Mountaineering Notes

Climb Preparation

Planning a Climb

  • A group planning a trek must submit a plan to the organization, ensuring the climb is official.
  • All members should be well-informed about the climb plan before the expedition.

Pre-Climb

  • A pre-climb meeting is held to discuss the climb details.
  • Many formal organizations require a pre-climb meeting, a practice adopted by independent hikers.

The Nature of the Climb

  • Training climbs: Designed for novice hikers to explore and gain knowledge for future climbing activities.
  • Minor Climbs: Day hikes or recreational trips to easily accessible mountains (e.g., near Metro Manila).
  • Clean-up Climbs: Protecting mountains like Mt. Makiling, Mt. Makulot, and Mt. Arayat by removing trash, planting trees, and maintaining trails.
  • Major Climbs: Difficult ascents on mountains, considered very long hikes.
  • Guide ship Climbs: Hiring a guide (local resident or experienced hiker) to lead the group, for a fee.
  • Exploratory Climbs: First-time expeditions requiring meticulous planning and preparation due to their long duration.

Route Planning

  • Careful planning is essential when climbing a mountain.
  • Maps are useful for gathering information about trails, vegetation distribution, and terrain steepness.

Itinerary of the Climb

  • Preparing a program helps efficiently use time during the climb.
  • Maps serve as a basis for formulating the itinerary.
  • The itinerary determines the hike's duration and the amount of equipment needed.

Climb Organization

  • The Group Leader: Selected based on knowledge, experience, and leadership traits. Makes decisions but also considers suggestions.
  • The Medical Team: A medical practitioner (doctor, nurse, or rescuer).
  • The Scribe: Responsible for documenting the climb's details.
  • The Tail man: Ensures no one is left behind.

Budgeting

  • Budgeting helps determine the approximate cost of the climb, including transportation, meals, and other expenses.

Meal Planning

  • The length of stay determines the amount of food needed.
  • Hikers should plan and pack meals before the climb.
  • Guidelines for food:
    • Pack carbohydrates with protein and fat-rich food to regain energy.
    • For multi-day ascents, bring food that won't spoil easily (dried, pickled, smoked, adobo, pre-cooked, or salted).
    • Don't limit meals to pre-packaged or canned goods; climbers can prepare nutritious food in the wild.

TRAIL MEALS

  • Trail meals are eaten during the hike to eliminate hunger and maintain energy levels.

TRAIL MOVEMENT

  • The lead man maintains the group's pacing, while the tail man ensures no one is left behind.
  • Single files are necessary on narrow trails.
  • Avoid overtaking to maintain a standard interval between climbers.

Trail Signals

  • The lead and tail man are responsible for commanding stops or movement.
    • One long whistle blast: Stop.
    • Two short whistle blasts: Trekking commences.
    • Six (6) whistle blasts a minute: International mountaineering distress signal.
    • Three (3) whistle blasts a minute: Aid is on the way.

Pacing

  • Start with a warm-up pace and adjust based on the group's needs.
  • Pacing should be based on the slowest member or someone carrying a heavy load.
  • Inform the lead or tail man if there's an urgent need to stop.
  • Maintaining a steady rhythm is important.

Rests

  • The frequency of stops and rests depends on the climb's steepness or difficulty.
    • Flat ground: Five (5) minutes rest for every hour of hiking.
    • Ascents: Five (5) minutes rest for every 30 minutes of hiking; five (5) minutes rest for every 15 minutes on steep slopes.
    • Descents (flat ground): Five (5) minutes rest for every hour of hiking.
  • During rests, do not immediately sit or lie down; stand until your pulse slows down.
  • Replace lost fluids by drinking enough water, but avoid drinking too much to prevent lowering body temperature.

Trail Signs

  • Trail signs are important for communication with the group or other groups.
  • Familiarity with these signs ensures effective communication.

TRAIL SIGNS

  • Straight Ahead
  • Turn Right
  • Turn Left
  • I have gone home
  • Don't go this way

Trail Regulations

  • Strictly observe regulations to avoid accidents and ensure an enjoyable climb.
    • Block unused trails and mark them with signs, tree branches, or rocks.
    • Clear bushes, thorns, and poisonous plants along the trail.
    • Avoid littering; carry out all food scraps.
    • Smoking is prohibited on the trail or during rests.
    • The person behind is responsible for picking up dropped items.
    • If separated, don't panic; assess the situation and take steps to find your way back.