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.

What Are the Benefits of Mountain Climbing?

Mountain climbing may be regarded by other people as a dangerous sport or hobby, but there are still many who consider it as a very beneficial activity. If you are wondering what benefits could be had from this adventure, then here are some examples:

Meet New Friends – climbing mountains are usually done in groups. It is rare to find a climber who climbs all by himself. Aside from socialization, climbing a mountain with those who share your passion, allows you to be more at ease with other people you barely know. During the climb, it is unavoidable to trust one another, as you all have the same goal and that is to reach the summit safely by helping every member of the group.

A Form of Meditation – mountain climbing is said to be a form of meditation. It forces you to have presence of mind during the climb, to ensure safety and it also allows you to experience every moment of it – from the littlest things to the most remarkable moments of the journey. The feeling of success when you reach the summit is only a part of it all – the overall result is both uplifting and rewarding.

Learning to Take Risks – you will encounter a lot of obstacles in the mountains – from the difficult trails to dangerous animals – before you can reach the top. Mountain climbing gives you the opportunity to face your fears and to take more risks. It teaches you to be brave and be more confident in every decision that you make.

Appreciate the Beauty of Nature – aside from the personal benefits that you can get from mountain climbing, it also makes you more aware of the beauty of nature around you. You don’t just see it, but you feel it against your skin. The more immersed you are with nature, the more you understand and appreciate its very existence.

Mountain climbing gives us a chance to have a priceless experience. It has a lot of benefits, not only to our health, but also to our state of mind. Have you ever thought why some people put too much effort in climbing the most dangerous mountains in the world? It is because they know that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is an experience that cannot be taken away from them. It is a challenging activity that has the ability to make them feel complete and fulfilled.

Why do people hike even if it's dangerous?

The ultimate goal in climbing is to reach the summit. One should not climb if reaching the summit is not in his mind. However, before reaching the goal, several adversities will block the trail to the summit. Mountaineering is surely physically exhausting and it’s not a wonder why people question us on why do we still keep doing it. Engaging with the dangers of it doesn’t mean that we want to get rid of ourselves; mountaineering was never a punishment and it will never be. On the contrary, mountain climbing is an achievement. But just like any other victories, successful mountain climbing can only be done after surpassing a number of trials.

Now, going back to the question of why people still climb even if it’s dangerous? Questions like this will only be answered if you, yourself have tried climbing. As to us, we have several reasons why we still climb despite the challenges. To enumerate a few, we still climb because:

1. It’s our stress-reliever. It’s kind of funny that mountain climbing is considered as a stress reliever despite the physical aches that we get during the hike. Howbeit, reaching the summit is a different story. Being close to nature and realizing how small you are will make you realize a lot of things. Being united with nature brings a one of a kind feeling of liberation and serenity.
2. It pushes us to our limits. We think that we know ourselves already. But in mountain climbing, we were able to know ourselves even more. We have discovered that we have a lot more to offer when it comes to bolstering our skills and potentials. There are no two mountains alike. Every hiking is a lesson and every climb is a challenge of working under pressure while being positive and realistic at the same time.
3. It gives a feeling of achievement. The feeling when you have already reached the summit is exceptional. Mountaineering is our way of proving ourselves that we are strong enough to reach a goal. Naturally, people take pride on what they can do that others cannot. The feeling of success is like a state of grace that we would always want to feel.
4. It creates strong friendships. It was said that stressful situations create strong friendships. In mountaineering, you will learn to build trust with your hiking buddies. You have to grasp on the reality that you are independent but you should also be in charge of each other.
5. It makes us feel stronger. There are several preparations that we need to undergo before going into hikes. Our strength and endurance are being tested as well as our way of thinking. Mountaineering makes us feel that we are strong persons and that are one step closer to speaking our goals into existence.

“If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options.
You can climb it and cross to the other side.
You can go around it.
You can dig under it.
You can fly over it.
You can blow it up.
You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there.
You can turn around and go back the way you came.
Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.” 
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Every hike is like a trail to oblivion. Trail knows that hiking in the Philippines is treacherous. But our mountains, as well as our volcanoes are such beauties that we just could not withstand to not stroke with our own hands. It’s no secret to us that mountain climbing is a dangerous sport. Still and all, we mountain climb simply because it makes us happy.

Why You Can’t Climb Every Mountain

                Mountain climbing is an extreme sport and is easily associated to the climber’s physical, emotional and mental prowess. Without the three major elements needed, ascent to a mountain’s peak can tantamount to a grave danger. All over the world, mountaineers would risk their lives to that prove that nature is tamable but reaching the zenith of any land formation possible. On this journey, some succeeded but others did not.

Every Hikers' Must-Bring

Mountain climbing can be very exciting but there is one thing that everybody should always understand: regardless of the mountain’s difficulty, there are rules that need to be followed. Probably the first and only rule is not to hike a mountain unprepared.