MOUNTAINEERING

b. EQUIPMENT
The term mountaineering describes the sport of mountain
climbing. While some scholars identify mountaineering related Here are the following materials that a hiker needs:
activities as climbing and trekking up mountains, others are - matches in a waterproof case
also adding backpacking, hiking, skiing, via ferrata and - first aid kit
wilderness activities, and still others state that mountaineering - pack
activities also include indoor climbing, sport climbing and - toilet paper
bouldering. - water purifier
- about 20 meters of cord
VIA FERRATA. (Italian for “iron path) is a protected climbing - drinking cup
route found in the alps(high range mountain) and certain other - fishing hooks and lines
location - cooking gear
- axe or bolo
SKIING. a means of transport using skis to glide on snow - eating utensils
- some candy
TREKKING. is hill walking in exotic places - food in food bags
- pencil and paper
HIKING. is a rejuvenating outdoor activity which involves - extra socks
walking in a natural environment. Hiking over long distances - small flashlight with batteries
or over difficult terrains requires special skills and training and - knife
the knowledge of the route and its pitfalls. It can be a great - poncho or rain coat
form of exercise because it can be adjusted to any level of - compass
fitness. One can start on a level, well-maintained path and - whetstone
progress to more difficult hikes. Hiking can also promote - map
mental health. It can help relieve stress and relax your mind. - notebook

TYPES OF HIKING PACK. No matter how heavy the pack may be, it should not
cause discomfort. What you are carrying should be properly
ONE DAY HIKE. refers to a hike that can be done in a single arranged in the pack.
day.
a. KNAPSACK. a large bag with shoulder straps. It is
BACKPACKING. hikes that requires an overnight camp. made in various lengths and depths and is about as wide
as the back. Some have pockets inside or outside, or both,
PREPARING FOR A HIKE for small items.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT. one must be prepared with b. PACK FRAMES OR PACK BOARD. of different styles
clothing suitable for the weather and equipped for an eight – can be made or bought depending on your need. For
kilometer hike. carrying uncomfortably-shaped loads, pack frames are the
best because they cannot touch your back.
a. CLOTHING. is the most important item in any outdoor
activity. Hikers will not enjoy the hike if they feel cold or c. PACK BASKET. can be made from bamboo, rattan,
warm, or if their footwear is uncomfortable. The clothes and other local materials. They have shoulder straps and
must be strong and tough. These should fit them loosely are made in various styles.
to allow easy movement of the arms and legs. The shoes
should be well broken in and must have thick soles. They d. IMPROVISED PACK Hikers can easily improvise pack.
should not be tight. Others prefer to wear two pairs of When the need arises and there is no rack on hand, sacks
socks when they are hiking to cushion the feet better and and bags or even pillow cases and blankets will serve the
avoid blisters. A long-sleeved shirt will do during the cold purpose. Example is a blanket pack.
months, and short-sleeved shirt during the summer. One
should have spare under clothing for change when the
hike is over. On rainy days, it is advisable to carry a
raincoat. A wide-brimmed hat is ideal for both sunny and
rainy months. At the end of the hike, wet clothes, socks,
and shoes should be dried. If the day is cloudy, build a fire
and stretch a rope between two poles well above and
about a yard each from the fire. Tie the shoes by the
shoestrings and hang them so that the heat will strike the
soles. Socks and clothing should also be hung on the rope.

Prepared by: Jonathan B. Cerezo