Mountain climbing is a very dangerous sport, sometimes just a hair’s breadth away from death.
Mountain climbing is a dangerous sport, sometimes just a hair’s breadth away from death. Harsh natural environments and personal mistakes can lead to accidents. Therefore, we should try to avoid dangerous situations, strengthen our technical training, and improve our survival ability in harsh conditions. While enjoying the joy of mountain climbing, we need to return safely. To ensure safety during the climb, climbers should pay attention to the following:Mountain climbing basics and safety tips
1. Warm up properly. Before climbing, spend 10–20 minutes doing muscle stretching exercises to relax your entire body. When starting mountain climbing exercises, do not increase the intensity suddenly—build up gradually. Usually, start with some simple warm-up movements, then gradually increase intensity according to a certain breathing rhythm, avoiding sudden changes in breathing rate during exercise. At the end of the workout, take time to relax so that your muscle groups maintain their strength and blood flows back from your limbs to your heart.
2. Carry necessary clothing, food, and gear. A pair of hiking boots is essential. Buy them slightly larger by one size, as your toes need some space when descending—if the shoes don’t fit well, you could get frostbite from unexpected cold snaps. During the climb, wear layered clothing because mountain temperatures can change dramatically; when clouds block the sun, anything can happen. One or two layers of lightweight Gore-Tex are better than wool because layers are easier to put on or take off. Always carry a very light down jacket, use a hat to protect your head in sunlight, and bring waterproof gloves for walking on ice—duck down gloves are even better. Also, remember to pack an extra pair of gloves as backup. Check whether your hat fits well with an oxygen mask and can adequately cover your face. Bring extra lightweight socks for replacement. Your sleeping bag must have at least 1000g (35 oz) of down filling—don’t skimp on it. In just a few days, your sweat will cause the bag to absorb about one kilogram of moisture, which you’ll notice in both insulation performance and weight. On sunny days, dry your sleeping bag on top of the tent, weighing it down with rocks. Use a double-layer sleeping mat at every campsite to protect yourself from stones—if you’re particularly sensitive to cold, you might want a double-layer mat at other campsites too. Don’t use crampons inside the tent, as they’ll damage the mats.
3. Get a health check before departure, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who rarely exercise. A health check ensures you have a good cardiovascular system and overall physical health. You may need to prepare more in terms of health to maintain good condition. Check your cholesterol levels—high cholesterol can cause fat to block blood vessels, leading to frostbite in a short time. Also, check for asthma, as cold, dry air in such environments can trigger it. Examine your heart, lungs, and brain, as blood thickens and puts strain on fragile vessels. A good circulatory system is essential—avoid tobacco, as it hardens arteries, and lower your blood pressure if needed.
4. Walk, don’t jump. Taking steps two at a time or hopping increases the burden on your knees and ankles.
5. Maintain a steady pace, not a rushed one. Walking at a consistent speed saves energy and helps maintain a positive mindset.
6. Stick to the path, not the slope. When going up or down the mountain, try to use steps rather than walking along sloped terrain.
8. Don’t always look up. Looking upward at the start of a climb can cause fatigue—keep your gaze three to five meters ahead while climbing.
9. Go slow on the way back. You can walk a bit faster on the way up, but slow down on the return to avoid injuring fatigued joints and tendons.
10. When traveling through rivers or on outdoor hazardous sections, always form a roped team with secure anchor points.
11. Stay calm when deciding on a climbing route or whether to turn back—don’t act impulsively.
12. Report your mountain itinerary to the person staying behind.
13. Follow the guidelines from reputable textbooks.
14. Report your location to the person staying behind, local authorities, or family members throughout the climb and descent.
15. Before and during your time in the mountains, stay updated on weather data and changes.
16. Never take any mountain lightly.
17. Keep the group close together, maintaining the ability to communicate front to back.
18. When necessary, retrace your steps or find a shelter to wait for rescue to conserve energy. To avoid getting lost, save energy, and move faster, stick to paths when possible—don’t cross forests or climb over mountains. Prefer main trails over smaller ones. If no path exists, choose routes along longitudinal ridges, mountain spines, mid-slopes, riverbanks, or open areas with tall trees, sparse woods, wide gaps, and low grass. Generally, avoid deep valleys or areas with dense underbrush and tangled vines. Aim to walk along ridges, not in valleys, and follow vertical lines, not horizontal ones.
19. Don’t attempt to climb up unmarked streams in valleys without paths, nor descend along rivers in deep mountains where routes are unclear. As high-mountain streams gradually steepen, those lacking climbing skills or familiarity with the terrain are prone to falls. It’s best to mark your path or follow flags left by previous climbers to navigate.
20. Do not drink excessively, as this can increase sweating and lead to greater physical fatigue. Additionally, adjust your pace and breathing as you walk—avoid sudden changes in speed. Make sure to refill your water bottle regularly during the hike.
22. Do not allow your body or clothing to get damp, as this can cause loss of body heat. Maintaining body temperature is a top priority when facing stress such as danger or fatigue. Also, stay aware of psychological changes in yourself and your teammates, and try to maintain emotional balance.