Mountain climbing can be a dangerous sport because of all the risks and hazards involved when trying to conquer a certain peak. That is why prior to the actual climb, intense preparation is required. Mapping out the route, checking weather conditions, purchasing and securing the necessary equipment (including goods), and other preparations are very important in the whole process of mountain climbing.

One of the most important preparations required is setting up a base camp just right before the climb. A base camp, aptly named because it is a camp that is set up at the base of the mountain, is usually the starting point of the climb. It is needed for higher mountains that require two or more days, or even weeks, to conquer. The base camp is used to store supplies and other goods that may be carried to other smaller camps higher up the mountain.

Climbing a high mountain can be a difficult task. It can rate from difficult to life threatening if there is a lack of proper supplies. This is the reason why to set up a base camp, an abundance of supplies is highly recommended, even if the climber has to overstock.

The base camp setup for mountain climbing isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Remember, this is the rest area for the climber/s, prior to the climb, and after going down the mountain. It should contain a bed (even a makeshift one), cooking supplies for food, a stock area, an area for clothing, a communications setup (especially for team climbers), and other necessities. They can all be housed in a large tent.

The best example of the need for a base camp is when a group of climbers is trying to climb the worlds tallest peak, Mt. Everest. It is imperative that a base camp is properly set up because Mt. Everest is full of dangers. Usually, there is at least one member of the team that stays behind at the base camp while the others do the actual climb. This certain member is in charge of the supplies and communication, so that if any unforeseen incident happens, he/she can call for a rescue attempt.

Properly setting up a base camp ought to be considered a must for mountain climbing that requires days to complete. In fact, a base camp can mean life and death in certain situations, and all people are best to avoid that risk.

Base Camp for Mountain Climbing is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

If its your first time to form your own mountain climbing club, you and the other members are no doubt feeling a bit insecure and worried about your first outing. A lot of things can happen during mountain climbing hikes, after all, most of it could be unpleasant.

Tips for Organizing the Trip

Consider the level of skill of your members. If most of them are beginners, its best to choose a basic hiking trail for your first excursion. If, however, you’re determined to have your first outing at an intermediate mountain climbing course, consider requiring your members to undergo extra courses to ensure that their skills are up to par.

Make sure that you inform the necessary authorities about your trip. In the event that something untoward happens or all of you don’t get back on time, the authorities will be alerted immediately and people will be deployed to look for you.

Make sure that all of your members have adequate physical condition for the task ahead. Check if they have all the necessary equipment as well.

Tips for Making Your First Excursion Successful

Tip #1 Getting to Know Each Other
All members of your mountain climbing club must know each other even if its only by name and face. Everyone must also be aware of how many members there are in your club to make counting off possible.

Tip #2 Stick Together, Team
There’s a reason why members of mountain climbing clubs have to stick together if they’re hiking as a group, and that’s their safety. Members of your mountain climbing club have better chances of avoiding harm simply by sticking together. If one of you gets involved in an accident, other members can pitch in to help.

Tip #3 The Importance of Having a Partner
Each member of your mountain climbing club must be assigned a partner. If you’ve got an odd number of members, allow one group to have three members. Partners will have an extra responsibility towards each other such as the following:

Awareness You are both accountable for each others moves. You need to know where your partner is at all times and what he or they are doing.
Bonding Make the effort to build your relationship with your partner better. Closer ties will allow you to work together more efficiently.

Traveling in a group is always fun, and that’s one of the benefits you can expect when you form or join a mountain climbing club. Of course, traveling in a group has its own perils as well but you’ll be safe just as long as you adhere to common sense.

Mountain Climbing Club is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

Mountain climbing is ascending elevated points of mountains or peaks. This is a challenge to those who dare themselves to heights. It is often done in groups because it not only requires individual skill but teamwork as a whole.

Mountain climbing is divided into three categories. The first one is hiking or trail climbing. This is the least difficult. Participants hike up trails to reach the top of a mountain. Trails are usually not that steep and the mountains are smaller compared to the rest.

The second category is rock climbing. Here, participants climb up larger mountains, therefore the slopes are steeper. They have to go up using their hands and their feet plus a special equipment including rubber boots with thick soles. They have to bring with them steel pikes called pitons and rope to assist them.

Ice climbing is the most difficult among the three. Here, participants climb extremely high mountains with peaks above the timber line. The equipment usually used in ice climbing are ice axes and boot spikes that are attachable (crampons).

Famous climbs over the years are those of ice and rock climbing. However, the first significant mountain climbing turning points were those at Mont Blanc. One was by Michel G. Paccard and Jacques Balmat in 1786 and Horace B. de Saussure in 1787.

Then there is the climb of the Ortles in 1804, Jungfrau in 1811, Finsteraarhorn in 1812 and Mont Pelvou in 1848.

Mountain climbing enthusiasts are all required to be aware of the various trail conditions that could take place on the day of their climb. Hikers must know that the weather is unpredictable and whatever changes might occur, this can affect their expedition.

Here are a couple of trail conditions and what a mountain climber must do once he encounters them:

1. Open
There are no restrictions. Any mountain climber can hike through the trail.

2. Partial
Some of the roads leading to a couple of paths are off limits for mountain climbers. Only a portion of the trail is accessible. This could be due to the snow, wildlife closure and trail damage right ahead.

3. Closed
Mountain climbers can no longer hike when this sign is up. A closed trail can be due to forest closure, road damage and wildlife closure.

4. Snow
The trail is still open but this sign warns the mountain climbers that there is snow in the area.

5. Inaccessible
The trail can’t be accessed because of closure and road damage on the trails and the roads that are leading to it.

Trail Conditions When Mountain Climbing is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

Many young children dream of becoming a policeman, pilot, firefighter, doctor, soldier, etc. when they grow up. Not too many young children dream of becoming a mountain climber, except perhaps if they have relatives or close friends that are mountaineers. It is understandable and for good reason mountain climbing can be an extremely difficult sport.

The most experienced climbers can still experience difficulties while climbing a mountain, which tells of the hazards of mountaineering. With this fact, how much more for the beginners? Certainly, mountain climbing beginners ought to be prepared before attempting any climb.

Mountain climbing beginners have a lot of preparation to do before any climb. One of these is to get proper mountain climbing training first. Contrary to what many people think, mountain climbing isn’t getting up one morning and deciding to climb the nearest mountain. There is proper training involved, which includes techniques such as roping, rappelling, emergency signals, and essential tips.

One of the essential tips that a mountain climbing novice or beginner ought to know are his own limits. It has been said that you are the only one that knows your body, and most mountaineers find this to be true. That being said, mountain climbing beginners shouldn’t set Mt. Everest among their first ten peaks to conquer it will be too much.

Another tip is to never climb alone, beginners more importantly. Novice mountain climbers are more likely to experience hazards they have never seen before, and they could panic should these unforeseen things happen. Of course, panicking can only cause people to think cloudily and may cause more danger.

Mountain climbing beginners may also be surprised at the equipment needed, which are all essential for climbing, particularly when dealing with certain mountain ranges (e.g. the Alps). Since the equipment will be quite an investment, novices may elect not to purchase them, or just get the cheapest ones regardless of quality. This could prove to be a mistake, since equipment is perhaps the second most important thing in mountain climbing, next to proper training.

Finally, it is important to know the weather beforehand. It would be stupid to climb when weather forecasts are predicting a snowstorm in the general vicinity. It would also be stupid to attempt a climb without first knowing the weather conditions.

Beginners ought to gain experience first by climbing some of the easier peaks. When they get the hang of it, that’s the best time to move into a more difficult mountain, and so on, until the time comes to conquer Mt. Everest.

Mountain Climbing Beginners is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

First things first, Sir Edmund Hillary was right when he said that the reason for his historic climb to Mt Everest is because it was there. Now, Mt Everest is the be-all and end-all for mountain climbers.

The following are basic steps to help you literally get on top of the world through Mount Everest.

Pack the necessities

These of course include medications, kits for first aid, a laptop, walkie talky, satellite phone, tents, mountaineering appropriate clothing, sleeping bag, water, ropes, trash bag, food, protection for your vision, sun-screen, oxygen bottles.

Be there in May

It has been shown that Mt Everests weather is friendlier during May. Prepare at least 6 months prior to your scheduled date of climb as this is the appropriate time to file permits and travel papers. You need to contact your Sherpa as he will assist you during your Everest voyage. Contact the Embassy of Nepal and the Washington DC Consul Office.

Train and train

Early on, make sure to take courses in mountaineering that would be able to teach anyone technique, routes, equipment and survival lessons. Also, it is vital that you start practicing regular two or three year climb in high terrain. This should include mountain face steeps, rocks that are rough and snowy climbs.

Get a check up

As much as possible, be healthy and stay healthy. Get a complete check-up. Take note that you need to have arteries and veins that are healthy. This is so that the body finds it easy to pump blood to the muscles and brain. This allows your body to stay warm. It is also important that your cholesterol and blood pressure is down.

Get cash

Even if you are on a trip that you consider low budget, this still means you need to have at least twenty five thousand dollars. As much as possible, try going to corporations that might sponsor your climb in order to help cover any of your travel expenses.

Climb with trust

It is important that your climb is with those of people you trust and know. It is also advisable that the people you are with are those that have adequate and deep experience in mountain climbing. It is helpful for you to ask fellow climbers who is the Sherpa that is the most reliable and skilled.

All in all, the up-hill and down-hill mountain climb to Mt Everest is dangerous and risky. But once conquered and completed, it is an experience that will definitely go down in your life history as something that’s worth remembering. It is also worth it to be able to say that you were indeed on top of the world.

How to Be on Top of The World is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

There are many professional mountain climbers and guides nowadays. Some of them gained their title through tedious work and death defying moves upon traversing the mountains of Everest, K2 and the like. There are numerous men and women professional mountain climbers nowadays. We will start with the well known professional men mountain climbers who are:

Millican Dalton, who is a pioneer mountain climber and adventurer; Wally Berg who has reached Mt. Everests summit four times and is considered as one of the greatest guides in the world of mountaineering. Berg is regarded as the worlds premier 7 summit guide. Brent Bishop is a mountaineer and an expedition leader. On his veins run the blood of a true mountaineer having a father who has also reached Mt. Everest. Dave Hahn is also one of the respected names in climbing the coldest and highest mountains. He has gained 20 years of experience and has been regarded as a humorous, resourceful and an easygoing leader.

Some other well known names in mountain climbing are Dave Scott, Ang Temba Sherpa, Nicholas Minja, Grant Meekins, etc. Not only men made their names in mountain climbing. Women also have their share of experience and knowledge in climbing the dangerous mountains.

Fanny Bullock Workman set the worlds record by climbing the 22,815 feet Peak of Nun Kun Massif. The year was 1906 and she was then 47 years old. Workman today is proponent of womens right and expresses his opposition to male scientists and climbers. In 1911, Annie Peck, a school teacher, climbed the Mt. Coropuna of Peru. She was then 58 years old. She is the 3rd woman who scaled Matterhorn of the Swiss Alps.

Barbara Washburn was the first woman who climbed Mt. McKinley which is the highest peak in United States. She illustrated her life as a colorful one being a hiker and a climber. Junko Tabei from Japan was the first who reached the peak of Mt. Everest. Among American women, Peggy Luce, Stacy Allison, Lynn Hill and Robyn Erbersfield paved their way in mountain climbing. These women mountaineers have won awards in World Cup.

Mountain climbing can be risky, with all the problems included such as risk of falling, bumping, frost bite and other mountain sickness. It is a significant achievement to be regarded as professional mountain climber. Years of experience goes hand in hand with intensive training, education and membership in different mountain climbing associations to be regarded as professional in this field.

Professional Mountain Climbers is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

China is one of the top destinations of choice whenever one wants to climb a mountain. That is because the mainland is very rich in land resources and breath-taking sceneries that would surely make mountain climbing a worthy adventure.

There are numerous mountain ranges on the mainland, and each mountain has several peaks. There are snow-capped mountains, and there are those that are sub-tropical.

Being a large country that it is, and being strategically located in the Asian continent in terms of geography, China is sure to become a great venue for a great mountain climbing experience.

However, it wouldn’t be that easy going to a mountain climbing activity in China. Because security is one main concern, necessary travel documents and clearances have to be processed especially if you are foreign to the land.

Thus, the first step would be to secure a travel clearance. There are travel agencies around the world that won’t only book you flights to China and reserve hotel accommodations. Some will even refer you to a Chinese mountain climbing club.

Though not really necessary, it would be great if you would enlist in a mountain climbing club on your way to aiming to climb a Chinese mountain. There are several of such clubs in China. Each will help you out and properly guide you as you trail up the steep slopes of any mountain peak on the mainland.

You could also enlist for guide services from such mountain climbing clubs. Especially if it is your first time, getting guides would be of great help so you don’t get lost in the wilderness. The climbing guides will also be knowledgeable about the dangerous trails along the way, the restricted areas of the mountains and those that would surely be spectacular sights.

Enlisting in mountain climbing clubs and guide services have to be made at least 10 days before the scheduled mountain climbing activity. Thus, your travel agency could do the job for you if you are still out of China by that time.

You could take whatever is needed for climbing. There are several restrictions, though, but your guides will orient you about them. Don’t forget to take your camera with you so you could document the beautiful sights that are bound to get in your way.

Mountain climbing in China will surely be a great experience.

Mountain Climbing Experience in China is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

Going to a camp is one of the best ways to enjoy nature while spending quality time with each other. Before going out on a camping trip, ensure that you know the basic skills required, such as starting a fire and pitching a tent. Also, you have to check your map and plan your itinerary for the duration of the camp.

Probably the first challenge campers face during their trip is to decide where to set up their base camp. Getting a good camp location is essential. A base camp serves several purposes, one of which is to keep everyone safe.

In finding a good site for your base camp, the main thing you need to consider is safety. However, you shouldn’t forget that it should have a good view. There’s no point in camping out at a boring place when there are many wonderful camping spots. You should know beforehand that the place you’re going to does have great views where you can setup your base camp.

Set up your camp near a stream or a river, but not low enough that you’ll run the risk of flashfloods. Refrain from setting your base camp on a low ground, since when it rains, you’ll have major problems. Also, don’t set up your base camp near mountain tops or hill tops. These places couldn’t offer you enough protection against lightning and raging winds.

A good camp area should have natural obstacles, such as trees and rocks. These act as natural barriers against windy and rainy situations. Trees are also great at providing shade during extremely warm conditions.

In setting up your base camp, you need to divide the camp into at least four areas. The major parts of a good base camp are the: tent area, cooking area, washing area, and of course, the toilet area.

The tent area should be the most elevated part in its direct surrounding. This ensures that you’re your tents would be the place filled with water. A good tent area also needs to be on a smooth soil or on grassy grounds so you wont have a difficult time to pitch your tent. In pitching your tent, make sure that you have firmly secured the pegs so your tent can withstand any strong winds.

It is also good to pitch your tent evenly in a sheltered area. Weather conditions can change overnight. But before you set up your tent, check the wind direction first. You will want to align the door or the vents of the tent with the direction of the wind. This way, you get enough ventilation when inside your tent.

The cooking area is another important part of your base camp. As much as possible, you will want to cook outside, unless weather conditions are too rough. Your cooking area shouldn’t be less than 20 feet away from your tent area. Of course, you will want to place your cooking area such that the ashes won’t be blown towards your tents.

Make sure that you strictly follow all rules when it comes to responsibly handling fire outdoors. You wouldn’t want to create any fire mishaps during your camping, right? And as an added tip, ensure that your foods are safely kept in containers to prevent attracting wild animals such as bears, to your base camp.

The obvious reason why you would want to set up your base camp close to a stream or a river as much as possible is that you will need a washing area. This will be the place where you take a bath and wash your dishes. Make sure that the soap you’ll use are biodegradable, and don’t wash too close to the water source.

After washing, make certain that you leave the area the way it was. Leaving anything, especially non-biodegradable materials, could cause a natural disaster.

And of course, your base camp should have a toilet area. Obviously you wouldn’t want this near your tent area, or in any water source. As much as possible, find a good place such that other people won’t see you when you do your thing. The soil should be soft enough so you can dig at least a foot deep. And as courtesy to future campers, cover your toilet area with some branches or stones so nobody digs in it.

Setting Up Your Base Camp is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

Know the area
Even skilled mountain climbers try to familiarize themselves with their target area before heading off, so make sure you know important information about the mountain of your choice. Contact your local forest service or authorities to find out what you need to know. Get a map, read the guidebooks, ask people who’ve had experience in the area and scout a route.

Once you know what to expect from the area in and around the mountain, decide on your pacing how fast or slow you will be traveling, what time you’ll start, what kind of terrain will be involved and how far before you stop. Find out if you could use your own car to drive to the area and if there is parking available. If not, ask about shuttle services that may be provided.

Get some mountain outing skills
You don’t have to be a certified mountain man to enjoy a mountain outing, but your group should at least have one or two people who know something about living and surviving in the wilderness. At least have one person who has skills such as, how to navigate the mountains, start a fire or put up a tent.

Make sure your fitness level and mountain skills are sufficient for your outing. Don’t attempt to go on a mountain outing hoping to get through with luck and a few basic skills. Make sure the technical skills of at least one group member exceed the difficulty level of the hike or outing.

Mind the weather
Consider the season when you’re planning a mountain outing. Knowing what to expect can help you organize a safer and more enjoyable trip and prevent unpleasant surprises that might occur. Check with the weather bureau about weather conditions a day before your outing and on the day itself. Never, under any circumstance, try to go on a mountain outing when a storm is headed your way.

Contact the forest service
They are in charge of the campgrounds and in many areas in the US, people who go out for mountain hikes, picnics or outings are required to register before heading out. They can also alert you on the hazards and dangers that you’ll need to watch out for during your outing.

Dress up for the occasion
It’s a mountain outing, so dress in clothes that will be comfortable and still provide protection. Wear the appropriate shoes, hats and jackets and if you’re going in winter, wear the right type of clothing that will provide sufficient insulation and protection, including gloves and snowshoes.

Food and water
Plan your meals during the mountain outing and bring enough food and water to last you during the trip. Have extra provisions just in case you run out.

Bring your med kit
Sure, it’s an outing and you’re out there to have fun, but remember you’re in unfamiliar territory. Little accidents could occur, such as cuts, bumps, scratches and insect bites. Bring a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauzes, adhesive bandages, insect repellant, antibiotic ointment and blister pads.

You might also want to bring over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic over-the-counter drugs. For insect bites and allergies, bring anti-itch lotions and ointments.

Gear up
Bring the necessary tools and equipment you will need during the outing. Tents and camping gears, flashlights, blankets, matches, fuel, forks, knives, can openers and other things necessary to make your trip comfortable and safe should be packed up and stored in your bags. Don’t forget to bring your maps and guidebooks and make sure you can easily access them during the trip.

Fill ‘er up
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas before heading out. On your way to the mountains, check out the gas stations along the way and take note of the nearest station from the parking area once you’ve reached your destination. It’s also a good idea to have an extra gallon stashed in case of an emergency.

Leave something behind
Before leaving for your mountain outing, leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a friend. The itinerary should include where you’re going, what time you’re leaving, who the group members are and what time you expect to return.

Appoint a leader
It could be you or somebody else who has the essential navigation and climbing skills. Get at least two or more group leaders if you have a bigger group. This will help break down the number of people to a manageable level and will make it easy to track individuals to account for their presence or absence.

Before the hike, the group leader/s should count how many participants or group members he has. If the trip is long, he should do this periodically during the hike and do the counting again once they’ve reached the camp or picnic ground.

Plan for emergencies
Have a sound emergency route in case you need to bail out. Make sure the group knows about this and are familiar with the necessary steps to make. Above all, plan a mountain outing based on safety. You will enjoy it more if you know that you have nothing to worry about during the outing and that you can go home safe and sound when it’s over

Planning a Mountain Outing is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified

Are you interested in shopping for the right mountain climbing boots for you? If so, heres what you should consider to get it right the first time around.

Event Type Mountain climbing is a general term applied to all types of hikes and climbs for mountainous regions. Its important to choose the appropriate footwear for the type of mountain climbing you’re planning. If, for instance, you choose to wear your day-to-day hiking boots for mountain climbing during winter, its improbable for your boots to give you sufficient stability and balance when negotiating the slippery slopes of a mountain.

Waterproof Mountain climbing boots must always be waterproof because there’s probably no experience that’s as unpleasant as climbing with a soggy pair of socks and shoes. Having your feet cold can also affect the overall temperature of your body.

Shoe Laces Mountain climbing boots come in a variety of laces, and its important to choose one that you wont have any problems tying quickly and easily. They must also be made from durable material since you’ll be traipsing around rough territory for a few hours at the very least.

Weight Mountain climbing boots don’t have to be heavy. In fact, its important that you find something so lightweight that you feel like you’re wearing bedroom slippers while hiking. Less weight on the foot will allow you to climb more easily and speedily.

Size Always choose mountain climbing boots that fit you best. Finding the right size is usually a tedious task and most especially if you have an odd-sized foot, but whatever time you accord to this task is time well spent. A wrong size of mountain climbing boots can easily cause discomfort during the hike and lead to painful complications.

When looking for the right size, make sure that you consider the type of socks you’ll be using as well. If you plan to wear two pairs of thick socks, this will naturally make your feet seem bigger. As such, you’ll have to purchase a bigger pair of mountain boots to prevent any feeling of discomfort.

Test, Test, Test Once you’ve found a pair of mountain climbing boots that you’re comfortable wearing, subject it to a performance test. Walk a couple of feet back and forth and see if you’re able to walk in comfort. Look for an inclined or downhill path then traverse this as well. Do you still feel comfortable? If so, you may finally find the right mountain climbing boots for you. Congratulations on a job well done!

Mountain Climbing Boot is a post from: Adventure Travel and Trekking Demystified