Archive for June, 2010

Learning To Hike – Ten Top Tips

Hiking | Posted by admin
Jun 27 2010
hiking

1. Bring a mobile phone in case of emergency. If you are in any danger and you find yourself in a situation where you require immediate help, a mobile phone may be your only hope.

2. Use a well marked trail with good quality tracks or paths. Consult an up to date map to double check the route you intend to take: this will be essential if you accidentally get lost or need to alter your route due to inclement weather.

3. Take the appropriate footwear and clothing. Running shoes and trainers will wear quickly and are not suitable for braving steep mountains and rocky terrain. Proper walking boots are essential for longer hikes and appropriate clothing is also important, taking into account the temperature and the weather conditions.

4. Consider becoming a member of a local hiking club or organisation there you could join with more experienced hikers. They can offer valuable advice and insight into popular routes and those to avoid. This will also be a good opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

5. Take note of the weather forecast and be prepared for sharp drops in temperature when hiking up high mountains on dry, sunny days. Wind speeds will generally be gale force on high ground during unsettled weather so it is essential to properly plan your hiking trips and to consider postponing if the weather forecast is poor. Be extra careful in wintry weather when icy paths and rocks can be especially hazardous.

6. You must be in a good physical condition to take on long and challenging hikes, especially those involving a significant degree of climbing and steep trails. Do not do not overwork yourself and take a long rest whenever you need to – hiking needn’t be a race! If you plan on hiking regularly, be sure to take rest days so that your body can fully recover from a long day of exercising.

7. Take plenty of water, regardless as to the time of year. Even in low temperatures the body can dehydrate after prolonged exercise. Also ensure you have plenty of sandwiches or pre-cooked meals stored in a lunch box – you will be burning hundreds of calories and will need the energy.

8. Do not overload yourself with baggage – only bring essentials. A heavy backpack will cause back and shoulder pain, which will slow you down. When travelling as a group, make sure that each person carries a fairly equal amount in line with their size.

9. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit which must have sufficient medical supplies for all members of the group. Even on smaller hiking trails, a first aid kit will prove invaluable when the nearest hospital is several hours away.

10. Hike in areas with which you are familiar in order to gain experience. You can subsequently venture into the unknown, having first had some experience of long-distance hiking. If you are heading to a foreign country, get to know the language – this will be essential in an emergency. It is also another reason to travel in groups, with the objective of ensuring that at least one member of the party has a workable grasp of the local language.

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Could This Be The Most Ambitious Mountain Hike Ever

Hiking | Posted by admin
Jun 22 2010
hiking

It has often been suggested that the most dangerous destination for mountain hiking in the world is the hike up to Mount Huashan in China. It starts with the Heavenly Stairs, a long, steep narrow series of concrete steps which are tolerable at best. However, only the most courageous trekker would venture across Canglong Ridge (also known as the Black Dragon Ridge), which is even steeper and narrower, with very sharp drops to the left and right.

The next phase in this hike is a steep series of steps. Here, the climb becomes more severe as hikers reach West Peak Mountain, before climbing all the way to the top of Mount Huashan. The view from the top of the mountain is phenomenal and tourists who have been brave enough to reach the very top often wish that they could spend the rest of the day their admiring the view.
Unfortunately, the descent back down is said to be even more dangerous than climbing up the mountain. This is especially so in lower temperatures, when just one slip on the icy steps could send hikers to their death within seconds.

Another part of this hike involves a twenty foot series of chains which must be climbed with bare hands. The experience is akin to rock climbing but without any safety mechanisms to protect you from falling: you must reply upon sheer determination and your survival instinct.

Imagine walking on a plank of wood, think of a cliff and think of a 2000 metre drop – and you will be describing another part of the route. This section is particularly frightening, principally due to the fact that it is difficult not to see the drop to your right whilst you walk along the plank of wood that you fervently hope won’t break.

As you return and reach the long series of steps that take you back to the bottom, you will most likely feel relatively at ease, particularly in contrast with the experiences you have endured further up. Despite seeming terrifying when you were walking up them, the steps will appear to be simplicity itself if you have just survived walking along planks of wood that almost appear to be floating in mid air. The end will be near and before you know it the entire experience will seem like a dream. Your perspective of danger and fear will have been completely transformed forever.

It goes without saying that no one, regardless as to their level of hiking experience, should attempt to climb Mount Huashan unless they have the appropriate mountain gear and equipment. Even then, however, it is still discouraged. Those who do brave this dramatic and emotionally painful ‘ride’ may have recurring nightmares about it for years to come. During this experience, the distinction between life and death is little more than the distinction between your left foot and your right foot. The level of concentration required is immense and no one can afford to become distracted, even for a second. In this hike there are a million ways in which a hiker could be killed, but only one way in which to survive – which is to embrace the fear.

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What Hiking Equipment Do You Need As A Beginner?

Hiking | Posted by admin
Jun 19 2010
hiking

As with all hobbies, there is some initial outlay required in getting started with hiking. The array of products on offer can appear bewildering to a beginner, so here is a list to help sift the essentials from the luxuries.

 

Safety

A map and compass will help you remain en route. If you are using paper maps, take a waterproof map case for them. Berghaus and Sea To Summit both make excellent map cases which allow you to use your map in the rain without the map becoming damaged. For the modern hiker, a Satmap Active 10 Plus World Map GPS handset is a sturdy and lightweight alternative.

 

Sun protection: Sunscreen, a good hat such as the North Face Horizon, and UPF-treated clothing such as the Berghaus Pacific shirt combine to protect you from the elements.

 

A torch or headlamp: The Petzl Tikka 2 allows you to move hands-free, and the powerful light from the Lifesystems Intensity 210 VF LED torch will help you to attract help if you encounter any difficulty.

 

A First Aid Kit: Lifesystems and Adventure Medical Kits both produce excellent, ready-prepared kits. At the bare minimum we would recommend either the Lifesystems Explorer or Adventure Medical Kits Light and Fast Personal First Aid Kit, but if you will be gone for several days consider a larger, more diverse kit such as the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Weekender First Aid Kit.

 

Other safety equipment: Matches or a lighter, and some Light My Fire Tinder Sticks. A good knife or multitool such as the Victorinox Huntsman or Leatherman Squirt.

 

Additional food, water, and clothing. Pack plenty of water above all else.

 

Health and Comfort

Good hiking boots will support your ankles, absorb shock, provide grip, and help maintain your posture. The Berghaus Explorer Trek GTX Walking Boot is perfect for general hiking on most surfaces and contains GoreTex to keep your feet dry even in the rain. If you are venturing into hilly or mountainous terrain, however, you need a firmer boot. We recommend the Berghaus Explorer Ridge Walking Boot. Boots should be approximately one full size larger than your shoes.

 

Walking socks are thicker and more durable than regular wear socks and will make sure that your foot is cushioned and fits your boot snugly. With regular socks the danger of slipping inside your boots is high, which could lead to an accident or even an injury. Select socks which suit the weather – from the SmartWool Light Crew Sock for summer through to the SmartWool Heavy Crew Sock for winter.

 

A rucksack is essential for carrying everything you wish to take with you. For light trekking, we suggest the Berghaus Freeflow 25 Rucksack, but if you are also carrying camping gear then you will need a larger bag. Try the Berghaus C7 Pro 70 Plus 10 Rucksack, ergonomically designed and with excellent weight distribution measures built in.

 

A pair of Vango Deluxe Walking Poles will help you remain balanced, keep your spine protected, and absorb shock from your travels to keep you hiking all day.

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