THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MOUNTAINEERS

www.upmountaineers.org.ph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE No.1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLIMB PREPARATION

In preparing for a climb, several factors have to be taken into consideration by the prospective climber. No
backpacker-beginner or expert-can ignore physical fitness in preparing for a climb. A certain level of fitness
is required for a pleasant and safe climb. In order to enjoy the scenery and the company of fellow
backpackers, one must be fit to keep up with them. The lack of preparation has made a lot of potentially
great climbs end in total disaster.

Physical Fitness :

To help you in preparing for a climb, we have listed down some guidelines:

1. All participants of the climb must be physically fit. The best type of fitness program involves
continuous endurance training through aerobic sports such as running, swimming,
cycling and walking.

2. Weight training is the perfect supplement to an aerobic program.

This will help you develop your muscular strength and endurance.

3. Any participant in a climb who gets sick before the climb should forego his participation. A sick climber
becomes a liability to the group.

4. An old adage says that the best exercise for mountaineering is mountaineering. The hardiest hikers and
climber are those who spend a great deal of their time hiking, backpacking and climbing.

5. Being fit gives you the confidence to tackle climbs, such that psyching up come almost naturally.

Planning a climb :

The success of an expedition depends largely upon the amount of planning given to the activity. The
different components that make up a climb are discussed during the pre-climb meeting.
In preparing for a climb, a plan to climb must first be submitted and approved by the officers of the
organization in order to be a designated as an official climb.

A Climb Report Form (filled out with the necessary details) is submitted to the Executive Cabinet at least
three (3) days before the pre-climb meeting. The organizers of the climb should serve notice to the members
at least one week beforehand. Announcements should include the objective, nature, requirements and
itinerary of the climb. These announcements are to be posted at the organization’s Bulletin Board.

THE PRE-CLIMB MEET

Organizational regulations require that all the participants of the climb conduct a pre-climb meeting at least
three (3) days before the start of the climb. This is to ensure that the participants have enough time to
prepare for the climb. The pre-climb is a comprehensive study, presentation and discussion of the essential
parts of conducting a climb. Its format should include the following items:
A) The objectives of the climb

The objectives of the climb should be determined beforehand since this will determine the nature,
requirements and itinerary of the climb. Requirements for one type of climb may be radically different from
that of another climb, therefore, all preparations for the climb should be viewed in light of the climb’s
objectives.
For example, if the objectives is to ascend Mt. Guiting-Guiting’s summit (in Romblon), then it follows that
this climb would require a strong team, extra provisions and rock climbing equipment.

B) The nature of the climb

Climbs can be classified into six(6) categories:

1. Training Climbs: The primary purpose of these climbs is to meet the training requirements of the
Manuguit Outdoors Club applicants. The organization provides its applicants with a progressive
training program, which gradually prepares them for major ascents.

2. Minor Climbs: Minor climbs are also known as fun climbs. These climbs are conducted for their
recreational value. They are light and relaxing backpacking trips to accessible places like Mt. Susong
Dalaga in Lipa, Batangas and Imelda Falls in Majayjay, Laguna.

3. Clean-up Climbs: The primary objective of a clean-up is to help preserve and maintain a highly
impacted mountain by bringing down trash(left on the mountain), planting trees and maintaining trails.
These climbs are commonly held in Mt. Makiling, Mt. Makulot and Mt. Arayat.

4. Major Climbs: major climbs are ascents on mountains whose degree of difficulty is higher than those
used on training climbs. it usually takes several days to complete these climbs. Mt. Banahaw, Mt.
Kanlaon and Mt. Halcon are good examples of these climbs.

5. Guideship Climbs: Mountaineers provide groups with guided ascents. For a fee, select members can
organize a trek for groups interested in climbing a certain mountain. A guideship climb can tackle
mountains classified as major or minor climbs.

6. Exploratory Climbs: These are climbs wherein the routes are established and are ascended for the first
time. An exploratory expedition requires great amount of preparation and careful planning.

C) Route planning

An ascent must be studied with the aid of maps. The map usually gives information regarding existing and
possible routes, communities within the periphery of the mountain, distribution of vegetation, approximate
compass bearings and an approximation of the steepness of the terrain. More are discussed lengthily in the
BMC 3 lecture.

D) The itinerary of the climb

The value of having an itinerary is realized in keeping up with schedules to avoid unnecessary discomforts
such as being forced to do late treks or to set up camp in the dark.
Programming activities maximizes efficient use of time. In multi-day ascents or exploratory climbs, the
itinerary is usually formulated based on the study of the map which provides an approximation of the
distances to travel. The amount of gear and provisions required is determined by the established itinerary.

E) Climb organization

The first step in organizing a climb is the selection of a team leader, a scribe, a medic and a tailman.
The Team Leader: The team leader is selected according to his/her familiarity with the mountain and
his/her leadership potential. He /She is given an almost absolute role in decision making on that climb.
However, he/she should also be open-minded enough to accept suggestion, especially on decisions
involving the safety of the party.

The Medic: The medic should have a thorough knowledge of first aid techniques.

The Scribe : The scribe has the duty of documenting the details of the climb.

The Tailman : The tailman has the responsibility of bringing up the rear.

It is also a rule that a contact person must be chosen before the climb. The contact person should have a copy
of the itinerary and is responsible for activating a search and rescue team (if he/she is not contacted within
twenty-four (24) hours of the estimated date/time of arrival).

The second part of organization is subdividing the big group into smaller groups of five to seven members.
This facilitates the sharing of shelter, food preparation and increases the safety factor. The small groups
shall have a leader who is responsible for the management of his/her members.

F) Budgeting

An essential part of climbing is determining the approximate cost of transportation, meals and other
expenses. Each member usually pays for his/her transportation fare. A certain individual may be assigned
to prepare a certain meal during the climb. The cost of all the meals is summed up and payments are settled
later (usually in the post-climb meeting). Other expenses like spare batteries, trail food, etc. are for the
account of the individual mountaineer, unless discussed otherwise by the group members.

G) Meal planning

The amount of food to be carried on an expedition is determined by the length of stay in the wild plus extra
rations in case of emergencies. The climber must avoid buying his/her meal requirements at the jump-off
point because the presence of stores or markets in the area is uncertain. Even if the climber finds one, it’s
still uncertain that the store will have what he’s searching for.

It is better that the climber plans his/her meal before the climb so he/she can avoid those stuffs. Besides,
what are pre-climb meets for? The type and amount of food to be used and brought can be determined by
the following guidelines.

1. Meals should be able to provide and replenish the energy requirements of the climber. This means
packing a lot of carbohydrates with protein and fat rich food.
2. Multi-day ascents require meals that will not spoil easily. Food can be preserved through drying,
pickling and salting. Food treated with spices and vinegar usually lasts for days. There are also meals
which can’t spoil quickly (See Appendix for details)
3. It is easier to plan and prepare meals for smaller groups. Large groups require large and heavy cooking
utensils.
4. Meals should not be limited to pre-packaged food or canned goods. The creative outdoorsman can
come up with a hundred different ways of preparing nutritious and delicious meals in the wild.

Keep in mind however that the wise backpacker will design menus which will use light ingredients.
Canned tomato sauce may be replaced by powdered tomato paste. Soup mixes are lighter than their canned
versions. By using light ingredients, you will be able to lessen your load.

Trail meals are helpful in eliminating hunger and exhaustion during trekking. It can even act as your main
meal if you fail to eat during meal time due to delayed itineraries. Trail food should meet 3 requirements:
1. It should not induce thirst, since it would induce the climber to consume more water.
2. Nutritious and must satisfy your body’s energy requirements. Sweets in general, meet this criteria but
may require some catabolic conversions before your body can use it as a fuel.
3. Easy to prepare and should require little or no cooking at all. Time and fuel constraints must be
considered.

Samples of trail food: Crackers, nuts, candies, chocolates, fresh or dried fruits, corn flakes, pre-packed
gelatines, etc.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAIL MOVEMENT AND POST-CLIMB MEET

A) Group Formation
During the trek, there are some conventions followed regarding group formation. Some are listed below:

1. The lead man is always in front and is responsible for pacing the group, while the tail man is
responsible for bringing up the rear.
2. Line formation on narrow trails should be single file. Overtaking should be avoided
3. The ideal distance between two climbers is approximately two(2) meters. This gap will give climbers
some space in which to negotiate the trail and proceed along the group’s pace.

B) Trail signals
1. The signal for stopping is one long whistle blasts - and to commence trekking, two short whistle blasts.
2. The lead and tail men are the only persons who can give orders to stop or proceed.
3. The international mountaineering distress signal is six(6) blasts to a minute. To signal aid is on the way,
give (3) blasts to a minute.

C) Pacing
1. Always start with a slow pace to slowly warm up your muscles. Then gradually change your pace to
the group’s desired pace.
2. The pace of the group should be that of the slowest member or the person who has the heaviest load.
3. Do not allow anyone to lag behind.
4. Should there be a need to stop, inform the lead or tail man so that he or she can give the appropriate
order to stop.
5. Maintain a steady rhythm while trekking. When negotiating steep slopes, keep the rhythm (pace) by
shortening your strides. On level ground, maintain the rhythm by taking longer strides.

D) Trail techniques
In negotiating the trail, some techniques must be kept in mind in order to provide the safest and least
difficult route to the summit or objective. Some guidelines regarding moving on the trail have also been
mentioned here.

1. The ridge line is most often followed in path finding. Avoid water lines and gullies since water always
takes the steepest route down the mountain.
2. When crossing rivers or streams, bend your knees and face in a direction diagonal to the flow of the
current to prevent the strong ones from knocking you down. Unfasten your hipbelt and sternum strap
when crossing rivers and streams - whether a log bridge, over rocks or through the water itself. This
will allow you to remove your backpack quickly in case you lose your balance or fall into the water.
Backpacks tend to float, forcing you under the water.
3. Do not step on obstacles for they might upset your balance. Avoid dislodging rocks.
4. To maintain balance and traction during descent, learn to dig first with your heel or the side of your
foot.
5. When there is a need to hold on roots or vines, make sure first that they are sturdy enough to carry
your weight and that they do not have any thorns.
E) Rests
The interval between different stops will usually depend on the difficulty of the terrain encountered. Some
guidelines are listed below:

1. Treks on level ground - five (5) minutes rest for every hour of hiking.
2. Ascents - five (5) minutes rest for every thirty (30) minutes of hiking; on steep slopes - five (5) minutes
rest for every fifteen (15) minutes of hiking.
3. Descents - five (5) minutes of rest for every hour of hiking.

During rest periods, do not sit or lie down at once. Keep standing at least thirty (30) seconds to allow your
pulse to slow down to normal levels before sitting down. When resting, sip your water if you are thirsty.
Drinking too much quickly will induce an abrupt lowering of your body temperature. Check your
equipment before pack-up time and heed the signal of the lead man immediately.

F) Trail signs
It is unavoidable that there will be times when you have to communicate with other members of your team
or even other teams during a climb through the use of trail signs.

G) Trail Regulations
1. When trailblazing, avoid the indiscriminate cutting of vegetation. Keep trailblazing to a minimum to
preserve the natural state of the wilderness. Inform the person behind you of imminent obstacles or
dangers along the path.
2. When the group is unsure of the proper path toward the objective, several members should scout for
the right trail or path.
3. Side trails not in use should be closed to prevent others from using them. This can be done by blocking
the path with sticks or branches.
4. To make the path safer for hikers following you, cut sharp thorns and poisonous plants along the trail.
5. Do not litter. Pocket all food wrappers.
6. Smoking on the trail or during short rests is strictly prohibited.
7. Straps, flaps, belts and knots may come loose during the trek. It is the duty of the person behind you to
inform you if you had dropped anything on the trail.
8. If you get lost, do not panic. Asses your position and then take the necessary steps to find the correct
route.
9. In the event of an accident, keep the casualty comfortable and relaxed. Administer first-aid and transfer
the person to the nearest clinic or hospital.

The Post-Climb Meet

An essential part of the climbing experience is the climb’s assessment. This is where the participants of the
climb give their impressions and personal feedback on the climb. The team should meet within five(5) days
after the climb to review the strong and weak points of the climb. All the participants of the climb are
required to attend the post-climb meeting to share their assessments.

During the meeting, the team leader presides at the meeting while the scribe takes down the notes. For
future reference, the scribe fills up the Climb Report Form and submit it to the secretariat for filling within
two(2) days after the assessment. As a rule, all group equipment should be returned during the post-climb
meeting.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BASIC CLIMBING ESSENTIALS

Familiarity with the equipment used in mountaineering is a requirement for any serious outdoors man.
Bringing the right equipment will spell the difference between a comfortable night’s rest and a miserable,
sometimes disastrous, night in the wild. The number of equipment for mountaineering is so varied today
that selecting the appropriate item for you becomes a chore.
For this course, we will discuss the items that should go into your backpack for your stay in the wild. We
will also discuss attire for trekking and the proper care and maintenance of equipment. Climbing equipment
can be divided into two types - personal equipment and group equipment. You will find below the item’s
checklist for personal and group use. They are as follows:

Personal use:
1) Backpack
One of the basic pieces of equipment you, as a mountaineer will bring on the trek is your backpack. An
ideal backpack is large enough to contain all the gear and provisions you will need for a certain trip. Since
backpacks come in several sizes, make sure your backpack should also be sturdy enough to endure the
stress of rough handling and carrying heavy loads.

Today’s backpacks come with several features that make carrying loads over long distances more
comfortable. One of these features is the padded hipbelt. The hipbelt transfers the weight of the pack from
the shoulders to the hips, which increases comfort and carrying capacity. It also prevents the pack from
swaying excessively. Padded shoulder straps lessen the strain on your shoulders. A sternum strap will
prevent the shoulder straps from slipping off your shoulders. Quick-release buckels and gadgets make it
easy for you to adjust your pack.

There are two types of backpacks used in mountaineering. These are:

a) The External Frame Pack: with this type of backpack, the pack is attached to an external aluminum or
plastic frame shaped like you back and has a structure similar to that of a ladder. The shoulder straps
are attached to one of the upper rings of the frame. Backbands on the lower part of the frame from a
gap between your back and the pack which helps provide ventilation. The sack is usually divided into
two compartments and usually comes with several external pockets.

External frame packs are designed to carry heavy and unbalanced loads, and are ideal for treks with
wide, well-trodden trails. They may be cumbersome during a trek along narrow trails since they tend
to get entangled on vines and branches. On steep ascents, the external pack forces the body to stoop
forward, putting the weight flat on the back.
b) The Internal Frame Pack: The frame of the pack is incorporated into the sack. This frame, usually made
of aluminum bars or plastic, is contoured to conform to your back’s shape and is held in place by
sleeves along the back of the pack.

Internals are designed to hug the body more closely and give the arms room to move. They provide
good balance on steep ascents and ease of movement when moving along narrow trails. Fixtures like
lumbar pads increase comfort and compression straps help balance the load in the sack.

Since an internal pack is supported (usually) only by two parallel stays (bars), you must balance your
load with more care than you would when using an external. An internal can also be quite warm since
it hugs your back. Internals also feature a top loading design which can be bothersome when
unloading a gear.

2) Boots
Some trekkers consider their boots as being their most essential piece of personal equipment.
A good pair of boots is:
a) Ankle-high to prevent sprains
b) Cleated for traction
c) Sturdy enough to withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.

There are two types of boots used in tropical climates, the all-leather boot and the lightweight boot. The all
leather boot is usually sturdier, more supportive and water repellant, but is warm and heavy. The
lightweight boot is lighter and cooler but less water resistant and provides less ankle support. A boot with a
low impact sole is to be preferred to a boot an aggressive sole. These new soles provide good traction while
helping minimize your impact upon the trail and help prevent erosion.

3) Candles
4) Clothing
The type and amount of clothing to bring on a trek depends on the length of the trek and the conditions (like
rain or cold) you expect to encounter. Outdoor clothing should be able to provide protection against the
elements. Layering your clothing will also lessen your clothing requirements and is more versatile in
handling different conditions. This matter is discussed further in the BMC 1 lecture.

5) Dog Tag and Whistle

Your name tag (with your blood type) and whistle should always be worn during a climb for emergency
use. Any kind of identification you can carry during a climb is also helpful.

6) Earth Pad

7) First Aid Kit:

This kit contains essential supplies such as Triangular or Elastic bandages, medication for fever, diarhea,
allergies, skin irritation, other illnesses, Puritabs (for water purification), alcohol, insect repellent,
disinfectant and a snakebite kit. This kit should always be checked before every climb and is to be placed in
a waterproofed container.

8) Flash Light

9) Food
(See Meal planning)

10) Folding knife

This is a small and compact knife which can be folded into its handle for convenience and protection. An
example is the Swiss Army Knife. It often has other accessories such as a can opener, a saw, a screwdriver
and other useful tools. The blade is used for cutting rope, cooking, whittling and other camp chores.

Proper care:
• Sharpen your knife on a fine-grained sharpening stone. Use oil or water as lubricant. Lay the blade edge
on a stone. Raise the back of the edge slightly (a 30-degree angle between the blade and the stone will
suffice). Stroke the edge towards you and off the stone with a slicing motion, as if you were slicing into
the stone. Turn the blade over and stroke it away from you the next time. Continue back and forth until
the full length of the edge is sharp. Wipe the blade.
• Keep your knife keen and clean at all times.
• Never use it on things that might dull it.
• Keep it off the ground because moisture and dirt will corrode it.
• Wipe the blade clean after using it then close carefully.
• Keep it out of fire. The heat draws the temper of the steel blade and makes it soft and useless.
• Treat the joints to an occasional drop of oil to keep the blades easy to open.
• If blade do not move easily, open a few times in warm water, then dry in oil.

11) Fuels for the stove

12) Lighter and Matches

13) Mess Kit and Drinking cup

14) Note book and Pencil

15) Plastic Bags and Trash Bags

16) Packed Lunch

17) Rain Gear/Poncho

18) Repair Kit:

19) Rice and eggs

20) Rubber Bands / Garters

21) Sandals / Slippers

22) Sleeping Bag

The ideal tropical sleeping bag is light, compact and quick drying but warm enough to provide protection.
Three-season sleeping bags are more than adequate for tropical climbing.
Filling materials for sleeping bags include foam, fiber batting, polyester cotton and down. These materials
determine the suitability of the bag for certain conditions, as some filling material provide more protection
than others.

Proper care:
• Wash your bag only when it's so dirty you can no longer stand it. Each time you wash a bag, it loses a
little of its l oft.
• To keep your bag cleaner between washings, try a lightweight sleeping bag liner - either silk or nylon;
not cotton.
• Wash sleeping bags according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• You can hand-wash bags in a bathtub. Always handle a wet sleeping bag as if it's made of eggshells,
because the weight of the water can tear the baffles, which will render all the "draft tubes", "differential
cuts", and "shingle constructions" useless.
• Dry your bag on the air-dry cycle with no heat. If you hang the bag up to dry, make sure it has plenty of
support so the baffles don't tear. Several parallel clotheslines will work.
• Shake out and fluff up your bag before you use it to increase the loft and make it warmer.
• Don't store your bag in the sack it comes in! Instead, leave it out or store it in a big pillowcase. Too
much compression of the down will break down the loft.

23) Spoon and Fork

24) Sun Protection

25) Survival Kit

The survival kit should be put into a compact and waterproof container which can be carried by the person
during short hikes without a backpack. The contents include the following: waterproofed matches, a small
knife, a plastic tarp, a surgical rubber tube and emergency rations. Survival kits are usually placed in a
pack’s top compartment for easy access and portability.

26) Toiletries

27) Trail Food

(See meal planning)

28) Trail Water

29) Tying string

30) Wind Breaker

31) Water containers

Group Equipment:
The group equipment is divided among the members of the group. Each is assigned a specific equipment to
bring. If a climber fails to participate in the climb because he/she got sick, it is his/her responsibility to
bring his/her assigned group equipments and group food to the meeting place before the climb.

1) Bolo

2) Map and Compass

3) Cookset

4) Flag

5) Tent

6) Rope

7) Stove

8) Groundsheet

Packing of equipment
The maximum carrying load should not exceed one-third (1/3 or 33%) of your body weight. All equipment
which may be affected or damaged by water should be wrapped and sealed in durable plastic bags. Use a
large plastic bag as the inner lining for the backpack to provide additional protection.

Light items should be packed at the bottom and away from the frame while heavy items should be placed
close to the frame. The goal is to have a balanced pack.

Things which will be needed often or will require quick access (e.g., rain gear, first-aid, Swiss Knife, trail
food, trail water, etc.) should be placed in the top compartment or on the other side pockets for accessibility.
Flashlights should be stored with their batteries taped at the ends to avoid energy drain.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD PRESERVATION

Food preservation and preparation are crucial in mountaineering. There is no better reward to a long
exhausted day of trekking than the satisfaction of a delicious, well-prepared and meal.

For preserving meat (like beef, pork and chicken), the meat should first be cut into strips or cubes. Boil the
strips or cubes in a solution of one(1) cup vinegar and one(1) cup of water with two(2) tablespoons of salt
and one(1) tablespoon of pepper for every kilogram of meat. Onions, garlic and other spices you wish to add
may be included.

Despite this method of preservation, the meat will not have a sour or salty aftertaste therefore, this method
can be used to prepare the meat for any type of dish to be served in camp.

Dried and preserved food is relatively stable so further treatment may not be necessary. Fish can be dried
and salted before packing.

One of the common precooked meals brought by mountaineers during climbs is the ever popular, well
loved and indestructible pork adobo. The following is the usual recipe for it:
Pork Adobo
Ingredients:
1 kilo of pork
1 cup of vinegar
¾ cup soy sauce
¼ tsp. Peppercorn
1 clove garlic
cooking oil

Procedure:
Mix all ingredients in one pan and allow to boil. Simmer over low fire until pork is tender. Remove
remaining sauce from the pan. Add a little cooking oil and fry pork until it turns golden brown. Return
sauce to pan and simmer for two or more minutes. remove from fire and let cool before packing.