How To

How to Adjust to Higher Altitudes While Climbing

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet can lead to serious illness. You can help prevent the most serious degrees of altitude illness by taking a few precautions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Maps
  • Altimeters
  • Climbing Gear
  • Climbing Harnesses
  • Climbing Helmets
  • Climbing Ropes
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Flying Discs
  • Maps
  1. Step 1

    Carry a topographic map of the area you're trekking in and wear an altimeter so that you know the elevation of each of your planned camp spots along your ascent.

  2. Step 2

    Ascend gradually above 8,000 feet, spending at least one night at a camp spot after each 1,000 to 2,000 feet of gain.

  3. Step 3

    Spend at least two or three nights at camp spots below 10,000 feet before ascending above 10,000 feet.

  4. Step 4

    Don't sleep more than 1,000 to 2,000 feet above where you slept the night before. Shuttle some gear up to a higher camp, then hike back down and sleep at a lower camp until your body has acclimatized.

  5. Step 5

    Exercise moderately to get the heart pumping. Shuttling gear up to higher points is a great way to get moderate exercise, as is playing light recreational sports on rest days - for example, playing with a flying disk or a foot bag.

  6. Step 6

    When you reach altitudes above 14,000 feet, limit ascents to a gain of 500 to 1,000 feet per day.

Tips & Warnings
  • Individuals vary in their acclimatization needs. Exercise caution when ascending as a group: What may seem like adequate time at one elevation for most of the group may not be enough time for certain group members.
  • This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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