| When mountaineering it's absolutely essential that | | | | missing person in your group. |
| your backpack isn't weighed down with items you | | | | 6. Food and Water |
| don't really need, and you have all the essential items | | | | Food and water is obviously a necessity, but you |
| you need for a successful and safe mountaineering | | | | have to remember to take additional supplies than |
| trip. I've listed these essentials below: | | | | you think you need. There will always be times when |
| 1. Backpack | | | | you are low on energy and need to take on extra |
| You obviously need a backpack, but your choice of | | | | carbohydrates and sugar, and you will always need |
| backpack should not be taken lightly. You need to | | | | extra water. |
| ensure that you choose one that can carry all your | | | | 7. Matches |
| essential items, and is also comfortable to carry. | | | | It's a good idea to take some matches with you |
| 2. Clothing and Footwear | | | | (ideally waterproof ones) for when you need to start |
| It's not only essential that you wear the proper | | | | a fire. |
| clothing and footwear for the particular climb you're | | | | 8. Sun Protection |
| undertaking, but also that you take extra clothing for | | | | Sunglasses, a hat, and high-factor sunscreen should |
| when the weather changes and you need insulation. | | | | also be taken to protect yourself from the sun. Even |
| 3. Navigation Equipment | | | | in very cold conditions the sun can still burn your skin. |
| When mountaineering you should have a full map of | | | | 9. Repair Kit And Tools |
| the area and a compass, and crucially you should | | | | There will nearly always be times on a trip when you |
| know how to use them before undertaking any | | | | have to carry out repairs so take a few helpful tools |
| major mountaineering expedition. | | | | like a Swiss Army knife and some duct tape. |
| 4. First Aid Kit | | | | 10. Emergencies |
| A first aid kit is absolutely essential in case of any | | | | Finally, you should always be prepared for any |
| emergencies, but you should also have at least some | | | | emergencies so you should have some form of |
| basic first aid training beforehand. | | | | emergency shelter, and a way of calling for help |
| 5. Lighting | | | | (such as a mobile phone or two-way radio) in case |
| A small flashlight and/or a headlamp can be very | | | | you get in any trouble. |
| useful when night falls, or if you need to find a | | | | |