Editors Note: As Preppers one of the things we should all be prepared for is the reality, though still a subject of debate among journalists, junk-scientists and outright morons (by the clinical definition) that the world is indeed, not flat. In a situation where getting out of Dodge is a must we have to be prepared for where the trail leads us and sometimes that is up, and up in places that might make one dizzy well, looking up at…so when Chris Richardson offered this article I happily said yes. There are people who do this for the challenge, both physical and mental, as well as the exhilaration of conquering something that looks daunting from many angles. The “because it was there” mentality, which I think we all understand, and if it is in our path as we try and bug-out well, this applies as well.
I for one can claim to have climbed Half-Dome in Yosemite National Park. In reality I came up the back-path which has a steel cable line up that you can tether or steady yourself with. I did not climb the sheer face, which has been conquered by blind climbers and handicapped climbers of all stripes. I still felt a sense of accomplishment, along with the many others around me, and seeing a thunderhead rolling in while I had nothing to hold onto near the top of that granite peak other than a grounded-STEEL cable was a bonus thrill I will never forget. Since I am here writing you already know my decent was faster than the storms approach. So Chris, thanks and a tip of the hat…
Packing for a mountain climbing trip is always exciting. The trip is soon coming, and our patience quickly fades away. On the other hand, we, mountain climbers must preserve that quality and leverage it throughout our trips.
Safety comes first, no matter what. When you start packing, you should be extremely careful not to miss anything important, anything that may prove to be beneficial in unpredictably and dangerous circumstances.
Well, in today’s post, we’re listing the 10 most important things you must procure and pack before leaving for the exciting trip that’s ahead of you.
1. First Aid Kit
Again, first things first. Every mountain climber should wear a first aid kit that contains plasters, tape, bandages, gauze, and other supplies. You have no excuse for not carrying one. Skip the first aid kit and your life may be in great danger. And just as important is knowing every item in that kit and what to do with it and what NOT to do with it. Remember also to include any meds you normally require and instructions on their administration, in case others have to take care of you. You would not want them mistaking YOUR blood thinner for some generic pain med they give out to someone with a muscle strain.
2. Quality Clothes
You’ll need the standard climbing clothes, obviously, although you shouldn’t neglect the warm socks, a warm hat, and the gloves. Mittens, compared to gloves, provide less dexterity but they are a bit warmer. Depending on your trip’s necessities, choose the ones that fit you best. Also, ensure that all the clothes you buy are the highest quality you can find. Don’t be afraid to invest in your hobby! And always make the first climb in these togs at least their second wearing. Do some basic movement with them on before to make sure they don’t bind or limit movement. Better to find this out in your local woods or trails than on a 55 degree pitch.
3. Supplies
You need a lot of water to hydrate, and you’ll need to ensure that you’re never lacking it. When you’re out of water, that’s bad because your body’s less strong and more susceptible to illnesses. Water, at 8 lbs. a gallon is a considerable weight to budget for but perhaps the most important one.
Healthy food, even though most of it is dispersible, could significantly improve the quality of your trip. When you eat right, you think, feel, and act right.
4. Map
Every mountain climber should carry a map. You never start a journey before you know where you’re heading to. Find the destination and count all your decisions and movements until you get there. Also, if bad weather is coming, you will feel safe knowing that you know where the safety points are placed. Otherwise, good luck dealing with the storm during a windy night! While electronics (GPS transponders, cell phones), and all are GREAT, a physical map does not lose its signal, does not need to be recharged and does not go out of date generally.
5. Torch (Flashlight on this side of the Pond)
This is the essential tool you need to take to enable your vision during the night. Don’t forget about adding it to your essential bag! With spare batteries.
6. Compass
Understand the compass and leverage it together with the map. Without knowing where North, West, South, and East is, you won’t know where to head even if you have the map! Every prepper should have basic compass skills and have taken a class in map reading and have a real compass as opposed to a compass app.
7. Pen Knife
It will be very difficult to go on a mountain trip without a penknife. This particular object has numerous uses and will save your life from both a theoretical and a practical point of view. You knife choice is personal but this is one tool to not “go cheap” on as it has so many uses.
8. Waterproof Matches/Lighter
Never run out of light! To make a fire or burn a torch, you’ll always need to have a windproof lighter and some waterproof matches. Up there, there are minimum chances of meeting another climber and asking for some in case you run out.
9. Whistle
Unpredictable things happen, we make mistakes, and emergencies arise. In these cases, we must draw the attention and ask for help in the best possible ways. Up there, you can’t rely on your phone because there might be no signal. Therefore, you should always carry a loud whistle in your survival kit for all the unwanted situations. Like a good knife, this should be a part of your EDC that you take along when climbing.
Takeaways
Number one rule: don’t neglect the essentials. Every time you’re going to climb, prepare your trip ahead with much care. There’s no point in going if you’re not taking the necessary precautions to come back. Never neglect the basics that you must carry and your journeys shall stay safe.
Authors Bio: Chris Richardson is a journalist and editor at essaygeeks.co.uk. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar. Follow him on Google+.
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