Essential Mountaineering Equipment and Techniques

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 bites.

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 lightweight. 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 eg. 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 tool or equipment used in outdoor activities.

Cook set

Equipment used for preparing meals outdoors.

Flag

A symbol or marker used in outdoor activities.

Groundsheet

A protective layer placed on the ground under a tent.

Map and Compass

Tools used for navigation in outdoor activities.

Rope

A strong, thick line made of fibers or synthetic materials used for various purposes.

Tent

A portable shelter made of fabric, supported by poles.

Trowel

A small hand tool used for digging.

Stove

A device used for cooking food outdoors.

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, requiring 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

Or grapevine knot, is 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, also 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 kind of knot by which a rope is secured by passing it twice around a spare or another rope that it crosses at right angles.

Two Half Hitches

Is a type of knot, specifically a binding knot or hitch knot.

Taut Line Hitch

Is an adjustable loop knot for use on lines under tension.

Timber Hitch

This knot is used to attach a rope to a log or spar.

Constrictor knot

Is one of the most effective binding knots.

Loop

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

Slip Knot

It is a running knot that can be undone by a pull.

Bowline

This is an ancient simple knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of the rope or loop that will not close.

Bowline casting method

If synthetic rope is used to tie this knot, it will be less reliable.

Figure-of-Eight knot

Or Figure-eight knot, is a type of stopper.

Threaded Figure-of-Eight knot

Are applied to help anchor inexperienced climbers.

Ropes

Are essential in climbing.

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.

Laid Rope

This type of rope can be natural or synthetic; fibers are twisted into yarns.

Kernmantle Rope

It came from German kern, meaning core and mantle, meaning sheath.

Kernmantle Rope Diameter

Is available in a number of diameters ranging from 5mm (accessory cords) to 11mm.

Laid Rope Diameter

Laid or Hawser rope with a diameter of around 11 mm and made of strong nylon make an excellent general mountaineering rope.

Kernmantle Rope Properties

This construction and special materials give the rope a high tensile strength.

Kernmantle Rope Use

Due to its ability to stretch, it is best for rock craft.

Taut Line Hitch Application

This type of knot is applied in tying a tent guy line.

Constrictor Knot Characteristics

Simple and secure, it is a harsh knot that can be difficult or impossible to untie once tightened.

Slip Knot Applications

This type of knot is applied for tying pieces of firewood, bundling up a rolled sleeping bag or tent.

Bowline Virtues

It has the virtues of being both easy to tie and untie; most notably, it is easy to untie after being subjected to a load.

Figure-of-Eight Knot Importance

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