It was in 1953 that Edmond Hilary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people on the planet to climb Mount Everest.
This was an incredible feat of mountaineering, especially given that the equipment they used at the time was nothing like what we have today to give us advantages in climbing and keeping warm.
But mountaineering isn’t all about superlatives. Many people enjoy mountaineering these days without putting themselves in risky situations where they could face death! But what is mountaineering?
If you’re interested to know, we’re going to discuss what mountaineering is all about, and the benefits attached to this pastime. So if you want to learn the ropes, read on.
What Is Mountaineering?
Mountaineering, otherwise known as alpinism, is a collection of outdoor activities which involves people going up and down mountains. Of course, climbing is one of those activities, but other things such as survival skills and planning are required to be a successful mountaineer.
One of the amazing things about mountaineering is that there are so many terrains to explore and climb on. For instance, in cooler climates, you’ll have to deal with a lot of snow while in warmer regions, this may not be an issue.
The ultimate reward of mountaineering has to be when you reach the summit of a mountain. When you’re up there, you can soak in incredible views and feel like you’re on top of the world way up above the clouds!
One of the best mountaineering tips we can offer is to start small. It’s often the case that people who begin by biting more off than they can chew learn some very harsh lessons when it comes to mountaineering. The elements can be very unforgiving, so some solid mountaineering advice is to embrace being a beginner and then progress your skill levels slowly.
Common Mountaineering Equipment
The equipment you need for mountaineering will depend on where you are planning to climb, along with the time of the year. However, there are a number of checklist items you should think about investing in if you want to start mountaineering.
Here are a few mountaineering checklist items to consider:
· Climbing pack
· Helmet
· Ropes
· Crampons
· Harnesses
· Probe and pulley
· Gloves and athletic tape
You may also want to get yourself an ice ax, snow protection gear, a headlamp, and a shovel. But there are many other items to think about, so do your research and find the relevant items to suit your next trip. For instance, if you are planning on going on the Machame route, see what other mountaineers recommend you take with you.
Mountaineering Benefits
There are so many benefits to mountaineering since it encompasses multiple activities. You’ll always be learning and they’ll always be new experiences to embrace when you become a part of the mountaineering community.
So here are some key mountaineering benefits to consider:
Provides Exercise and Good Health
Mountaineering offers you a thrilling form of exercise. Instead of being stuck in a gym, you’re out in the open, appreciating beautiful views while getting a healthy dose of exercise when you climb mountains.
Hiking tends to be a large part of mountaineering, since in many cases you have to walk a fair distance to the mountain you want to climb. The reason for this is many mountains don’t have roads close to them.
Another consideration is that you’ll be at high altitudes while exercising. This means you may develop a better VO2 max, which is great for your overall health. And with all those calories you burn climbing up mountains, you can expect to shed a lot of unwanted weight in no time!
Improves Your Mental Health
Exercise is a great way to improve your mental health, and mountaineering is a great way to go about doing so. Furthermore, being out in nature is another way to promote a better mental state of mind.
Many mountain climbers get addicted to mountaineering, as it’s a way to detach from all the stresses and strains of the world. Plus, when you climb high above the busy little world down below, you can gain a new perspective on things. Instead of being focused on small issues, when you’re at the top of a mountain looking down, you can see the bigger picture, literally!
Social Benefits
Mountaineers are ambitious, resilient, and positive-minded lot. So if you’re on the lookout for new inspirational friends, then get into mountaineering!
Experiences are always better when you have company to share them with. That’s why many people go in groups when they go mountain climbing, and for obvious safety reasons too.
The friends you make when you get into mountaineering will be genuine, as you have to rely on each other. Plus, you won’t always be climbing up and down mountains, but surely have plenty of celebratory parties among other things.
Embrace the Explorer in You
If you’re fed up with the same mundane and tedious routines in your life, mountaineering can offer you the escape you’re craving! There are so many countries around the world where you can climb mountains. And when you visit these places, you expose yourself to new cultures, which can be fascinating.
You can see how other people live, eat new foods, see incredible views, and embrace the explorer in you by getting into mountaineering. Plus, if you get good enough, it could even turn into a full-time career!
Get Into Mountaineering
What is mountaineering? It’s a lifestyle choice as much as a set of activities. You have the potential to make new friends, improve your fitness and mental health, and explore the world! If you enjoy a challenge, get into mountaineering!
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