Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 3)

To continue with part three (and last) of my condensed guide to mountaineering...

(Adapted from the UP Basic Mountaineering Course)

While here's a link to Parts 1 and 2 for reference:
Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 1)
Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 2)

*****

Part 3: In the Mountains

Leave No Trace Principle
(I just picked the relevant points...)

Plan Ahead and Prepare:
* Know the area and what to expect.
* Repackage food to minimize waste.
* Select appropriate equipment.
* Respect other visitors' desire for solitude.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces:
* Concentrate use in resistance areas. Avoid places where impact is just beginning.
* Camp away from existing water. Conserve water. Avoid polluting water sources.

Dispose of waste properly:
* Bring out inorganic and organic waste, including food scraps.
* Dispose of human waste responsibly.
* Minimize soap and food scraps in wastewater.

Leave What You Find:
* Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Leave natural objects.

Minimize Campfire Impacts:
* Fires are sometimes appropriate, but firewood selection, gathering and use, as well as careful campfire site selection and fire tending are critical to minimizing impact.

Respect Wildlife:
* Enjoy wildlife at a distance. Never feed the wildlife. Store food securely. Minimize noise. Avoid sensitive habitat. Avoid disturbing wildlife.

Be considerate of other visitors:
* Avoid Conflicts
* Minimize Crowding
* Respect the Privacy of Other Visitors

Water Management
Ideally this should be the standard amount of water to bring for an overnight climb. Each individual is required to bring 5 liters of water. The breakdown is as follows:

1 Liter – trail water
2 liters – personal use
2 liters – group use

Water Discipline
* Make sure you are fully hydrated before starting the trek.
* Avoid drinking in huge gulps but in sips instead also learn to tolerate a certain period of hours without any water intake, two hours at best.
* It will be your responsibility to bring extra load of water if it’s in your nature to consume a lot of water. When you do run out of water, look for a water source

Garbage Management
Jump Off Points
* Trash of any kind should not be left at jump-off points. It should be brought back to the city for proper disposal. In some rural areas, the usual mode of disposing trash is by burning, burying and even dumping in waterways. It is better that we know where our trash goes.

* We also do not want to reinforce the locals’ behavior of collecting trash from climbers. If the locals keep on collecting trash from visitors, sooner or later, their dumping pits would not be able hold the garbage that climbers bring. Politely refuse if a local asks you to leave your trash in their pits. But if they tell you that they intend to recycle the plastic containers and tin cans, give your recyclabes to them. Giving them these items is better than bringing these back home and just throwing these away.

Individual Trash
* Individual trash is better than group trash. Small amount of trash is easier to carry than large ones. Since you will be bringing your trash back home, it would be unfair for the individual who is in charge of the group’s trash to bring it home with him.

* Every member of the group should be responsible for his own garbage. We want to instill responsibilty for our own trash among our members.

Essentials
* Ideally bring extra cash or an ATM card as back up for the trip. Always bring it with you during transit. Be discreet counting cash in public places. Leave all the unnecessary items inside your wallet.

* Cellular phone and other means of communication. Bring extra batteries for multi day trips.

* Identification Card. Any kind of identification you can carry during a climb is helpful.

* Hiking Boots. Some trekkers consider their boots as being their most essential piece of personal equipment. Trekking sandals are extremely light, but they are not going to give you good support or protect your feet. A good pair of boots is:
1. Ankle-high to prevent sprains
2. Cleated for traction
3. Sturdy enough to withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.

* Backpack
An ideal backpack would be large enough to contain all the gear and provisions you will need for a certain trip. Since backpacks come in design and several sizes, make sure your backpack should also be sturdy enough to endure for rough handling and carrying heavy loads.

The Internal Frame Pack are designed to hug the body more closely and give the arms room to move. They provide good balance on steep ascents and ease of movement when moving along narrow trails. Features like lumbar pads increase comfort and compression straps help balance the load in the sack. Since an internal frame pack is supported only by two parallel stays, you must balance your load with more care than you would when using an external.

* Bring at least 3 lighters or match boxes and waterproofed it individually. Placing it in different locations inside the pack heightens the chances of still having a dry one just in case the backpack gets soaking wet.

* Flash Light and Batteries. Always bring extra bulbs and batteries. You can add a thin layer of petroleum jelly on joints that you think water will sip through. Pushing it further, bring an extra unit as back- up.

* folding knife
* trail water

* Wind Breaker / Rain Gear / Poncho. Tropical mountaineering is always wet so it’s mandatory to bring one.

* mess kit with spoon and fork
* notebook and pencil (I'm always the designated scribe so this is a must for me!)
* plastic bags and trash bags
* sandals
* tent
* toiletries
* first aid kit and medicines

Clothing
Layering
Layering is the process of wearing several thin layers of clothing to help regulate the heat around your body that is better than wearing one thick layer. Layering works by heating the ‘‘dead’’ air spaces around your body, thus creating better insulation. In extremely wet conditions, it’s warmer to wear layers of wet clothes than frequently change into one dry clothing.

1. Base Layer
It’s the clothing next to skin. Perspiration is a natural component of exertion, and a base layer helps regulate your body's microclimate by wicking moisture away from your skin so that it can evaporate or be passed through the other layers.

Samples: synthetic, mid-weight, long underwear (top and bottom) synthetic or wool gloves.

2. Insulation Layer
Known also as mid layer, it minimizes conductive heat loss.

Samples: fleece jacket / down / wool sweater fleece pants.

3. Outer Layer
Also known as "Shell" that shields from rain and wind. It also available in Hardshell and Softshell hybrid.

Samples: poncho or waterproof/windproof breathable suit

Maximum Carrying Load
The maximum carrying load should not exceed one-third (1/3 or 33%) of your body weight. Maximum pack weight is 25% All equipment which may be affected or damaged by water should be wrapped and sealed in durable plastic bags. Use a large plastic bag as the inner lining for the backpack to provide additional protection.

Light items should be packed at the bottom and away from the frame while heavy items should be placed close to the back. The goal is to have a balanced pack. Things which will be needed often or will require quick access (e.g., rain gear, first-aid, Swiss Knife, trail food, trail water, etc.) should be placed in the top compartment or on the other side pockets for accessibility.

Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 3)

To continue with part three (and last) of my condensed guide to mountaineering...

(Adapted from the UP Basic Mountaineering Course)

While here's a link to Parts 1 and 2 for reference:
Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 1)
Idiot's Guide to the Mountains (Part 2)

*****

Part 3: In the Mountains

Leave No Trace Principle
(I just picked the relevant points...)

Plan Ahead and Prepare:
* Know the area and what to expect.
* Repackage food to minimize waste.
* Select appropriate equipment.
* Respect other visitors' desire for solitude.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces:
* Concentrate use in resistance areas. Avoid places where impact is just beginning.
* Camp away from existing water. Conserve water. Avoid polluting water sources.

Dispose of waste properly:
* Bring out inorganic and organic waste, including food scraps.
* Dispose of human waste responsibly.
* Minimize soap and food scraps in wastewater.

Leave What You Find:
* Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Leave natural objects.

Minimize Campfire Impacts:
* Fires are sometimes appropriate, but firewood selection, gathering and use, as well as careful campfire site selection and fire tending are critical to minimizing impact.

Respect Wildlife:
* Enjoy wildlife at a distance. Never feed the wildlife. Store food securely. Minimize noise. Avoid sensitive habitat. Avoid disturbing wildlife.

Be considerate of other visitors:
* Avoid Conflicts
* Minimize Crowding
* Respect the Privacy of Other Visitors

Water Management
Ideally this should be the standard amount of water to bring for an overnight climb. Each individual is required to bring 5 liters of water. The breakdown is as follows:

1 Liter – trail water
2 liters – personal use
2 liters – group use

Water Discipline
* Make sure you are fully hydrated before starting the trek.
* Avoid drinking in huge gulps but in sips instead also learn to tolerate a certain period of hours without any water intake, two hours at best.
* It will be your responsibility to bring extra load of water if it’s in your nature to consume a lot of water. When you do run out of water, look for a water source

Garbage Management
Jump Off Points
* Trash of any kind should not be left at jump-off points. It should be brought back to the city for proper disposal. In some rural areas, the usual mode of disposing trash is by burning, burying and even dumping in waterways. It is better that we know where our trash goes.

* We also do not want to reinforce the locals’ behavior of collecting trash from climbers. If the locals keep on collecting trash from visitors, sooner or later, their dumping pits would not be able hold the garbage that climbers bring. Politely refuse if a local asks you to leave your trash in their pits. But if they tell you that they intend to recycle the plastic containers and tin cans, give your recyclabes to them. Giving them these items is better than bringing these back home and just throwing these away.

Individual Trash
* Individual trash is better than group trash. Small amount of trash is easier to carry than large ones. Since you will be bringing your trash back home, it would be unfair for the individual who is in charge of the group’s trash to bring it home with him.

* Every member of the group should be responsible for his own garbage. We want to instill responsibilty for our own trash among our members.

Essentials
* Ideally bring extra cash or an ATM card as back up for the trip. Always bring it with you during transit. Be discreet counting cash in public places. Leave all the unnecessary items inside your wallet.

* Cellular phone and other means of communication. Bring extra batteries for multi day trips.

* Identification Card. Any kind of identification you can carry during a climb is helpful.

* Hiking Boots. Some trekkers consider their boots as being their most essential piece of personal equipment. Trekking sandals are extremely light, but they are not going to give you good support or protect your feet. A good pair of boots is:
1. Ankle-high to prevent sprains
2. Cleated for traction
3. Sturdy enough to withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.

* Backpack
An ideal backpack would be large enough to contain all the gear and provisions you will need for a certain trip. Since backpacks come in design and several sizes, make sure your backpack should also be sturdy enough to endure for rough handling and carrying heavy loads.

The Internal Frame Pack are designed to hug the body more closely and give the arms room to move. They provide good balance on steep ascents and ease of movement when moving along narrow trails. Features like lumbar pads increase comfort and compression straps help balance the load in the sack. Since an internal frame pack is supported only by two parallel stays, you must balance your load with more care than you would when using an external.

* Bring at least 3 lighters or match boxes and waterproofed it individually. Placing it in different locations inside the pack heightens the chances of still having a dry one just in case the backpack gets soaking wet.

* Flash Light and Batteries. Always bring extra bulbs and batteries. You can add a thin layer of petroleum jelly on joints that you think water will sip through. Pushing it further, bring an extra unit as back- up.

* folding knife
* trail water

* Wind Breaker / Rain Gear / Poncho. Tropical mountaineering is always wet so it’s mandatory to bring one.

* mess kit with spoon and fork
* notebook and pencil (I'm always the designated scribe so this is a must for me!)
* plastic bags and trash bags
* sandals
* tent
* toiletries
* first aid kit and medicines

Clothing
Layering
Layering is the process of wearing several thin layers of clothing to help regulate the heat around your body that is better than wearing one thick layer. Layering works by heating the ‘‘dead’’ air spaces around your body, thus creating better insulation. In extremely wet conditions, it’s warmer to wear layers of wet clothes than frequently change into one dry clothing.

1. Base Layer
It’s the clothing next to skin. Perspiration is a natural component of exertion, and a base layer helps regulate your body's microclimate by wicking moisture away from your skin so that it can evaporate or be passed through the other layers.

Samples: synthetic, mid-weight, long underwear (top and bottom) synthetic or wool gloves.

2. Insulation Layer
Known also as mid layer, it minimizes conductive heat loss.

Samples: fleece jacket / down / wool sweater fleece pants.

3. Outer Layer
Also known as "Shell" that shields from rain and wind. It also available in Hardshell and Softshell hybrid.

Samples: poncho or waterproof/windproof breathable suit

Maximum Carrying Load
The maximum carrying load should not exceed one-third (1/3 or 33%) of your body weight. Maximum pack weight is 25% All equipment which may be affected or damaged by water should be wrapped and sealed in durable plastic bags. Use a large plastic bag as the inner lining for the backpack to provide additional protection.

Light items should be packed at the bottom and away from the frame while heavy items should be placed close to the back. The goal is to have a balanced pack. Things which will be needed often or will require quick access (e.g., rain gear, first-aid, Swiss Knife, trail food, trail water, etc.) should be placed in the top compartment or on the other side pockets for accessibility.