What’s in a Backpacker’s Bag?

Mountain climbing may be one of the most interesting sports that we have today. We all have seen pictures of climbers with their big bags on their way to the top of a mountain. You might have seen their enormous bag and wondered what kind of things are inside it. Most of the time, the content of a mountain climber’s bag may vary depending on where they are going and for how long they plan to stay there. Of course, if the plan is to stay just one night – and if the peak is possible to reach for a short period of time only – then it is practical to bring less for the journey.

If you are planning of climbing a mountain, say overnight, then here is a peek on what you should carry inside your very own backpack:

Sleeping bag/blanket and Tent – It is very important that you don’t forget to bring one, as it is where you will lay your tired body during the night.

Water – This is the number one thing that you should prepare. It’s true that you might come across a river or a body of water, but you always have to be sure to have a clean and safe drinking water. Here is a formula that you can follow: Number of days X 2 liters.

Food – Of course, if you have water, you have to have food to last the day. It is advisable to bring cooked food for convenience, or any pre-cooked ones like that of canned goods.

Utensils/Swiss Knife/Can Opener/Flashlight/Etc. – It is essential that you bring utensils for eating, as well as other indispensable items like a can opener and a Swiss knife.  These small things are usually forgotten, but they prove to be very helpful and they can be used to perform various functions during the hike.

First Aid Kit – Every climber has a first aid kit in his or her bag. A first aid kit is complete with medicine, antiseptics and other similar items. It is a kit that is used to cure small wounds and cuts, and sometimes it also serves as a first aid remedy to more serious injuries that a climber gets from the hike.

Clothes and Toiletries – No matter how adventurous you are, you still need a change of clothes and toiletries to clean yourself up at the end of the day. Extra clean clothes and soap are a must, especially if you want to look clean and fresh at the end of the hike.

These are just some of what a mountain climber would call ‘essentials’. The items and the quantity that you need to bring would still vary depending on the hike that you are planning.

The Importance of Wearing Suitable Garments for Mountain Climbing

We have discussed before that mountain climbing is not an easy sport. In fact, many people consider it dangerous, but because of the great experience that can be had from this activity, a lot of people still give it a go.

Aside from collecting safety tips, it is very important that you pay attention to every detail before you climb a mountain. You have to consider the tools that you will bring, especially if you plan to spend the night there and of course, the clothes that you will wear. The garments or clothes that you wear for a climb are very relevant because of the following reasons:

You have to feel comfortable. Remember that you will be engaging in hours and hours of endless walking, until you reach your destination. Most often than not, you will encounter a lot of difficulties along the way. It is important that you wear clothes that are comfortable, in order to make your climb a little less stressful and difficult. Choose clothes that allow you to move freely and with less restriction in body movements.

Consider the weather or the season. You have to keep in mind that the weather or the season determines the type of clothing that you need to wear. Always remember though that you only have to bring what you need for the duration of your journey and that bringing excess garment is not practical, as it may cause you to have a heavier load. If it’s cold, think of the basics like a good warm jacket for your body, gloves for your hands, and a scarf that you can use for multiple things.

Wear the proper footwear. Aside from clothes, perhaps one of the most important factors in climbing is the shoes or the footwear. It is crucial to have an appropriate pair, not only for comfort, but for a safe climbing experience as well. Take note that you will walk on rough roads, both dry and wet – depending on the weather and location – so you better be ready to walk on slippery surfaces and even on rocky ones.

Mountain climbing is not just about preparing your mind or what’s going into your bag. Another important thing that you need to prepare is the garments that you will use for climbing. All these things are essential to make sure that your mountain climbing experience is safe and of course, fun.

Why is the Philippines Ideal for Mountain Climbing?

One of the many activities that anyone can enjoy, especially in the Philippines, is mountain climbing. A lot of people find it very interesting and fun to explore various mountains, regardless of how simple or difficult it could be. There are many local mountains that are greatly popular with many climbers because of varied reasons. Nevertheless, both local and tourists alike find the country to be an ideal location for such activity because of the following reasons:

The Philippines is home to many different types of mountains. In the Philippines, there are a lot of mountains that you can explore wherever you go. From Luzon to Mindanao, you will definitely find a mountain that you’d be interested to climb. Some examples of these include Mt. Pulag in Luzon, Mt. Kanla-on in Visayas and Mt. Apo in Mindanao.

From easy to the most difficult ranges, there are plenty of mountains to choose from depending on your skills and experience.

It is relatively safe if you take all the necessary precautions. The most popular mountains in the Philippines have been explored over and over again by many hikers and climbers. Newer and much safer trails have been discovered or made and used through the years, making it easier for newbies to follow tracks better.  Because mountain hiking is popular in the country, a lot of safety reminders and precautions have been added to safeguard the well-being of every mountain climber.

In addition to this, mountain climbing is considered safe if you would follow all the safety precautions. For example, if you decide to climb a pretty difficult mountain, it is never safe to go alone. You must also make sure that you have all you need and that your mind and body are prepared.

There are a lot of active mountain climbing groups that you can join. With the activity gaining more popularity these days, there are numerous groups out there that aim to help anyone interested in having a wonderful experience by climbing in groups. Most often than not, the organizers of these groups are experienced climbers who can definitely assist in your climbing.

Mountain climbing is one of the best sports or activities that you can try in the Philippines. With the abundance of mountains that you can explore, all you have to do is call your friends, pack your things and just go.