Crosscall, beyond depth, it is the nature of the liquid that makes the difference. Saltwater, chlorinated water, or oils present specific infiltration and residue deposit issues that can damage internal components. Our IP68-certified smartphones are tested to withstand all these liquids. IP69 : resistance to high-pressure and high-temperature sprays. It is the most demanding standard, essential in environments exposed to intensive cleaning or violent sprays. Our most durable smartphone, the CORE-M6also meets this standard. For demanding outdoor use, the IP68 is the minimum recommended. It guarantees resistance to deep immersion in all types of liquids and covers the vast majority of situations encountered in the field. The MIL-STD-810 military standard: the true guarantee of durability The MIL-STD-810 standard is an international reference for the durability of electronic equipment, originally introduced by the US military and now used worldwide — both for military gear and consumer devices. It subjects devices to a series of demanding environmental tests: repeated drops, vibrations, thermal cycles from -20°C to +60°C, humidity, altitude, salt fog, dust… It is a guarantee of overall robustness, where IP certifications only cover a specific aspect. The standard does not have an official certification body, and test protocols can sometimes vary from one manufacturer to another. This is not a reason to distrust it — it is a serious and recognized reference — but it is a point to keep in mind to properly interpret the displayed performance. At Crosscall, all tests MIL-STD-810H are conducted in our own R&D laboratory, the X-LAB, according to rigorous protocols that go beyond the standards set by the norm. Above all, we subject the same device to the entire series of tests — repeated drops, thermal cycles, immersion, vibrations — ensuring that resistance and waterproof levels are maintained throughout the protocol. A higher-than-average level of requirement that guarantees unbeatable reliability in the field. The IK standard: impact resistance, often bypassed The IK standard measures the resistance of equipment to mechanical shocks. It is expressed in levels from IK01 to IK10, each level corresponding to a specific impact energy expressed in joules. Our screens meet the IK05 standard, which guarantees impact resistance during falls on hard and uneven surfaces (rocks, gravel...). It is concrete protection for field use where accidental falls on rugged surfaces are a reality. It is important to distinguish this impact resistance from tests sometimes seen online, where a smartphone is crushed by a shoe or a car tire. In these situations, the weight is distributed over the entire screen surface, which requires a completely different resistance force — and incomparable to resistance to a localized shock. The standard IK05 is precisely designed to simulate direct impacts and concentrated on a small area, like a fall on a rock edge would be. Mistake #2: Underestimating the importance of ergonomics in the field A smartphone may seem indestructible on paper and completely unsuitable for real use. Thefield ergonomics is a criterion often overlooked when buying, yet crucial daily, especially for those who have made nature their workplace.  Glove Touch & Wet Touch technology: immediate availability, whatever the conditions In the mountains, you shouldn’t have to remove your gloves to answer a call or check a map. A standard touchscreen then becomes unusable. Our smartphones integrate the Glove Touch / Wet Touch, which allows fully responsive use with thick gloves and wet hands. No need to "undress" to access its content: the outdoor smartphone responds immediately, whether you are in snow or rain. Programmable buttons: responsiveness and ergonomics designed for action When you are in the middle of action — technical descent, emergency intervention, group guidance — navigating menus is a waste of time and a risk. Our programmable buttons allowing you to assign a direct action to one or multiple presses: emergency call and SOS, Push-to-Talk, camera, flashlight... But their usefulness is not limited to programming. These buttons are specifically designed to be ergonomic : large contact area, well-thought placement for real comfort of use. The Push-to-Talk button, for example, mimics the natural gesture of a walkie-talkie. The SOS button, located on the top edge of the STELLAR-M6, can be triggered even from your pocket in an emergency. Outdoor Mode: an optimized experience for challenging outings Our STELLAR range Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Edition includes a Outdoor mode that lets you fully enjoy your outdoor experiences. From this mode, you can filter notifications to keep only essential alerts and reduce distractions, set your power profile to gain up to +25% battery life, and activate the automatic location sharing to your emergency contact. Going on a hike knowing a loved one can regularly track your location brings peace of mind that changes how you approach challenging outings.  The X-Blocker / X-Link combo: mobility without compromise On a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar, on the dashboard of a patrol vehicle or off-road machine, being able to securely mount your phone and remove it in a second radically changes the experience. The system X-Blocker is the attachment mechanism compatible with the entire Crosscall accessory ecosystem. Designed for rough environments, it withstands a pull force of 20 kg — enough to stay firmly in place on the roughest terrain. The X-Link, meanwhile, is Crosscall’s proprietary magnetic connector. It allows you to charging and transferring data quick and efficient. The combination of both — robust mechanical mounting and efficient magnetic connection — offers uses that are complete mobility, over long distances, without compromising on durability. Mistake #3: Neglecting the accessory ecosystem Too many buyers focus only on the device itself, without anticipating the surrounding needs: how to secure your phone while moving? How to recharge it in the field? How to stay reachable in a noisy environment without cutting off your surrounding sounds? Accessories that really make a difference Outdoor smartphone accessories are not just add-ons. On an alpine trail or patrol, they determine whether your phone is truly usable — or if it stays at the bottom of your bag.  Among Crosscall essentials, you will find: The mounts X-Blocker For bicycle, motorcycle handlebars or vehicle mounts — secure, quick to install, designed to withstand vibrations and a pull force of 20kg.  The external battery X-POWER to double battery life  Reinforced protective glass : to maintain screen integrity and preserve readability over time on screens subjected to repeated shocks. The X-Vibes headset bone conduction: our headset transmits sound through bone vibrations, leaving the ears completely free. The result: you stay fully alert to your environment — sounds of nature, calls from other group members, alert signals — while still having access to your music and communications.  What sets Crosscall accessories apart is that they are not just compatible products. Each accessory features X-Link connectivity, and all meet the same standards of durability and waterproofing as our smartphones. They are qualified for intensive outdoor use — not just designed to accompany it. Clearly define your needs to choose well Before comparing technical specs, the real question is: what is my actual use? Here are three profiles to help you identify yourself. The outdoor enthusiast (hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, ski touring...) Your priorities: extended battery life, shock and weather resistance, reliable geolocation, photo quality to capture your outings, and an Outdoor Mode to set off with confidence. For this profile, we recommend the STELLAR-X5s Chamonix Mont Blanc — a smartphone designed in collaboration with the Chamonix Mont-Blanc teams to meet the demands of mountain enthusiasts. Robust, waterproof, equipped with a high-performance camera sensor for difficult lighting conditions (backlight, snow, fog), and featuring Outdoor Mode to optimize battery life and share your location in real time. Find all our outdoor equipment to complete your setup. The field professional (high mountain guide, tracker, nature reserve ranger, field agent...) Your priorities: absolute reliability, ergonomics designed for intensive use on the move, resistance to the most extreme conditions, and performance that doesn’t falter after hours of use. For this profile, the versatile outdoor smartphone STELLAR-M6  is the most suitable choice. Slightly superior in durability, its ergonomics are specifically designed for users constantly on the move: advanced programmable buttons including the SOS button, Outdoor Mode, X-Link connectivity to stay connected and charged on the go. A device that doesn’t let you down, even at the end of a long day in the field. The user seeking durability (eco-responsibility...) Your priorities: a device that lasts, that can be repaired, and whose environmental impact is controlled throughout its lifespan. The entire Crosscall range meets this profile. All our smartphones are 5-year warranty — including battery — with OS updates for 7 years and original manufacturer spare parts available for 10 years. We show some of the highest repairability scores on the market, and our devices benefit from a eco-label A. Less replacement means less production, and therefore a reduced environmental impact across the entire chain. Our high repairability index is the concrete translation. For those who want to go even further in this approach, we also offer models refurbished, to give a second life to devices already qualified for outdoor use. The ultimate checklist to make the right choice Before finalizing your purchase, review this list: Minimum IP68 certification — with immersion over 1m for 30 minutes, and resistance to all types of liquids (saltwater, chlorinated water, oils)  IP68 for waterproofing against prolonged immersion at 2m Complete MIL-STD-810H tests, conducted in a dedicated laboratory under cumulative protocols  IK05 standard for resistance to localized impacts  Resistance to extreme temperatures (-20°C to +60°C) Real adapted battery life for your outings — not just the manufacturer's theoretical value Outdoor mode with energy profile, notification filtering, and emergency location sharing Glove Touch / Wet Touch technology for use with gloves or wet hands Ergonomic programmable buttons with accessible SOS button X-Blocker / X-Link combo system for secure mounting and magnetic charging on the go Robust and certified accessory ecosystem — mounts, bone conduction audio, batteries 5-year warranty including battery, spare parts available for 10 years, OS updates for 7 years High repairability index and eco-label A FAQ: frequently asked questions about outdoor smartphones What is the difference between IP67 and IP68 for outdoor use? IP67 covers immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes — this is enough for daily or home use, but not for regular outdoor use. IP68 at Crosscall means 30 minutes at 2 meters, with extended resistance to all types of liquids: saltwater, chlorinated water, oils. In the field, the difference is really noticeable. Can an outdoor smartphone really replace a hiking GPS? Yes, provided you choose a device with a high-performance GPS chip, offline navigation, and above all sufficient battery life. Crosscall’s Outdoor Mode manages energy smartly to last through long outings. On hikes, battery life remains the number one criterion — no matter how precise the GPS chip is, it’s useless if the phone dies mid-route. Is the MIL-STD-810 standard really reliable? It’s a serious indicator — provided you understand what’s behind it. The standard defines protocols, not an official label. Some manufacturers only perform partial tests on dedicated devices. At Crosscall, all MIL-STD-810H protocols are carried out at X-LAB, our R&D laboratory, with consecutive tests on the same device to simulate combined real-world conditions. This is a requirement far above the standard. What is the practical use of Outdoor Mode? It optimizes the smartphone for challenging outings: filtering non-essential notifications, configuring the power profile to gain up to +25% battery life, and automatically sharing your location with an emergency contact. This mode is designed to travel lighter at the front, not just in terms of battery. How long does a Crosscall smartphone last? Our smartphones come with a 5-year warranty — battery included. Original manufacturer spare parts are available for 10 years, and OS updates are provided for 7 years. Under intensive use conditions, this lifespan is well above the market average — a real advantage for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. What is bone conduction and why is it useful outdoors? Bone conduction transmits sound through vibrations across the skull bones, without blocking the ears. With the Crosscall X-Vibes headset, you can hear your communications while staying fully aware of your surroundings: the sounds of nature, calls from teammates, alert signals. In demanding outdoor conditions, it provides extra safety that traditional earphones cannot offer. Which Crosscall smartphone should you choose to start outdoor activities? For a versatile first approach, the STELLAR-M6 is an excellent base: robust, ergonomic, equipped with Outdoor Mode and X-Link connectivity. For mountain enthusiasts who want to go further, the STELLAR-X5s Chamonix Mont-Blanc is designed for challenging outings. Find all our outdoor equipment to build your complete setup. 

Rugged smartphones: are they really less powerful?

A bulkier design, reinforced edges, an imposing size but also some prejudices. Rugged smartphones often carry an unfair reputation: that of being less "high-tech," less sophisticated, less powerful than consumer models. The aesthetic comparison with the latest ultra high-end models is not always favorable to rugged smartphones at first glance, although at Crosscall, we do pay particular attention to their aesthetics. What you see, however, does not say much about what happens under the hood. And even less about what happens after two, three, or five years of intensive use in the field.  At Crosscall, we design smartphones that really last. And that perform in conditions where most consumer models give up. It's time to debunk some misconceptions. Rugged smartphones: are they really less powerful than classic models? The power gap between rugged smartphones and classic models has significantly narrowed in recent years. The real difference? A rugged smartphone is designed to maintain its performance over time and in extreme conditions : temperatures, shocks, humidity, where a consumer smartphone can fail at the first field tests. Raw power vs sustainable performance: what's the difference? There is a fundamentally different philosophy behind the design of a consumer smartphone and that of a rugged smartphone. Two visions, two promises. On the consumer smartphone side, the race for specs is constant. Every year, a new model with a faster chip, a brighter screen, a photo/video camera offering promises worthy of professional imaging.  These devices are nevertheless designed to meet everyday uses: browsing social networks, streaming videos, managing calendars and emails. They are powerful, undeniably, but only for a short time, with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and signs of weakness often appearing much earlier. Slowdowns, battery fatigue, aging components... the life cycle is short. We are therefore facing a real "Fast Tech" phenomenon: consumable, rreplaceable and not very compatible with a sustainability approach. On the rugged smartphone side, and more specifically Crosscall smartphones, the philosophy is radically different. The goal is not to be the most powerful at a given moment, but to stay performant over time, whatever the conditions. When designing a terminal with a 5-year warranty, battery included, and committing to provide OS updates for 7 years, you have to think differently. The smartphone must absorb future software evolutions, support increasingly advanced business applications, and continue to operate perfectly at -20°C as well as in the height of summer under the sun. This is what is called a terminal “future proof”.  And because a rugged smartphone must last, it is also designed to be repairable: accessible, available, and replaceable components. Repairability is not just a CSR statement, it is a design imperative. The key components of a high-performance rugged smartphone Processor and RAM: for seamless smoothness The computing power of a smartphone is primarily measured by its processor and RAM. In this regard, rugged smartphones have caught up with and often exceeded expectations. The latest Crosscall models integrate Qualcomm chips 8-core chips specially selected for their application areas and efficiency: The CORE-M6 features the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCM4490, a chip designed for the most demanding industrial environments. The STELLAR-X5s is equipped with the Qualcomm QCM5430 FP2, offering optimized computing power for versatile and intensive uses. These processors are paired with up to 8 GB of RAM on the most powerful configurations.  Why is it important? Because in the field, a professional does not use just one application at a time. They juggle between a navigation app, warehouse management software, a Push-to-Talk communication tool, and potentially a barcode scanner or a payment terminal connected via Bluetooth.  These chips are also ready for AI uses in professional environments, image recognition, real-time data processing, automation of field tasks that require increasing computing power. A bug, a freeze, a slowdown at the wrong moment: in a warehouse or during an emergency intervention, that is not acceptable.   Battery life: the performance that really lasts Rugged smartphones are also often the smartphones with the best battery life. And yet, it is also one of the most misunderstood points. The CORE-M6 features a battery of 4,950 mAh, giving it a actual autonomy of 80 hours.  But the raw battery capacity is not the only indicator. What really matters is its resilience over time and in extreme conditions. Crosscall batteries are designed to operate from -20°C to +60°C, temperatures that make most consumer smartphones give up within minutes. Even more: Crosscall batteries are designed to maintaining 100% of their charging capacity for 1,000 cycles. That's two to three times more than the average consumer smartphone. And the icing on the cake: they are included in the 5-year warranty. No unpleasant surprises after 18 months. If you want to maximize your battery life, ofDiscover our 5 tips to preserve your battery.  Photo and video quality: the field does not exclude precision Another misconception: the rugged smartphone would take poor quality photos. A thing of the past. The STELLAR-X5s and the STELLAR-X5s Chamonix-Mont-Blanc feature a 50 MP SONY main sensor as well as a 120° wide-angle sensor, with 4K video capture at 60 frames per second. But image quality is not limited to sensors. It also depends on the computing power available for real-time processing. The STELLAR-X5s and STELLAR-X5s Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offer: A hyper stabilizer for sharp videos, even in full action Slow Motion and Hyperlapse modes to capture your adventures from a cinematic angle Image processing power that rivals "consumer" models The STELLAR range from Crosscall proves that durability and image quality are not mutually exclusive. Quite the opposite. Why choose a rugged smartphone for your intensive uses? For professionals on the move In the sectors of logistics and transport, or even retail, the professional smartphone has become a central work tool. It runs complex business applications, manages real-time data flows, and must remain available from the start to the end of a workday, or even a night shift. The power of Qualcomm processors embedded in Crosscall devices guarantees smoothness without compromise for demanding multitasking. Compatibility with dedicated accessories: barcode scanner X-SCAN, remote microphone X-COMM, Bluetooth remote control X-COMMAND allows extending uses without complicating the toolchain.  And preparation for professional AI uses ensures the device remains relevant as business software solutions evolve.  For outdoor enthusiasts Ultra-precise and reliable GPS even in low coverage areas, extended battery life for multi-day outings, photo quality worthy of the name: Crosscall smartphones meet the demands of outdoor sports enthusiasts without sacrificing performance. Whether you are a hiker, mountaineer, cyclist, or water sports practitioner, your data, memories, and communications remain in good hands. For sustainable daily use This may be the most universal argument: a Crosscall smartphone does not slow down after two years. It does not need to be replaced due to a drained battery or a chip outdated by new applications. Designed to last thanks to its 5-year warranty, battery included, it represents a sensible investment for your budget and for the planet. Comparison: how does Crosscall combine durability and technology? Criterion Consumer smartphone Crosscall rugged smartphone Computing power High immediate power, optimized for consumer uses Resilient power, maintained over time and in extreme conditions  Battery life 1 day of standard use Up to 80h of real autonomy, stable from -20° to +60°C Battery lifespan Visible degradation from 500 cycles 100% capacity maintained for 1,000 cycles, 5-year warranty Technology  Fast tech: annual renewal  ranges, 2-year warranty  Future proof: 5-year warranty, battery included, OS updates for 7 years, manufacturer spare parts available for 10 years  Usage conditions  Indoor, controlled conditions, daily use  Outdoor, extreme conditions, intensive and multi-professional uses Warranty  2 years manufacturer  5 years, battery included Repairability Limited, often components inaccessible Designed to be repaired, parts available and accessible  Business applications  Consumer use (social networks, streaming...) Professional multitasking, field AI, usage extensions (scanner, PTT...) Our selection of high-performance rugged smartphones  Discover here Discover here Discover here FAQ: Everything you need to know about the power of rugged smartphones Is a rugged smartphone really as powerful as a regular smartphone? Yes. Modern rugged smartphones include 8-core processors and up to 8 GB of RAM, fully capable of running heavy business applications, intensive multitasking, and AI tools. The difference is no longer in raw power but in the resilience of that power over time and under tough conditions. Why is the battery life of a rugged smartphone superior? Rugged smartphones feature high-capacity batteries up to 4,950 mAh at Crosscall, specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures and maintain performance over 1,000 charge cycles. Result: up to 80 hours of real autonomy, with no compromise. Is the photo quality of rugged smartphones comparable to consumer models? On the Crosscall STELLAR range, yes. The STELLAR-X5s features a SONY 50 MP sensor, a 120° wide angle, 4K 60FPS video, and a hyper stabilizer. The onboard computing power allows high-quality real-time image processing, even in full action. What does it mean for a smartphone to be "future proof"? A future-proof smartphone is designed to remain relevant for several years: OS updates guaranteed for 7 years, a chip powerful enough to handle software evolutions, repairable and available components. At Crosscall, this translates into a 5-year warranty and a design that anticipates tomorrow’s uses. Can a rugged smartphone replace several professional tools? Absolutely. Crosscall smartphones can replace up to 5 devices in one: barcode scanner (X-SCAN), walkie-talkie (Push-to-Talk Button / X-COMM), desktop computer via docking station (X-SPACE), payment terminal, and of course a professional smartphone. This is a key argument to reduce equipment costs and simplify field usage.

24 Hours Immersed in the Mont Blanc Massif

Sleeping on the Géant glacier, facing the legendary peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, is an extraordinary experience. This is what awaits the two winners of our contest, accompanied for this Stellar Camp by a guide from the Chamonix Guide Company and Lucy Paltz, Crosscall ambassador.  Here is their story. 8:00 a.m., in the center of Chamonix:   It’s cool, the sun is shining, the conditions are ideal for two days in the high mountains! On the agenda: ski touring, but also bivouac on the Géant glacier, a unique experience for the two winners of our contest.  The battery of our STELLAR-X5s Edition Chamonix Mont Blanc is fully charged, but we immediately activate Outdoor mode to minimize its use and thus increase its performance.  Outdoor mode allows you to put non-essential apps to sleep to prevent them from running in the background and wasting battery. It’s a real advantage compared to airplane mode because you remain reachable by phone or SMS, and the available apps can be customized. 9:00 a.m., on the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel: Our adventure begins in Italy, as we take the Skyway cable car to get as close as possible to the Géant glacier. Arriving on the terrace of the Torino refuge opens the doors to high mountain with Mont Blanc within reach.  Wherever you look, the view is breathtaking. Our guide explains the different peaks revealed on the horizon and gives some tips for the upcoming hike. 10 a.m., skis on! We left our bivouac gear for the night in one of the refuge corridors to carry less weight for the ski touring day. We start our walk with a beautiful descent into the Vierge valley with a mandatory photo stop in front of the bluish seracs. Arriving at the bottom of the bowl, we put the skins on to ski back up to the Entrèves pass. I check the elevation gain on Iphigénie, the mapping app on my Stellar: 600m of ascent planned. An hour and a half later, we admire a breathtaking landscape of a myriad of peaks over 4000m, from the Barre des Écrins on one side to the Matterhorn on the other. After the picnic, we enjoy a descent on still fresh snow; the conditions are ideal for late April. Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 3 PM, we put the skins back on!  We have to go back to get our bivouac gear and repack the backpacks for the night. While the other climbers and visitors descend into the valley, we look for a flat enough spot to set up our camp.  The guide explains how to check the spot to avoid pitching the tent on a crevasse, how to make a good platform for more comfort at night, and how to melt snow. We set up the tents facing the Dent du Géant! Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 5 PM, alone in the world!  Gradually, the temperature cools and the silence is only broken by the cries of choughs that come to visit us to pick up crumbs from the biscuits shared around the tea. The stoves are running at full power to rehydrate us.  It’s an extraordinary feeling to be alone in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif while the sun warms the horizon. We explore the camp surroundings to add some souvenir photos to the gallery of our STELLAR-X5s! Photo credits: Pierre Cosperec - Compagnie des Guides 6:30 PM, dinner time.  On the menu: freeze-dried meals! Chicken curry, beef stew, or pasta with fried onions, it’s very filling and tastier than it looks. The guide even planned desserts, and while it’s a bit strange to pour boiling water into a pouch to rehydrate chocolate mousse, it’s enjoyed facing the sunset over Mont Blanc. 8 PM, everyone warm!  Once the sun is gone, the temperature drops suddenly. We each head to our tents to slip into the thick cozy sleeping bags lent by the Guide Company. Goal: pile at the bottom everything that fears cold and moisture. Ski boot slippers, overpants (we will sleep in first layer and fleece), and also the phone.  Even though it has held up perfectly since this morning (still 63%) despite heavy photo/video and mapping use, it’s best to avoid polar night temperatures to optimize its battery. 6:50 AM, up! Upon waking, frost covers the tent and the sleeping bag, but it was so cozy that we were not cold. The altitude gave some members of the group a slight headache: acclimatization takes time, we must not forget that we are sleeping at 3500m! Around a tea, we share our feelings and especially fully enjoy the last moments alone in the world on the glacier. By the time we pack up the tents, store the equipment, and start the return path to the cabin, the first climbers are already arriving. 9:30 AM: the fog is getting thicker. What was just a mist at dawn becomes so intense that you can't see three meters ahead. Heading to the Skyway to descend into the valley and have a cappuccino in Italy before returning to Chamonix! The experience was incredible, a true immersion in the magical landscapes of the Mont Blanc massif.  The STELLAR-X5s is the ideal tool for this kind of adventure since instead of carrying an external battery (which adds even more weight to an already heavy load), you fully benefit from its endurance.  Not to mention that its waterproof and shock-resistant features allow it to handle all the challenges of high mountain evolution! Lucy Paltz "Journalist and athlete, I work on many video content creation and social media projects. I am also a Crosscall ambassador." Website - Instagram