Stock photo
Sunglasses
To protect your eyes from sunlight during the climb, it's advisable to bring a pair of sunglasses. They also help prevent misjudgments caused by glare and reduce potential risks while hiking.
Gloves
During a climb, you may need to hold onto handrails or climb rocks. To avoid abrasions or scratches on your hands, a pair of gloves is essential. Some gloves even have anti-slip palms that increase friction and make climbing easier.
Knee pads
Whether going uphill or downhill—especially downhill—your knees need protection from impact. The pressure on your knees is especially high when descending, so having a good pair of knee pads is very important.
Camera
Along the way up the mountain, don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery. A camera is naturally one of the essential items for hiking and one that most people won’t forget to bring.
Towel
Sweating is inevitable during the climb, so it’s best to bring a towel to wipe off sweat. Using tissues can create waste, and littering is common on mountains. Towels are more eco-friendly, absorbent, and can be soaked in water to cool you down.
Specialized climbing clothing
This includes specialized hiking shoes, thick cotton socks, and following the rule “loose shoes, tight socks.” As you walk, your feet will swell, so shoes should be slightly loose to allow room; socks should fit snugly to prevent blisters from prolonged friction. Also, be sure to wear properly fitting clothing made from scratch-resistant material.
Band-aids
Bring some band-aids. In case of minor scrapes, they can provide quick relief. Some suggest bringing a full first aid kit or medical box, but personally, I think essential items like these are sufficient.
Common medications
If you’re hiking with elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses that require medication—such as high blood pressure or heart disease—it’s best to carry their regular medications just in case. If something goes wrong at the foot of the mountain, it might still be manageable, but issues at the summit could be critical.
Trekking poles For smaller hills, they may not be necessary, but for larger ones like Mount Tai, it’s better to bring them. Trekking poles can make climbing more comfortable and make ascending and descending slopes easier. Big backpack. Of course, you’ll also need a larger backpack to carry all the essentials mentioned above.
[Mountain Climbing Knowledge]
Warm up properly
If you’re climbing a relatively high mountain or don’t often engage in climbing activities, it’s essential to do some warm-up exercises beforehand. Spend 10–20 minutes doing muscle stretching exercises to relax your entire body, which will make the climb much easier.
Add jumping motions
When climbing upward, consciously add slight jumping motions to each step. This not only saves energy but also makes you feel more energetic and lively.
When hiking, don't always look up—especially at the beginning—because the uphill path doesn’t yet offer any impressive views, and constantly staring upward can make you feel dizzy. Generally speaking, when facing a steep slope, it's best to stay close to the mountainside. If the slope is very steep, you can adopt a "Z" shaped climbing pattern, which is more energy-efficient.
Distract Yourself
Never keep thinking about how high the mountain is or how much longer it will take to reach the top while hiking. Staying calm and taking breaks along the way allows you to truly enjoy the experience and not miss out on the beautiful scenery. When feeling tired, take in the surroundings or even sing a song to shift your focus—the fatigue will ease up.
Relax While Descending
When going downhill, be sure to control your pace and avoid rushing down too quickly, as this can easily lead to injury. Also, remember to relax the muscles around your knees; keeping them too tense puts excessive pressure on your leg joints and causes muscle fatigue.
[Mountain Hiking Tips]
1. Hike in a group so you can help each other along the way.
2. Carefully choose your hiking destination. Consult local residents about the area’s geographical conditions and weather patterns, select a safe route, and mark it to avoid getting lost.
3. Bring proper hiking shoes, ropes, dry food, and water. In summer, carry plenty of water because hiking causes sweating; without adequate hydration, you may suffer from exhaustion or heatstroke.
4. It’s best to carry first aid supplies such as Yunnan Baiyao and adhesive bandages for treating falls, bruises, or sprains.
5. Start your hike in the morning or early afternoon, and head back to your base camp by the afternoon. Do not alter the hiking route or schedule on your own.
6. Carry your backpack on your shoulders rather than holding it in your hands—this leaves your hands free for climbing. You can also use a sturdy walking stick to assist you.
7. Never take photos near dangerous cliff edges to avoid accidents.
8. For group hikes, consider purchasing short-term group travel accident insurance.