Mountaineering is an adventurous activity pursued by many as a profession, hobby, and ticks off on the bucket list. Mountaineering is a big-time passion that drives people to achieve unknown heights even at the risk of their own life. Like any other adventure sport, mountaineering needs to pursue with utmost responsibility and precaution that offers the best experience of your life within the safety limits. The simple logic of adventure is-" No Adventure Is Bigger Than Life."
Mountaineering is a pursuit to discover your inner self. A journey that needs to be taken with full precaution, understanding, and mental preparedness. Like in any other sport, training is a very important aspect of mountaineering. Let us have a look into some of the top tips required for successful mountaineering.
Training
A mountaineer’s journey involves a lot of technical aspects like map reading, navigation skills, understanding mountain weather, and rope work. You need to the well versed with the basics of mountaineering that you acquire only through rigorous training. Booking up a seasoned trip organization will prove of great help with their expert advice.
Planning & Preparation
Trekking up the mountain needs plan & preparation. A well-planned execution is always successful and enjoyable at a different level. Research the route of your trek and go for detailed trek gear preparation regardless if your trek is small or big. Careful planning makes a great difference. Always remember to double-check your gear and plan before you leave.
Footwear for mountaineering
A good pair and a high-quality pair of rugged mountaineering boots are your best friends. Depending on which time of the year you are trekking you need to decide on the type of boots you need to use. A summer trek only requires a pair of walking boots. However, during the cold chilling winter would require you to buy a crampon rated boots. You may buy the boots from the most reputable retail stores that offer you the best quality trekking gear.
Food for mountaineering
You require a lot of food that boosts your energy but yet lightweight to carry. Food like high-energy bars and ready to eat meals packed in small packets. Make sure you carry tasty and enjoyable food that helps you to have every break you take during long expeditions. Always remember that you need to carry emergency rations when you ascend the mountains which may take longer than you expected.
Weather watching
Always keep yourself updated with the weather forecast of the mountain area you are visiting. In case the weather is bad, you may postpone the ascend for another day when the weather is better. Once you kick start your trek in the mountains, you will have very minimal chances of retreating from the trip.
Emergency shelter
Mountaineering is a risk sport. Unexpected accidents and injuries are common occurrences in the mountaineering sport. But the ignorance of the awesome forces of the mountains can result in avoidable accidents & injuries. Carrying emergency shelter which is lightweight and small can be a lifesaver. The shelters can protect you from the cruel elements of nature. The best shelters available are Terra Novas Bothy Bags.
Actions for an emergency
It is very foolish to think accidents would never happen to you. Taking some time to prepare and practice the immediate actions required for damage control. High levels of training will react instinctively without thinking. This training comes in handy since decision-making abilities are hampered in stressful conditions.
Types of emergencies:
- Mountaineering emergency:
- Maintaining your calm. Never rush as a small mistake can escalate into a major incident.
- Always assess casualty’s condition of your priority.
- Find if they require treatment or need to be evacuated by a rescue party from outside.
- Call for help over the phone and in case of id there is no signal, send someone to get help.
- Make sure you never leave the casualty unattended.
Emergency communications:
Means of communication
Carry your phone while mountaineering. Having your phone on you enables immediate action. Also, carry radio communication devices that help you seamlessly communicate in situations where phone signals are not available.
Be safe
Mountaineering is an addictive sport. However, experience plays a great role to ensure that you have an easy, safe, and enjoyable ascent. For amateur climbers, it is always advisable to plan small ascends and gradually increasing the severity of the treks. Never push yourself on risky ascends without experience which may result in unnecessary accidents.
First aid
First aids are mandatory in your trekking gear. First aid kits are your priority to be included in your gear. Train yourself with the basics of first aid. Your training will prove a lifesaver. Mountaineering, the self-discovering journey is something people with an undulating passion for adventure pursue. Go ascend the mountains of your desire and find yourself on the adventurous journey.
Planning for your trek up the mighty mountains? Funday Holidays offers the best Kerala tour packages to help you take baby steps to explore your passion for mountaineering.