How to Climb a Mountain

The Julian Alps

Just because one is physically fit does not mean that they will have a successful journey to the top of a mountain. There is a lot more to climbing mountains than having the stamina and endurance to make it to the summit. When proper precautions and preparations are taken mountain climbing is a highly rewarding outdoor activity. Read on to learn how to climb a mountain.

Things You'll Need

• Backpack
• Good footwear
• Map and compass
• Parka and wind pants or poncho
• Water (at least a half a gallon)
• Food
• First aid kit
• Bug repellent
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Get in shape. Climbing a mountain is a hearty aerobic exercise to say the least. You need to be in good physical shape.

2. Know the terrain. The mountain you choose may be a short steep climb or a long gradual ascent along a gentle sloping ridge. Obtain a topographical map or trail guide for the area and make sure you are aware of the location of the trail head, length of hike, steepness of the trail, change in elevation and locations of potable water (Nowadays, only a fresh spring can be considered safe, and even springs are sometimes contaminated).

3. Be prepared. This means that you have to acquire a good backpack and bring along all the proper gear. For summer time hiking in temperate climates you still need to bring along wind pants, poncho or parka and a change of warm clothes. Weather conditions at the summit can be drastically different from ground temperatures at the trailhead. A hot, steamy day with temperatures around 90 degrees F at the base, can turn into hypothermia weather at the summit, where you might find a drastic drop in temperatures, high winds and violent thunderstorms. To avoid problems make sure you take with you a map and compass, plenty of water (at least a half a gallon per person), a change of clothes, wind gear (pants and parka, extra food, flashlight, first aid kit, bug repellent and waterproof matches (or fire starter).

4. Invest in a good pair of boots. Footwear is so important that it requires some special attention. Your footwear should cover your ankle and give your foot ample support as well as good traction. Also your boots should be water repellent, but never waterproof. Your feet will sweat quite a lot and the perspiration needs some way to escape. Last of all, but most importantly, your boots must be broken in and comfortable. Even if your boots are broken in, your first aid kit should include special band aids and bandages for your feet.

5. Allow ample time. Plan on the whole day to leisurely climb the mountain and then come back down. If you are traveling any distance to reach your destination, do that on a different day than the day you plan to hike.

6. Hike in a group. Solo hiking is a risky affair, besides hiking is much more enjoyable if you have one or more people to share the experience with. Also it is imperative that the group stay together. Most trouble in the mountains occurs, when individuals get separated from pack or when people overexert themselves and become dehydrated and exhausted.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the time to plan your trip ahead.

• Seek out advice from park rangers and hiking clubs.

• Watch the weather. You need to keep a special lookout for thunderstorm, which can appear to come out of nowhere, especially if you are hiking on the lee side of the mountain. Sometimes decreasing air pressure or the lowering of the cloud ceiling can indicate the development of thunderstorms.