Here is some important information. Please read before going to the mountains.
Here is some important information. Please read before going to the mountains.
Please plan your activity
You need to know where you are going and why. Mountains are the best places in the world however they are demanding. They want us to learn.
Please use the right equipment
Get familiar with your equipment. Check how it works in your home.Please don't let it surprise you up there.
Please make use of others' experience
Hire a guide, take a course or lesson. Please be ready to go to the mountains.
The equipment
piece of advice
Clothes
You will need clothing that protects you from the cold, wind and rain or snow. It is best to wear layers, from thermal underwear, through fleece and down jacket to a jacket with a membrane. A hat, buff and gloves are a must all year round.
Backpack
It is important that your backpack is comfortable and does not restrict movement. The most important thing is what is inside. Obligatory: first aid kit, thermos of tea, food, water, clothes, compass, map, headlamp.
Shoes
They should be adapted to the conditions, mountain like. Vibram has been making the best soles for years, but other mountain companies also have their own patents. In winter, we usually wear stiffer shoes, to which we fasten crampons. The eternal question: high or low? Comfortable! The ones that make you feel good.
We may need some gear
It is possible that on our trip you will need a climbing helmet, a harness, a lanyard for via ferrata. In winter, it may be crampons, snowshoes or avalanche ABC. It is worth considering walking with trekking poles. Before the trip, I will teach you how to use this equipment and either provide it for you or help you rent it
You will ask yourself if I will really need, for example, a map and compass, since I am going on a guided tour. You probably won't. Although, of course, you can imagine a hypothetical situation in which they could be useful. I am more interested in a certain routine of packing for the mountains. In my (and others') opinion, such equipment is the basis for safe operation in the mountains.
There are tons of guides online on how to pack and what to take with you. It's worth finding your favorite style and sticking to it. It's also worth knowing your gear. Even if you're using it for the first time, check how it works, read the instructions, ask me on the trip. I'll be happy to help.
Getting ready to go to the mountains
yet another piece of advice
Stay fit
Keep fit all year round. Regardless of whether you go to the mountains or not. It will be easier in the mountains, but it will also be useful in the city.
Buy the insurance
Consider insurance. In Poland, rescue operations are free, in Slovakia (for example) they are not. It is worth considering mountain insurance, special. There are such.
Learn a little bit
Read anything. Learn the basics, listen to a podcast. It's also about building a good habit. You'll end up in the mountains without a guide someday. See also below about leave no trace.
Be ready to back down
Be prepared to turn around and not reach the summit. Sometimes it's the only sensible decision. Change your plans if necessary. Read the announcements from the parks, rescue services, the weather forecast. The mountains will wait.
