Mountaineering preparation for beginners: 7 things to watch out for

Now many young people are starting to pursue a hobby of climbing mountains. But before trying to climb, there is a lot of preparation that needs to be done for beginner hikers. This is necessary for the safety and security of climbers while exploring nature.

This activity can indeed provide a relaxing effect and relieve stress so that it can make us happier. So that this positive impact is not disturbed by the risks that exist when climbing, note and pay attention to the various preparations needed before climbing this, yes.

Preparation before climbing the mountain

1. Determine the climbing location and level

Remember, that not all paths hiking created equal. If this is your first chance to climb the mountain, don't be greedy and jump right into the hard to reach locations with a high difficulty level.

Choose a location with a hiking trail that suits your abilities. Get to know the hiking trail in advance from your chosen location by asking questions or reading hiking reviews. Also consider the time it takes to climb. For practice, you can choose a location close to the area where you live and can be reached in just a few hours. So you don't need to bring a tent, change of clothes, or other burdens.

2. Alone or bring friends?

Are you going to do solo hiking or with friends and groups? For most people, climbing the mountain alone becomes an escape for attaining inner calm. However, hiking alone is also more dangerous if something happens when you let your guard down and get off track. To be safer, take a few friends on a hike together.

3. Check the location and weather

It is important to know what the weather will be like at your hike location so that you can prepare and change your plans if needed. You can check the weather at a location through a weather forecast or ask a climbing post guard or supervisor at that location.

Check whether there will be dense fog, heavy rain, especially thunderstorms, or even alert for eruptions because several mountains in Indonesia are still active volcanoes. This consideration is needed, whether the climb needs to be continued or to postpone it and wait for the weather to be better. Risks due to bad weather when climbing can have fatal consequences ranging from getting lost on the way or hypothermia, so it's best not to force the climb and come back at another time.

4. Tell your parents or siblings your climbing schedule

Tell friends and family at home about your itinerary. Information on when you departed, for how long, who were your friends who joined the hike, including location should be known by at least one family member.

Take some time before leaving to explain the details of your itinerary. This is important in anticipation if something might happen on the way.

5. Prepare your physical in advance

Mountain climbing requires excellent physicality. This is because the body can burn an unbelievable amount of energy during a hike of approximately 8 hours in extreme areas. In addition, this exercise also holds various health risks that you must be aware of, ranging from hypothermia, mountain sickness, to pulmonary edema.

All of these risks can happen to anyone, be it an accomplished hiker or a beginner. Because when you rise to an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters above sea level, your body must be able to adjust to the depletion of oxygen.

To ensure your physical fitness ahead of the day of the hike, you need to build balance, flexibility, and strength in your legs and back muscles to make it through the hiking trail. Exercise can also help you strengthen your back and shoulders to carry a mountain backpack that can weigh up to 18 kilograms in total.

6. Pay attention to food intake before climbing the mountain

If you are going up the mountain with a fairly tiring route, breakfast of chicken porridge will certainly not be enough to give you the energy you need to climb later. What you eat and drink the day or 2 before the hike can be the slight difference between success and failure. Food intake plays a big role in providing the energy you need during your hike, as well as preventing possible injury.

Registered dietitian Kate Scarlata, reported by Boston Magazine, said the ideal mountain climbing preparation food should be high in carbohydrates and protein. For example, porridge with a mixture of greek yogurt or boiled egg topping, or a serving of warm white rice with a side dish of your choice of meat and vegetables. It's a smart breakfast choice before climbing the mountain.

If you are still hungry, double the portion (of the same type of food you ate earlier). Snacking bananas or oranges before and during the hike is also highly recommended so as to replace the potassium levels that are lost when you sweat.

Drink at least 2 liters of fluids (water, juice, milk, sports drink) the day before your hike. Drink 1 liter of water or a sports drink before starting to climb. Start drinking as soon as you get out of bed for the day.

7. Bring only necessary items

Regardless of the location, time of day or difficulty of the climb, you should always carry these items with you on your trip:

• Map and compass or GPS
• First aid kit
• Water filter
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Multipurpose knife
• Nylon cable
• Flashlight (handheld flashlight or head torch) plus spare batteries
• Sunglasses
• Matches / lighters
• Food reserves - Consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner per day of the hike; snacks in between hikes; reserve water, and cooking utensils and utensils (plates, bowls, glasses, spoons) if hiking for more than 1 day
• Spare clothing - Consists of a base layer (top and bottom), a middle layer (warm insulation), and an outer layer (hiking jacket / padding); rain coat; Extra socks; Hats and gloves; small towel; Avoid clothes made of cotton, as the sweat traps them close to your skin
• Shelter (tent / sleeping bag) - If hiking for more than one day
• Suitable footwear for hiking - For short hikes, mountain sandals or casual sports shoes are fine. But for longer hikes, it's recommended to wear special hiking boots that offer more support.
• Personal identity; a copy of the travel itinerary; sufficient cash
• Cell phone or 2 way radio

It's a good idea to consult the mountain climbing preparation you are planning, especially for beginners, with friends who are used to climbing, huh.

x