(Climb Preparation: Personal Equipment, Group Equipment, and Leave no Trace Principle)

 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
 Backpack - Find a good quality backpack that is tested and trusted by mountaineers which is large
enough to contain all the gear and provisions you will need for a certain trip.
 Boots– As a mountaineer having a quality fair of boots is an investment and important equipment
that protect a hiker from any injury of the foot during a trek.
 Clothing – The type and amount of clothes a mountaineer should bring and wear is determined
through the period of stay and weather condition in the wild. Outdoor clothing should provide
protection against the elements.
 Wind Breaker – A light jacket without insulation which serves as shield from wind and cold.
 Earth Pad – From a simple rubber mat to the more high-tech inflatable ones. This serves as a
cushion between you and the ground when sleeping.
 Sleeping Bag – Should not be heavy and bulky. It is capable of protecting the mountaineers from
any elements in the wild.
 Dog Tag and Whistle – The name tag is for personal identification with your blood type and the
whistle is for emergency signal.
 First Aid Kit – In case of emergency; every mountaineers should bring with him/her a first aid kit
that has supplies enough to treat illnesses. In addition put other materials use for personal care
such as alcohol, mosquito repellent etc. It is also advisable to bring an anti-venom kit for snake
bite. Always checked the kit before trekking and put in in a safe container (water proof).
 Survival Kit – The survival kit should be packed into a compact and waterproofed container, which
can be easily carried by a trekkers during short hikes without a backpack. Contents include
waterproofed match, small knife, plastic tarp, surgical rubber tube and emergency rations.
 Candles – Serves as cheap alternative light source although not effective during windy conditions
and a fire hazards. Some climbers bring special lanterns for this purpose.
 Flash light- A small watertight flashlight with a bright bulb is a must.
Headlamps can also be handy.
 Lighter and Matches – Should be waterproofed.

 Folding knife – This is for protection and an essential tools in the

mountain. It is also better that a folding knife has other accessories

such as can opener, scissors, screwdriver etc.
 Fuels for the Stove – Pressurized gas, kerosene, and lighter fluid are

standard camping stove fuels.

 Water Containers – There are two kinds of water containers a non-

collapsible and a collapsible one. Made of sturdy plastic, usually two

separate 2-liter containers (total of 4 liters + trail water) should be
enough for an overnight climb. Always check for a possible leak.
 Trail Water – For hiking consumption. Around a litter or so.

 Mess Kit and Drinking Cup – Should be sturdy and light weight. Cup

should have a handle for easier use with hot drinks or broth.
 Note Book and Pencil – For taking down details and information.

 Plastic Bags and Trash Bags – For waterproofing clothes, equipment,

and other items.

 Rain Gear/Poncho – Mainly used in camp for moving around. Rarely

for trekking unless in a very cold conditions.

 Sun Protection – Sunblock lotion, caps, bandanna for sunny.
 Rubber Bands / Garter – All around use e.g. sealing plastic bags.

 Tying Strings – For lashing tent and other purposes.

 Repair Kit – should contain thread, needle, extra buckles, quick

acting glue, duct tape and other items for repair of different
equipment.
 Sandals / Slippers – For relaxing feet after the hike and avoiding

erosion in campsite.
 Packed Lunch – Usually your first meal when climbing, something

east to eat, digest and palatable e.g. sandwiches and fruits.

 Rice and Eggs – Not a necessity since some prefer pasta or bread,

however packing eggs individually wrapped in plastic with the rice

in a hard container is a good training for packing your bag.
 Spoon and Fork – Preferably metal.

 Toiletries – Contains toothbrush, small type of toothpaste, floss

which can be used as thread I repair kit, small comb or hair brush
and tissue paper.
  
 GROUP EQUIPMENT:
 Bolo
 Cook set
 Flag
 Groundsheet
 Map and Compass
 Rope
 Tent
 Trowel
 Stove
THE LEAVE- NO- TRACE PRINCIPLES

 Plan ahead and prepare.

  
 Consider your goals and the goals of the group.
 Gather information, expectation and getting technical skills, knowledge in
first aid and equipment.
 Pick an appropriate journey for your group and allow plenty of time to
travel and camp.
 Be prepared to sit tight or turn back if you sense danger or sustain an
injury.
  
 Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  
 Sticking to the tracks is best they are specially made for walking on.
 If there are no tracks, avoid non-durable ground such as soft plants,
stream edges, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers.
  
 Dispose of waste properly.
  
 “Pack it in pack out”. Any user of outdoors has a responsibility to clean-up before he or
she leaves. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spoiled foods. Pack out
all rubbish and kitchen waste including left over food.
 Lead by example. Pick up any rubbish you see not just your own.
 Never miss an opportunity to use proper toilet facility and don’t dispose your rubbish
on them. If there are no toilets be prepared and know how and where to dig a cat holes
or when to carry them.
  
 Leave what you find.
  
 When we leave rocks, shells, plants, feathers, fossils, artefacts and other objects of
interest as we find them, we pass the gift of discovery on to those who follow.  Leaving
what you find should be your first thought when you find something interesting or
attractive. 
 There may be times and places when it is OK to collect something (for example for
a child to collect some seashells or pretty rocks on a beach).  But remember, we
humans are very good at taking without thinking and there should be places where we
show self-control.  Mostly it is better to hold back and leave what we find, rather than
have a shelf full of lifeless and dusty unvalued souvenirs. 
 Particularly, never disturb culturally sensitive sites.
  
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
 
Fires destroy important natural areas. Many of these fires are either carelessly or accidentally set by uninformed
campers and travellers. Large uncontrolled wildfires set unintentionally can spread rapidly and result in the
critical loss of natural habitat, property and human life. First check whether fires are permitted in the place you
are going.
Along with the destructive nature of fire, the natural appearance of many areas has been compromised by the

careless use of campfires and the demand for firewood. Campfires are beautiful by night. But the enormous
rings of soot-scarred rocks – overflowing with ashes, partly burned logs, food and rubbish – are unsightly.
Surrounding areas have been stripped of their natural beauty as every scrap of dry wood has been torched.
Leave No Trace educates people on whether a fire is appropriate, and techniques that can be used to minimize

the harm they cause.

Respect wildlife.
 
Encounters with wildlife inspire wonder. If wild animals are changing their behaviour because of our actions, we

are too close and interfering with their normal behaviour. 

 Never feed wildlife- human food is toxic to many of animals living in the wild.
 
Be considerate of other visitors.
 
Today, we must consider the rights of traditional land owners as well as share the wilderness with people of all

recreational persuasions. There is simply not enough country for every category of enthusiast to have exclusive
use of land, wilderness, trails, bush, lakes, rivers, and campgrounds. Consider others, and what they might be
trying to get out of their outdoor experience.
Respect locals and their property. Pass quietly through farmland and leave the gates as you found them. Share

the huts you stay in and welcome others who arrive after you. Leave huts better than you found them.
 
