Mountaineering

1. What is mountaineering?
Mountaineering is referred to as a sport, hobby or recreational
activity of reaching the highest point of big mountains. Mountaineering
involves hiking, climbing, or just simply walking, on hilly or
mountainous ground, with the help of technical equipment and
support. Often, it is taken the same as rock climbing but both are
different in terms of equipment to be used as well as its trails. “The
word “mountaineering” indicates travel on snow, and possibly glaciers
or ice to reach a summit.

2. Common risks and dangers in mountaineering

● Weather on big and steep mountains like Everest arguably has
caused more deaths than any other factor besides bad judgment
by climbers. Climbers rely on weather forecasts which could not
always go as predicted.
● Rock falls happen from time to time especially during heavy
rain or snow.
● Oxygen shortage on very high altitude also causes deaths
among climbers. Though equipped with oxygen systems, there is
a considerable possibility that these will fail.
● Bad visibility caused by bad weather or by darkness is a major
hazard in the mountains. This lack of visibility causes other
problems to develop such as leading the climbers astray and to
walk off steep ground or cliffs.
● Snow falls cause extremely cold and wet conditions that may
lead to hypothermia. Snow and ice can also make a simple path
into a very dangerous place especially if there is a steep drop off
nearby.

3. Benefits of Mountaineering
Mountaineering have physical benefits as it offers aerobic
exercise which can improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce
unneeded fats. The sport requires the climbers to be strong as they
would have to lift heavy equipment and tools throughout their
mountain climbs.
 Mountaineering can also have many mental and emotional
benefits in addition to the apparent physical ones. These benefits can
be harder to quantify, measure and understand, and vary widely
between individual climbers. Mountaineering can certainly increase
pride and confidence.

4. Mountaineering Etiquette

According to Lasco, an admin of Pinoy Mountaineering website,

as a mountaineer, it is one’s job to be stewards of Mother Nature. Here
are a few important things to remember when climbing mountains :

● Do not throw your trash anywhere, instead place it in your trash

bag and bring it down the mountain and dispose of it accordingly.
● Do not vandalize or write words on trees and rock formations.
● Be considerate of other visitors and mountaineers. Minimize noise,
like shouting, playing of loud music, etc.
● Be respectful to the locals and their customs and traditions. Greet
other people when you meet them in the trails or in towns.
● Leave what you find. If you see something that is beautiful, please,
by all means just leave it there and don’t bring it home with you.
● Follow the “Leave no Trace” principles

5. Preparation for Mountaineering

Personal Health- As with any sport, before engaging in

mountain climbing proper training and physical preparation is needed,
for example, building endurance of leg muscles.

Clothing- While hiking, wear quick dry clothes and stay away
from cotton fabrics and denim pants since you will be sweating
profusely during the climb. Having your clothes go wet may cause
hypothermia. Prioritizing your hiking shoes should also go on the list.
 Gear- Tents are not needed for day hikes but is essential when
spending the night up the mountains. Lightweight and accessible tents
will also come handy to lighten up loads.

Food- Food plays an important part of your planning. It is the

source of your strength, fueling your body to continue the demanding
task of mountain climbing.

Water- For day hikes, 1 to 2 liters of water per person would

suffice. One may need more depending on one’s drinking patterns.