7 Mountain Climbing Safety Tips

Canada is known for several grandiose mountains. There are approximately 21,000 named mountains in the country. The highest peak is located in the Mt. Logan with an elevation of 5,959 meters above sea level. One of the things that you can do is mountain climbing - an activity where you reach a certain altitude by means of hiking, rock climbing and even glacier crossing. Mountain climbing is an activity where you reach a certain altitude by means of hiking, rock climbing and even glacier crossing. Taking part in such an activity will make you admire the scenery and help strengthen your body. 

How to Go Mountain Climbing Safely

Mountain climbing is indeed exciting. But before you get thrilled with this activity, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the following safety precautions:

#1 Get your body prepared.

Whether you are a first-timer or an expert hiker, having your body prepared is the first thing you should do. Mountain climbing is a strenuous activity. It requires strength and endurance to make the best of it and avoid injuries.  Participating in activities that can strengthen your leg muscles will significantly help because you will be walking a lot. Also, you need to improve your arm strength for you to grip firmly when climbing. 

Cardio endurance is another thing you need to focus on. Since you will bring many things, you need to have the stamina. Doing these a month or a couple of weeks prior will do much good in your trail. If you have an underlying health condition, it is best to consult your doctor if you are fit to do this kind of activity. 

#2 Use the right gear.

Before engaging on a trip, make sure to read about the mountain. Some mountains may require technical climbing. In this case, you need to have the right gear with you. Improvising is not a good idea because it doesn't guarantee safety. The mountain guides provide some of them, and while others are available for rent.

#3 Wear the right clothing.

Aside from gears and equipment, you need to take into consideration what you will be wearing. Have something comfortable and will allow you to move freely. It will also be great to add or remove your clothes easily because there will be changes in the temperature as you go higher. 

You can follow the three layers of clothing, consisting of the base layer, middle layer and outer layer. The base layer keeps away the moisture from your body, the middle layer gives the insulation, and the outer layer protects you from the wind, rain and snow. It is not recommended to wear clothes made out of cotton because it is absorbent and will make you feel sweaty and cold.

#4 Check the weather.

The weather is something to anticipate when mountain climbing. It will help you prepare the things that you will need on the day of your trip. It is unpredictable; that is why you should always be ready. There will be times when you are on your trail. Meanwhile, there could be an extreme change in the weather condition, and you shouldn't think twice about going back. If it happens before the scheduled date, it is best to delay it.

#5 Have proper acclimatization.

Proper acclimatization will be useful to avoid altitude sickness. Acclimatization is how your body adjusts in a different climate. It will save time to have your starting point at a higher altitude, but it will make it challenging for your body to adapt to climate change.Take things slowly and start from the bottom. You need to take this seriously, especially if you are planning to climb more than 8,000 feet.  

#6 Know what to do with wildlife encounters.

The mountain is not a domesticated area. You may encounter wildlife as you travel along the way. No matter how much you are fascinated by it, do not try to come close or even feed them. There are ways to reduce the chances of encountering them. Create sounds that will make them aware of your presence but not disturb them. Pay attention to noises and smell that may indicate that something is near you. If you come across wildlife, do not make yourself look like a threat. Instead, move away slowly and quietly. 

#7 Know the emergency numbers.

If something urgent came up during your trip, it would be helpful to have a list of numbers to call. From local authorities to your loved ones, you should prepare it before your departure. Also, notify your family and friends if you are going to an activity like mountain climbing. You never know what will happen to your trip. Aside from emergency numbers, you should know how to do some first aid. Applying first aid is critical in every situation. Most of the time, the one who saves the person is not the medical team who comes after a few hours but the first responders who apply the first aid. 

Most mountains have their routes in climbing up the summit. It is essential to follow these directions to avoid getting lost. Some hikers leave markings to help others keep in track. If you are mountain climbing in groups, always stay beside them. Once you reach the summit, do not get too excited and avoid challenging poses for your photos. Reaching the summit is not the end of your mountain climbing. Going down is a whole new experience. 

When you are climbing up a mountain, you need to have the proper gear and equipment. Not only that, but you should also As you keep yourself away from any harm, the same thing goes with the environment. Keep in mind that you are only visiting for the time being. Anything that you didn't see there when you arrived shouldn't stay there. There are reports of mountains getting burned because of irresponsible hikers, and you shouldn't be like them.