Walking
in the Mountains has become one of today’s most popular outdoor pursuits. Gone
is the earlier image of a pastime for strangely dressed eccentric old people
dressed in woolly hats, hobnail boots, corduroy trousers and tweed jackets.
Modern
outdoor clothing is actually a multi million pound business that often has more
to do with a fashion statement then practical use.
Cutting
through the preverbal crap and pushing fashion statements to one side, lets
take an actual look at what is needed for an enjoyable day on the hills.
The
following Ten Items are essential, not just for
comfort
but for actual survival and safety.
(1)Warm clothing
consisting of:-
Base layer:-
Under
shirt or T-shirt, under clothes and Socks. (Thin liner socks and thicker
walking socks)
Mid
layer:-
Fleece or woollen top. Trousers or shorts in the summer (Do
not wear jeans, they hold water and will freeze on you in Winter. Cotton also
holds moisture so avoid. Man made fabrics such as polyester do not hold
moisture and dry much quicker.)
Outer Layer:-
Waterproof
Jacket (Breathable is best for comfort.)
Waterproof
trousers, Hat, Gloves.
(2) Footwear:-
2
Season boots for Summer, they are light weight, waterproof,
slightly
flexible and have good ankle support
3
to 4 Season boots for Winter, they are tough, rigid soles that can take
crampons, waterproof with strong ankle support.
Avoid
footwear without ankle support. Trainers in winter or on wet grass can be
lethal.
(3) Rucksack:-
25
to 35 litre rucksack is ideal as a day sack. Choose one that has a breathable
back support, hip band and adjustable shoulder straps. The more money you pay
the more features the pack will have. For example, wand pockets, camel pack
compartment for water container and external waterproof cover.
The
OS Explorer maps are ideal, they give excellent detail and are clear to follow.
Unless the map is laminated, keep it in a waterproof case.
There
are various compasses on the market, however try to get one that has the needle
suspended in fluid, such as a Silva Compass. The essential factor is learn how
to use a Compass and read a map before venturing onto the hills.
Whistle,
Torch with spare battery, (LED last longer) First aid kit, Bivvy bag and a
spare set of laces. (These can be used either for your boots or to tie a broken
strap)
(6) Enough food and drink
for the day:-
Water
or fruit drinks(hot or cold) Avoid Tea or Coffee they help to dehydrate you.DO NOT TAKE ALCOHOL.Alcohol not only dehydrates
you it will help to bring on the effects of hyperthermia very quickly. Easily
digestible foods will get energy into your system much quicker. Bananas and
dried fruit are a better source of blood sugar then chocolate.
(7) Plan your Route:-
Plan
your walk and have an alternative route to use if the weather is poor. Don’t
take on more then you can cope with. Start with simple walks and build up your
skills over a period of time. Build in escape routes into your walk should
conditions deteriorate. Tell someone where you are going and what time you
expect to return. Leave a note in the glove compartment of your car. (If the
car is still in the car park after several days and comes to the attention of
the emergency services then at least a route note in the car will give them
something to work with.)
(8) Check the weather:-
Don’t
leave it to chance. Always check the weather outlook a few days before you
go. Avoid extreme weather conditions such as high winds and lightning. At
the first sound of thunder,GET DOWN. You
can survive getting wet, but it is unlikely that you will survive a lightning
strike. If you are caught out crouch down on your mat or rucksack at the lowest
point you can find, do not hold on to anything metal and wait for the storm to
pass.
Take
sun screen, the effects of the sun on the mountains can be quite dramatic.
Always
carry a sun hat and sun glasses.
(9) Comfort:-
Use
a liner sock under your thick sock. This helps to cut down blisters which if
left can make your day miserable. Don’t try going out in new boots, break them
in first. Take a pack of tissues for those essential, personal moments.
Have
a good nights sleep the night before. Avoid going on the beer the night before.
You will be very dehydrated and will tire very quickly. Have a good breakfast
before starting.
If
you are not to worried about having the latest outdoor designs in clothing, a
visit to places like TK Max, Cotswold Rock Bottom Store, MM sports or the
various factory outlet stores can provide you with first class equipment at
rock bottom prices.
Most
of all enjoy the experience. Its not about endurance or taking your body to the
limit. Its about finding peace and tranquillity, becoming one with nature,
enjoying the company of your companions and perhaps having a good night in the
pub afterwards to boast about your days activity. David
DONTWEAR COTTON JEANS , WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR USE.
DONTTAKE ON MORE THEN YOU CAN HANDLE, START WITH SMALL WALKS AND DEVELOP YOUR SKILL FIRST.
DONTPUT YOUR SELF IN DANGER, BY DOING SO, YOU PUT OTHERS IN DANGER
PLAN YOUR ROUTES IN ADVANCE, TELL SOMEBODY WHERE YOUR GOING
HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT GOOD FOOT WEAR, SUCH AS WALKING BOOTS, WATER PROOF CLOTHING, WARM LAYERS RATHER THEN ONE HEAVY LAYER, HAT, GLOVES, RUCKSACK WITH A SMALL FIRST AID KIT AND ENOUGH FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE TRIP.
A MAP AND COMPASS,KNOW HOW TO USE THEM, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Mountain safety is about being prepared and using commonsense
Know your Limits and be prepared to accept that it is safer to say enough is enough when conditions become dangerous and hazardous, Remember this pass time is not about endurance its about enjoying the experience.
Safe on The
Mountains
Under
shirt or T-shirt, under clothes and Socks. (Thin liner socks and thicker
walking socks)
Fleece or woollen top. Trousers or shorts in the summer (Do
not wear jeans, they hold water and will freeze on you in Winter. Cotton also
holds moisture so avoid. Man made fabrics such as polyester do not hold
moisture and dry much quicker.)
Waterproof
Jacket (Breathable is best for comfort.) 
2
Season boots for Summer, they are light weight, waterproof, 
3
to 4 Season boots for Winter, they are tough, rigid soles that can take
crampons, waterproof with strong ankle support.
Plan
your walk and have an alternative route to use if the weather is poor. Don’t
take on more then you can cope with. Start with simple walks and build up your
skills over a period of time. Build in escape routes into your walk should
conditions deteriorate. Tell someone where you are going and what time you
expect to return. Leave a note in the glove compartment of your car. (If the
car is still in the car park after several days and comes to the attention of
the emergency services then at least a route note in the car will give them
something to work with.)
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