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.

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.

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.