Essential Gear and Techniques for Mountaineering

Backpack

Find a good quality that is tested and trusted by mountaineers which is large enough to contain all the gear and provisions you will need for a certain trip.

Boots

As a mountaineer having a quality pair of it is an investment and important equipment that protect a hiker from any injury of the foot during a trek.

Clothing

The type and amount of clothes a mountaineer should bring and wear is determined through the period of stay and weather condition in the wind. Outdoor clothing should provide protection against the elements.

Wind Breaker

A light jacket without insulation which serves as shield from wind and cold.

Earth Pad

From a simple rubber mat to the more high-tech inflatable ones. This serves as a cushion between you and the ground when sleeping.

Sleeping Bag

Should not be heavy and bulky. It is capable of protecting the mountaineers from any elements in the wild.

Dog Tag and Whistle

The name tag is for personal identification with your blood type and the whistle is for emergency signal.

First Aid Kit

In case of emergency; every mountaineer should bring with him/her a first aid kit that has supplies enough to treat illnesses. It is also advisable to bring an anti-venom kit for snake bite.

Survival Kit

Should be packed into a compact and waterproofed container, which can easily be carried by trekkers during short hikes without a backpack. Contents include waterproofed match, small knife, plastic tarp, surgical rubber tube and emergency rations.

Candles

Serves as cheap alternative light source although not effective during windy conditions and fire hazards.

Flash light

A small watertight flashlight with a bright bulb is a must. Headlamps can also be handy.

Lighter and Matches

Should be waterproofed.

Folding knife

This is for protection and essential tools in the mountain. It is also better that a folding knife has other accessories such as can opener, scissors, screwdriver etc.

Fuels for the Stove

Pressurized gas, kerosene, and lighter fluid are standard camping stove fuels.

Water Containers

There are two kinds of water containers a non-collapsible and a collapsible one. Made of sturdy plastic, usually two separate 2-liter containers (total of 4 liters + trail water) should be enough for an overnight climb.

Trail Water

For hiking consumption. Around a liter or so.

Mess Kit and Drinking Cup

Should be sturdy and light weight. Cup should have a handle for easier use with hot drinks or broth.

Note Book and Pencil

For taking down details and information.

Plastic Bags and Trash Bags

For waterproofing clothes, equipment, and other items.

Rain Gear/Poncho

Mainly used in camp for moving around. Rarely for trekking unless in very cold conditions.

Sun Protection

Sunblock lotion, caps, bandanna for sunny.

Rubber Bands/Garter

All around use e.g. sealing plastic bags.

Tying Strings

For lashing tent and other purposes.

Repair Kit

Should contain thread, needle, extra buckles, quick acting glue, duct tape and other items for repair of different equipment.

Sandals/Slippers

For relaxing feet after the hike and avoiding erosion in campsite.

Packed Lunch

Usually your first meal when climbing, something easy to eat, digest and palatable e.g. Sandwiches and fruits.

Rice and Eggs

Not a necessity since some prefer pasta or bread, however packing eggs individually wrapped in plastic with the rice in a hard container is a good training for packing your bag.

Spoon and Fork

Preferably metal.

Toiletries

Contains toothbrush, small type of toothpaste, floss which can be used as thread, repair kit, small comb or hair brush and tissue paper.

Bolo

A type of group equipment.

Cook set

A type of group equipment.

Flag

A type of group equipment.

Groundsheet

A type of group equipment.

Map and Compass

A type of group equipment.

Rope

A type of group equipment.

Tent

A type of group equipment.

Trowel

A type of group equipment.

Stove

A type of group equipment.

Training Climbs

The objective of this type of mountaineering activity is to have a neophyte hiker a chance to explore the wild.

Minor Climbs

Considered as day hikes or a fun trip to the mountain, usually done for recreational purposes.

Clean-up Climbs

To protect and preserve highly impacted mountains by bringing down trash, planting trees and maintaining trails.

Major Climbs

Much difficult ascents on mountains which are commonly considered a very long hike.

Guide ship Climbs

A trip to the wilderness in which a group hires a guide that will lead them from ascending and descending to the mountain.

Exploratory Climbs

An expedition done for the first time that requires meticulous planning and preparation.

Square Knot

A type of double knot that is made symmetrically to hold securely and to be easy to untie.

Fisherman's Knot

A knot for joining two lines with a symmetrical structure consisting of two overhand knots, each tied around the standing part of the other.

Double Fisherman's Knot

A knot used to join two lengths of rope, commonly used in climbing, arboriculture, and search and rescue.

Sheet Bend

A knot used for temporarily fastening one rope through the loop of another, can also be used for tying ropes of different sizes.

Hitch

A type of knot used for binding rope to an object, such as a pole, post or a ring.

Clove Hitch

A knot secured by passing a rope twice around a spare or another rope that it crosses at right angles.

Two Half Hitches

A type of knot consisting of an overhand knot tied around a post, followed by a half hitch.

Taut Line Hitch

An adjustable loop knot for use on lines under tension, useful for maintaining tension.

Timber Hitch

A knot used to attach a rope to a log or spar, used in the mountains to raise logs or drag them.

Constrictor knot

One of the most effective binding knots, simple and secure but can be difficult to untie once tightened.

Loop

In reference to knots, may refer to one of the fundamental structures used to tie knots.

Loop

One of the fundamental structures used to tie knots; specifically, it is a U-form narrower than a bight; a type of knot used to create a closed circle in a line.

Slip Knot

A running knot that can be undone by a pull; this type of knot is applied for tying pieces of firewood, bundling up a rolled sleeping bag or tent.

Bowline

An ancient simple knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of the rope or loop that will not close; it is easy to tie and untie, especially after being subjected to a load; sometimes referred to as the King of the knots or the rescue knot.

Bowline casting method

If synthetic rope is used to tie this knot, it will be less reliable; it is a good idea to secure the end with an extra half hitch, or tuck it and trap it beneath one of the rope strands.

Figure-of-Eight knot

A type of stopper that is very important in both sailing and rock climbing as a method of stopping ropes from running out of retaining devices.

Threaded Figure-of-Eight knot

Applied to help anchor inexperienced climbers; this is the most common way of attaching a rope to the harness.

Ropes

Essential in climbing; small ones have a variety of uses from securing a tent to making a clothesline; larger ones can only provide safety to climbers; only kernmantle ropes can be static or dynamic.

Static rope

Has low stretchability; some don't even stretch at all.

Dynamic rope

Has the ability to stretch and is more elastic than a static rope; this kind of rope is often used in rock climbing.

Laid Rope

Can be natural or synthetic; fibers are twisted into yarns, the yarns are twisted into strands, and the strands are twisted into rope; laid or hawser rope with a diameter of around 11 mm and made of strong nylon make an excellent general mountaineering rope; ideal for river crossing as a safety line.

Kernmantle Rope

Comes from German kern, meaning core, and mantle, meaning sheath; this construction and special materials give the rope a high tensile strength, superior protection for abrasion, and comparative freedom from twisting; available in diameters ranging from 5mm (accessory cords) to 11mm; best for rock craft due to its ability to stretch.

Leave-No-Trace Principle

A set of guidelines to minimize impact on the outdoors.

Plan ahead and prepare

Consider your goals and the goals of the group; gather information, expectation, and technical skills; pick an appropriate journey for your group and allow plenty of time to travel and camp; be prepared to sit tight or turn back if you sense danger or sustain an injury.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Sticking to the tracks is best; if there are no tracks, avoid non-durable ground such as soft plants, stream edges, muddy sites, and fragile soil layer.

Dispose of water properly

"Pack it in, pack out"; any user of the outdoors has a responsibility to clean up before leaving; inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spoiled foods; pack out all rubbish and kitchen waste including leftover food; leave by example; never miss an opportunity to use proper toilet facilities.

Leave what you find

When we leave rocks, shells, plants, feathers, fossils, artifacts, and other objects of interest as we find them, we pass the gift of discovery on to those who follow.

Leave No Trace

Educates people on whether a fire is appropriate, and techniques that can be used to minimize the harm they cause.

Culturally sensitive sites

Places that should never be disturbed to respect cultural heritage.

Campfire impacts

Minimizing the negative effects of campfires, which can destroy important natural areas.

Wildfires

Large uncontrolled fires that can spread rapidly and result in the critical loss of natural habitat, property, and human life.

Physical fitness

An important factor for safety and a pleasurable climb; being unfit might result in disaster.

Cardio-vascular endurance

Developed through aerobic sports such as walking, jogging, running, biking, and swimming.

Muscular strength and endurance

Developed through weight training.

Best exercise for hiking

Hiking itself; regular trips to the mountain maintain a certain level of fitness.

Pre-climb meeting

A meeting held before the climb proper, during which participants discuss the climb.

Climb planning document

A document that covers the plan to climb, submitted to the official of an organization.

Respect wildlife

Never feed wildlife; human food is toxic to many wild animals.

Considerate of other visitors

Considering the rights of traditional land owners and sharing the wilderness with others.

Physical ability

A factor for safety and enjoyment during a climb.

Injury response

Be prepared to sit tight or turn your back if you sustain an injury or a hiker becomes sick.

Environmental impact of campfires

Careless use of campfires can compromise the natural appearance of areas.

Human food toxicity

Human food can be toxic to many animals living in the wild.

Respect locals

Pass quietly through farmland and leave the gates as you found them.

Leave huts better

Share the huts you stay in and welcome others who arrive after you.

Importance of fitness

Every mountaineer must be fit to appreciate nature and the fellowship of the group.

Accidental fires

Many fires are either carelessly or accidentally set by uninformed campers and travelers.

Soot-scarred rocks

Campfires can leave unsightly rings of soot-scarred rocks overflowing with ashes and rubbish.

Outdoor experience

Consider what others might be trying to get out of their outdoor experience.

Pre-climb

A meeting held before multi-day climbs and special day hikes to remind participants of the seriousness of the climb and to run through all details.

Group Formation

The duty of the lead man is to maintain the group's pacing, while the trail man checks that no one in the group is left behind.

Single files

Necessary during a narrow trail to maintain a standard interval between two climbers set by the group.

Trail Signals

Commands given by the lead and tall man regarding stopping or proceeding during the hike.

One long whistle blast

A signal for stopping.

Two short whistle blasts

A signal to commence trekking.

Six (6) whistle blasts a minute

The international mountaineering distress signal.