There are a number of different types of equipment you can take with you. Mirrorless camera cases are small, and take up minimal space, but DSLR cameras can be bulky. You can buy material bags to protect your camera and carry it comfortably. You can also bring a tripod, and tissue for your lens and glasses. Hiking maps are an essential item, and laminated ones are best. There are other items you should consider, as well.
Protecting yourself from the sun, cold and dryness
Mountainous regions are prone to intense sun rays. As the air is thinner, UV rays are stronger, and snow reflects 90 percent of this radiation. Unprotected skin is vulnerable to burn injuries. Hence, you should wear sunglasses or other protective clothing when traveling in the mountains. During bright days, sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes, especially the delicate skin around your eyes.
While climbing in the mountains, it is advisable to apply sunscreen. This will protect you against harmful UV rays. Sunscreens with an UPF of at least 50 are recommended. For high altitude hikers, wearing sunglasses with a UPF of at least three or four is mandatory. While hiking at altitudes greater than 4,000 meters, you will also be far from civilization, so you should take along plenty of water and take extra precautions. Also, high-altitude hikers should carry enough hydration and use backpacks with padded straps and a waist belt to prevent sprains.
Comfortable shoes and socks
The right pair of shoes is as important as a good pair of socks when you’re trekking in mountainous areas. Lightweight socks will help you stay warm on cold days, while good insulation will protect your feet from the elements. Look for 1/4-length socks that are less bulky and have plenty of padding in the sole. In addition to good padding, you’ll want compression socks that keep your feet dry and odor-free.
Compression socks are an excellent choice for hiking or trekking because they reduce the risk of overexertion and injury. Made of nylon, compression socks are lightweight but won’t reduce your agility. They also keep your feet dry for up to eight hours, which makes them perfect for long trips and outdoor activities. While it’s difficult to find a comfortable pair of shoes, you should consider compression socks.
Protecting your eyes
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the cornea of the eye. They can cause irritation, pain, and blurred vision. Snow blindness is particularly harmful for adventure travelers. It can occur due to the refraction of 80% of the sun’s UV rays by snow or white sand. Sunburn on snow and sand can also result in sunburn. So, it is important to wear sunglasses or contact lenses whenever possible.
While the intensity of solar UV rays increases with altitude, it is still possible to protect your eyes. The highest intensity of UV rays occurs at noon during summer. The earth’s position also affects the intensity of UV rays. In the Northern hemisphere, the earth is 1.7% farther away from the sun during summer. Therefore, the chances of snow blindness are less in Quebec during the summer than in Madagascar.
In addition to UV rays, high-altitude environments can cause eye damage. High-altitude air has less oxygen, which can result in cataracts. Protecting your eyes while traveling to a mountainous terrain can help you prepare for the harsh conditions. The morning air from the mountains is fresh, but can also be cold. Wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes and keep your head hydrated.
Protecting your head
Before you start your trek in the mountainous terrain, make sure you’ve secured your head in a helmet. This way, you won’t risk suffocation from a helmet or the forward positioning of the chin strap. One way to test the chin strap placement is to open your mouth. When you open your mouth, the chin strap should be pulling the helmet down.
