If you are considering starting mountain climbing, there are several things that you will want to know. It is never a good idea to start mountain climbing without doing a lot of research and preparation.
Having The Right Safety Equipment
One of the most important things about mountain climbing is that you have the right equipment. You will want to make a list of all the equipment you need. Make sure that you take into consideration where you will be climbing, how many feet up you will be, and more. It is a good idea to meet up with a professional mountain climber first so they can walk you through all the equipment that you need. If you do not have the right safety equipment, you could find yourself getting severely injured or even killed.
Having Snacks And Water
Another important part of mountain climbing is to make sure that you are staying hydrated and fueled. You will exert a lot of energy when mountain climbing, Even a small mountain will have you putting out a lot of energy. Having water and things like energy bars will help you. To store your water, you should have a double wall insulated water bottle that will help keep your water cool and ready for you to drink. These bottles will fit easily into your backpack, and you will be able to grab them whenever you feel thirsty.
Wearing The Proper Clothes And Shoes
You will want to make sure that you are wearing the proper clothes when mountain climbing. Mountains are full of sharp rocks, shrubs, and other vegetation, so you will want to ensure that you are prepared for that. You will also want to ensure that you have proper shoes for mountain climbing. You can go to your local outdoor supply store and find mountain climbing shoes. It is imperative that you ensure that the shoes fit well before you go climbing the mountain.
Your First Climb
It is important that when you climb a mountain for the first time you have people with you that know the ins and outs of climbing and can help you learn. Never ever set out mountain climbing if you are not well experienced. There are many things that can go wrong. If you do not have friends that are mountain climbers, consider finding an instructor who can teach you how to climb both safely and effectively.
Another thing that you should do for your first climb is to pick a very easy mountain. You do not want to go climb an area that is extremely difficult for your first time. That will only lead to you getting tired and injured if you are not extremely careful. Look for mountains in your area that are gently sloped and perfect for beginners.
If you do decide to mountain climb alone or with just one friend or so, make sure that you tell a loved one where you are going and what time you should be back. Instruct them to check on you if you are not back within a certain amount of time. This will help to ensure that you are protected in case the worst happens.
Watching Out For Wildlife
When you are mountain climbing, you will find that you run into all kinds of wildlife. In most areas, you will have to hike up to the area, and on the trail, you may run into bears, skunks, raccoons, and more. It is important to give all animals a wide berth and do not approach them. If you are climbing and see a bird’s nest, be sure to climb away from it. Some mountains house endangered birds like falcons that need to be given a wide berth, or they will abandon their nests. In some areas, you may not be able to climb during the breeding season, so you may want to check that before you head out on your climb.
As you get more experienced, you can move on to bigger and better mountains, and you can also climb by yourself. It is still important to follow all the safety protocols when mountain climbing to ensure that you are well protected from injury. The more that you climb, the more experienced you will get.
