Basic Mountaineering Course
Chapter 1 The Philippine Island
Chapter 2 Mountaineering In the Philippines Chapter 3 Basic Equipments
Chapter 4 Preparation
Chapter 5 Organizing a Climb Chapter 6 Trail Movements Chapter 7 Camp Management Chapter 8 Ropemanship Chapter 9 Other Things To Do
Mountain Cooking
Tired of Plain Tuna ? Try TUNA SKILLET • Home Made POWER BAR
• What to do with your CORNED BEEF
• Another Spagetti Variant - BACON AND MUSHROOM SPAGETTI • For Sweet Toothed Hikers try the TORTILLA SWEETS
• Spice Up your Climb
The Mountaineering First Aid Kit
A first aid kit can be shared among 2-3 people but each person should have a basic emergency kit that includes pain killer, Band-aids, gauze bandage, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic, anti-itch cream, Ace bandage, and moleskin.
Item Quantity and Size Use
Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen 12 tablets/person Pain/fever relief
Antacid 6 tablets For indigestion or heartburn
Band-aids 12, 1" plus
assorted Minor cuts
Carlisle Battle Dressing 1, 4" (or sanitary
napkin) Large bleeding wounds
Moleskin 1/2 package Padding blisters and hotspots
Needle 1 medium size Removing splinters, etc.
Tincture of Benzoin 1-oz. plastic bottle Painted on skin to make tape adhere more firmly
Antibacterial soap 1-oz. bottle Washing abrasions and cuts
Razor blade, single edge 1 Cutting tape, moleskin, etc.
Roller gauze 2 rolls, 2" x 5 yd. Holding gauze flats in place
Steri-pad gauze 6, 4" x 4" Larger wounds
Tape, non-waterproof 2" roll Securing dressings, etc.
Triangular bandage 2 Supporting arm, dressing,
splinting
Wire mesh splint 1 Splinting
Oral thermometer 1 Measure body temperature
Tweezers 1 Removing splinters
Prescription medicine As prescribed As prescribed
Climber's Responsibility
These trek guides are only to provide a general idea and sample itineraries about various mountain and trekking areas but it is NOT advisable to attempt the climbs and treks without human guides who are familiar with the area. Trails, even in national parks, aren't marked and good maps are difficult to obtain. Human guides are usually locals who live near the jump-off town and can be hired through the municipal hall or tourism office. The guide(s) will also carry equipment but don't
expect them to have any themselves. I've found it useful to bring a spare large knapsack for equipment the guide will carry. Food sharing arrangements need to be worked out as well. Guides aren't likely to speak much English and won't be trained "nature guides". Their purpose is to get you safely in, up and out.
With that said, I highly recommend that any loners, especially foreigners, contact one of the many Filipino groups that are outdoor enthusiasts. I'd start with Pilipinas Sierra and check the Habagat Manila or Cebu Store for their outing schedule. Both are listed in the Clubs Page. The Philippine National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA) is the source for topographic maps in Manila (Fort Bonifacio) and Cebu City.
Vital tips for the Aspiring Mountaineer
Mountain climbing, even in the tropical regions, is a sport that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s your backpack which that you should strive to keep light! Seriously, mountaineering is an extreme activity that puts life and limb at risk. So, the better prepared a climber is, the better the chances he won’t suffer injury or, heaven forbid, acquire a total disliking for the experience.
Now, I’m aware that a lot of aspiring climbers surf the internet, looking for
information on what to do and what to expect, hoping to learn as much as they can to vicariously better equip themselves for peaking those magnificent mountains. Some seem to be excited, daring adventurers who may or may not have had adequate training.
I decided to put together these "Vital Tips for the Aspiring Mountaineer" to give the beginners a few "words of wisdom". These are actually some little details, though by no means inconsequential, that they will otherwise learn the hard way – that is, by climbing a good number of times. I’m sharing these tips to help the new climbers appreciate the trek and the scenery, at the onset, instead of get all caught up in an amateur’s comedy of errors that in this sport could sometimes prove fatal.
Hopefully by being better informed, the young mountaineers can come home energized rather than distressed. And so learn to love to climb again and again. Our premise here is we are climbing the mountains of a tropical country like the Philippines, where the closest we can get to either ice or snow is frozen morning dew on our tent flysheets. The extreme environmental conditions we are gearing up for, on any one trek, range from full exposure to the sun, to heavy torrential rain, to strong winds, to near-zero-degree night chills at the peaks.
But before we proceed, an important reminder to the aspiring mountaineer: My sharing these tips with you does not, in any way, aim to take the place of a thorough and complete mountaineering training course. If you are serious about
being a mountaineer, join a reputable organization that will comprehensively train and competently guide you, to ensure your safety during your climbs.
An aspiring mountaineer needs to do a lot of serious preparation. Physical fitness, first aid (CPR, please!), camp management, map and compass reading, and survival training are all essential. Never venture the wild without the necessary skills – make them your own personal skills, not the Trail Master’s.
And remember that, first and foremost, a true mountaineer has the deepest respect for the environment – yes, mountaineering is essentially about appreciating and preserving the beauty of nature. Always keep in mind: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.
So, if you’re ready, let’s start packing!
Tip Set I: "Come, let's pack!" - about packing light, packing right, packing foresight, how to pack clothes and foodstuff, how to organize your backpack.
Tip Set II: "I Mountaineering Tips or How Do I Pack The Eggs" my climbing buddy!" - about the importance of having a climbing buddy; building trust;
camaraderie; looking after one another; what you and your buddy expect from each another; the value of friendship and fellowship among the members of a climbing team.
Tip Set III: "When the climb gets tough, the tough keep climbing!" - about the importance of physical fitness; how to build endurance, stamina, resiliency; the effect of your physical condition on the whole climbing team.
Tip Set IV: "I have a score to settle with that mountain!" - about psyching-up for a climb; setting standards and expectations; the red-blooded mountaineer's mindset; why climbers climb.
Tip Set V: "For the love of mountains." - about appreciating the beauty of nature; taking pictures and writing stories; environmental concerns; when climbers shouldn't climb; how mountaineering organizations can assist in conservation projects; how one climber can make a difference.
CHAPTER I
The Philippines is located at the heart of Asia. It is an archipelago consisted of 7, 107 islands with a total land area of almost 307,055 square kilometers. In terms of land area, the Philippines is as large as Italy, slightly smaller than Japan but larger than New Zealand.
The Philippines is divided into three main group of islands- Luzon (northern part), Vizayas (central part) and Mindanao (southern part). The biggest island is Luzon, with a total land area of 104,683 square kilometers is much bigger than South Korea. Due to the numerous islands in the archipelago, more than half of them are not officially named. Its northernmost point is only 125 kilometers south of Taiwan and the southernmost point is only 21 kilometers east of Borneo.
The Philippines is a rugged land of mountains and plains, bays and lakes, rivers and waterfalls, valleys and volcanoes. The highest peak, Mt. Apo at 2,954 meters above sea level is in Mindanao. The lowest portion known as the Philippine Deep at 11,518 meters, situated in the Pacific coast of the archipelago, is also one of the deepest spot in the world. The highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest, can be submerged in the Philippine deep and still leaving more than 2,439 meters of space to spare.
THE RICHNESS OF THE PHILIPPINE LAND
The "Pearl of the Orient", as it is popularly known throughout the world, speaks of the Philippines unique riches and beauty. Many times was it mentioned as the richest land in the world. Its fertile soil, capable of producing a wide variety of crops, the favorable tropical climate envied by the westerners and the rich natural resources are endowments not enjoyed by most countries in the world. With these natural endowments, needless to say, agriculture plays a vital role in the country’s development. Its fertile arable land is said to be at 180 million square kilometers, nearly 70 percent of the total land area. Of this arable land, more than 160 million square kilometers are forests. In Asia, the Philippines ranks third in forest reserves next to Indonesia and Japan. Unfortunately, the destruction of the rich Philippine forest, due mainly to illegal logging activities and the practice of kaingin, has been proceeding at the rate of 1,700,000 square kilometers per year. If this could not be prevented, at this rate, the Philippines would be totally deforested within a few decades.
As it is situated in the earthquake belt of the Pacific, the country is rocked from time to time by seismic tremors and volcanic eruptions. The Philippine Fault, the biggest of its seismic faults, runs from Luzon to Mindanao. Of the more than a hundred volcanoes in the country, 22 are said to be active. The most famous of these volcanoes are Mount Mayon in Bicol, which is known for its perfect symmetry; Taal Volcano, situated at the center of Taal Lake and reputed to be the smallest volcano on earth; and Mount Pinatubo whose eruption in 1991 is deemed as the world’s worst volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It left more than one million Filipinos homeless, and its fumes affected the weather and the ozone layer throughout the world.
The country has rich deposits of gold, silver, copper, and many other expensive metals and minerals. It has the biggest deposit of chromite, the largest deposit of nickel and one of the richest undeveloped iron ore deposits in the world. Gold, silver and other precious stones have been found all over the country in enormous amounts.
The Philippine climate is one of the best tropical climates in the world. In fact, it is one place on earth where flowers bloom all year round. There are only two seasons, the dry and the wet. March to June is the dry season. It is humid but tolerable. The average daytime temperature is at 30 to 35 degrees centigrade. The wet season is from June to October. Strong winds and heavy rains visit the islands of the Philippines during this season. Being situated close to the typhoon belt, preparing for the strong wind, rain, and floods has become a way of life during the wet season. If rain is a blessing, the Philippines is one of the most blessed countries. It hold the world s record for the heaviest 24- hour rainfall of 979 millimeters experienced in Manila on October 17, 1967.
THE RICHNESS OF THE PHILIPPINE FORESTS
The Philippine forests boast of its rich flora and fauna. It is a haven for almost 4,000 species of trees, about 10,000 species of flowering plants and ferns, 580 species of birds, and 25,000 species of insects. The biggest Philippine bird, Sharpe’s Crane (Cruz antigone sharpei) is almost as tall as a man. The monkey-eating eagle, found in the jungles of Mindanao is the largest eagle in the world. The Philippine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogonys), less than seven centimeters long is said to be the world’s smallest falcon. The smallest monkey in the world, the tarsius, the mouse deer, the smallest deer in the world which is located in Palawan and the Philippine tamaraw (Anoa mindorensis) of Mindoro are some of the unique animals that can only be found in the Philippine forests. The largest flower in the world, the pungapung can also be found in the Philippines. It has a diameter of 30 centimeters and grows in Mindanao’s forests. The most famous of the Philippine trees is the Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), also the Philippine national tree. Aside from its grand beauty and symmetry it is reputed for its durability, no doubt it has become a favorite material for furniture makers.
THE RICHNESS OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA
More than 2,000 species of fish are found in the Philippine waters. Both the biggest and the smallest fish in the world are found in the waters of the Philippines. The whale shark (Rhineodon typus), the largest fish, weighs several tons and measures 15.24 meters or more in length when fully grown. The dwarf pygmy (Pandaka pygmaea)
the smallest fish in the world is less than 10 millimeters in length. The endangered Sinarapan (listichthys luzonensis), the smallest commercial fish in the world, can also be found in Lake Buhi, in the Bicol region. Aside from fish, other marine products such as shells, crabs, shrimps, corals, pearls are so abundant in the Philippine waters. Seafood lovers will surely find their delights, fresh and reasonably priced, wherever they are in the country.
It is said that close to twenty percent of the worlds more than 60,000 species of shells can be found in the archipelago. Not surprisingly, the rarest shell (Connus gloriamaris), the smallest (Pisidum) and the largest (Tridacna gigas) shell, are all found in the Philippine waters. Philippine pearls are also considered among the finest in the worlds. The largest pearl in the world, known as the "Pearl of Allah," measuring more than 22.86 centimeters long and 12.7 centimeters in diameter and weighing 6.3 kilograms was found by a Filipino diver in the Palawan sea. Its value was approximated at US$40-42 million as of May 1984.
THE RICH WONDERS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Endowed with a variety of natural wonders, the Philippines is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Its shorelines, home for many of the world s finest white-sand beaches, are among the most beautiful in the world. Its waters are so rich it is the sanctuary of abundant colorful and rare marine life. It’s 7,107 islands, from northern Luzon to southern Mindanao abounds with spectacular and unique sites. The most famous among these spots are the St. Paul’s subterranean river system in Palawan measuring 4, 380 meters and is regarded as the longest underground river system in Southest Asia; the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, which resemble scattered chocolate drops when seen from a high elevation; and the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Ifugao province, culled in with great symmetry from the mountains some 2,000 years ago by ancient Ifugaos and dubbed as the "Eight Wonder of the World."
These natural wonders are some of the reasons that enchant many foreign tourists to the Philippines. But what really attract these foreigners in the country are the ever-smiling locals and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.
THE RICHNESS OF THE FILIPINOS AND THEIR CULTURE
Geographically, the Philippines is situated at the heart of Asia, but by race and culture, the Filipino people are a unique blend of the East and the West. The influences brought about by the western colonization and the intensity and duration of its historical and cultural relations with other Asian nations have made them distinctly different and
unique from other Asian people. As proven in many parts of the world, the Filipinos easily adjust to any culture – proof to its qualification to bridge the East and the West.
Predominantly Asian in race, Filipinos are a mixture of various race. The most dominant of which is the Malay race. Then there are the Indonesian, Chinese, Negrito, Spanish, Indian, and the American. The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. More than 90 percent of its 72 million population are Christian of which 85 percent are Roman Catholic. The rest are Muslim, Buddhist and other ethnic beliefs. The Philippines is also one of the most literate nations in Southeast Asia. The literacy rate is at 89.27%. Though there have been efforts to Filipinize the American-patterned educational system, English remains to be the popular medium of instruction. English is spoken and can be understood in almost any part of the archipelago.
There are eight major native languages and more than 100 dialects spoken all over the country. The Tagalog–based Filipino is the national language, spoken by the majority of the population. Cebuano is widely used in the Visayas and Mindanao. Other major native languages are Bicolano, Kapampangan, Panggalatok, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, and Waray. In terms of political history, the Philippines has great contributions to the world. It is the first Asian nation to achieve independence by revolution and, hence the first Republic in Asia. It was also the first Southeast Asian country to have gained independence from the colonial powers after the Second World War. It has become the world’s role model for non-violent revolution when it succeeded in ousting a dictator through its "People Power." Lastly, the Filipinos are known to the world for their hospitality. Most of them will sacrifice comfort for the convenience of guests. They are well known for their very close family ties, high sense of gratitude (utang na loob) and their cooperative (bayanihan) spirit. Most important of all, Filipinos are considered to have very deep spiritual yearning and gift of faith. These gifts keep them emotionally intact even in times of great predicament. Though majority of the people may not be endowed with much material blessings, they are so much blessed in non-material things. Where in the world can you find people smiling in the midst of their suffering – well, only in the Philippines! No doubt, the Filipinos are considered as the "Happiest People in Asia."
CHAPTER II
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES MOUNTAINEERING
Mountaineering could mean different things to different people. One regards it as a sport, while another says it is a hobby, a pastime, or a diversion. Regardless of varying impressions, mountaineering can be defined as a physical and mental activity that requires skills, experience, common sense, and guts in ascending and descending mountains.
It is a physical activity because it demands kilometers of trekking in various terrain that may sometimes be steep, slippery and wet, eroded and flaky. It requires kilograms of backpack that must be carried from the base to the summit and vice versa. It exacts exposure to occasional inclement weather that may play between a humid afternoon to a torrential rainy night. On remote occasions, hail storm, thunderstorm, and lightning are experienced. It may require scaling a vertical wall, hanging on the side of a cliff, hopping to the other side of a crevice, treading to the other bank of the river, exploring the less-oxygen atmosphere of a cave, and breathing in thin air at high-altitudes.
In the entire stretch of the trek, the mind must be attentive of the conditions around it. It must be mindful of safety and calculating with risks. The mind is required to give sound judgements because lapses may inconvenience and, to a certain extent, endanger the individual and the group. It involves mental conditioning to plod on even when the body has exhausted its limit, to gorge on even if the food looks yucky, to hope for the campsite at the nearing bend, and to pray for the weather to turn out nice. On harsh conditions, it is only the power of the mind to create wonderment in the face of stress and danger that keeps sanity intact.
Climbing mountains safely demands that one should be equipped with the basic skills associated with the great outdoors. The mountain is a repository of surprises that may prove to be nightmarish for someone unprepared for it. You cannot afford to leave everything to fate when you could have prepared in advance to avert the occurrence of a crisis. And what better way to prevent or manage a crisis than by preparing and continuously retooling oneself before it comes.
Though Philippine mountaineering destinations are friendly to novice climbers, it is still advisable to acquire knowledge about the basics such as fitness, breathing, walking, and packing. Furthermore, it helps to be acquainted with cooking, route-finding, low-impact climbing, search and rescue, first aid, rappelling, rock-climbing, caving, swimming, camp management, trail signs, survival techniques that are found by reading books, undergoing seminar-training, or watching documentaries. Some of these skills were taught during scouting. More specialized ones are offered by mountaineering groups and government units.
You may have amassed and simulated all the skills from books, seminars, and documentaries, but if you have not experienced climbing a mountain, you must prepare
to climb one now or you will just end up shortchanged. Techniques are best honed and developed by actually experiencing them. As they say, experience is the best teacher.
No amount of literature, documentaries, and stories can match the elation brought about by experiencing for oneself the joys and travails of climbing a mountain. From afar, a mountain is just a landscape. But inside it nestles a landscape of fulfillment that is succinctly unique to each individual experiencing it.
A mountain is survived not by skills and experience alone but largely by common sense. It entails that you must be practical with your decisions on your most basic movements such as stepping, sitting, attending to call of nature, breathing, standing, sleeping, jumping, bending, and carrying, to mention a few. When to rest, which leg to pull the body, which ground to step on, which way to take in face of a fork, which plant to grab for a grip, and where to refill water are just a few of the decisions that common sense should settle. Mountaineering presents you with many variables to scrutinize for a better judgement. Many of these decisions are best helped by the book, through simulation, and by experience. But, the decision is still yours to make. Your skills and five senses, and even your sixth sense will help you decide on what is the most practical thing to do in a given situation.
Finally, you must have guts to climb a mountain. Only the gutsy could tread a river whose depth and undercurrent are unknown. Only the gutsy could enter and exit a cave and not be gasping for air in panic. Only the gutsy could walk or look down at a cliff. Only the gutsy could hang from a rope to ascend or descend a wall. Only the gutsy could commit to trek for many kilometers under the scorching heat of the sun with minimum drinking water and a heavy load at the back.
A mountain is home to many wild plants and animals that can afflict harm or enchant you. It has a height that can be too deep or high to the faint-hearted but adrenaline pumping to risk-takers. It can mean death to one but death defying to others. No matter how you fear the dangers that lurk in its slopes and summit, you need to exorcise the fears out of your mind and heart.
In its splendor, a mountain promises great wonders of the wild, awesome landscapes of heaven and earth, unique triumphs of the human spirit, and untold tales of personal discovery. But all these will just remain a promise unless you have conquered it and protected it for others to reap its promises in their own time and even in many decades hence. After all, no one can afford to bequeath a world where mountains are read from shelves, seen in videos, and framed in walls. Our children deserve no less than the moving postcards that we enjoy now and that we fear to be fading soon unless we clamor for its preservation against quarrying, burning, and logging.
Although people have been climbing mountains since pre-historic times, these men have other reasons for reaching the summit, may it be economical or simply survival. Mountaineering as a sport started out on the late 1700s in Europe after a new breed of explorers started climbing the high peaks of the Alps. Along this new found sport is the development of equipment and techniques that popularized mountaineering all the more due to the increasing safety margins these developments have brought. The most celebrated milestone in mountaineering history is the conquest of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay in 1954.
WHY, WHY, AND WHY?
Many people outside of mountaineering cannot fathom why there are people who indulge in mountaineering. They cannot understand what can be derived from this activity which seemed to be "a waste of time, money, and energy." Moreover, they cannot think of a worthy reason why should people bring themselves to imminent danger when they can very well choose to stay away from it.
When asked, mountaineers usually reply, "Because it is fun and I love scaling it" or the more classical "Because it’s there." But scratch the surface and you will find one or all of the following reasons.
1. God, Nature, and Meditation
Mountaineering takes man away from the concrete jungle and back to his natural sanctuary. The mountain affords communing with nature. It is a place where man can walk in the clouds while smell the scent of wild plants and dew. The mountain orchestrates a symphony of streams and rampaging rivers, chorus of birds and crickets, and whistles of wind rustling through the trees. It blows a gentle breeze that touches the face, combs the hair, and enlivens the body. It empties the mind of worries and pours in peace that quiets the psyche and calms the restless nerves. Its ambience helps elevate consciousness to a higher plane to enable man to touch base with himself and his Creator. As he descends the mountain, he brings with him a renewed spirit, a clear mind, and a revitalized body.
2. Conquering Fears
Many presume that mountains keep a plethora of dangers. It boasts of venomous snakes and wild boars, steep cliffs, paranormal elements, and eerie, deafening silence. To some, they trigger fear. Only a few dare to face and conquer these phobias. And only a handful of these daredevils confront and resolve them through mountaineering. But no matter how long, little by little, mountaineering helps them conquer their fears.
3. Escape
There are some people who cannot stand continuous exposure to noise, congestion, technology, work, boredom, and problems in their urban lives. The
mountain becomes an attractive destination to get away from their mundane situations, even temporarily. Sometimes, these mountain respites become their sole means of getting by without snapping off in their problematic and weary lives.
4. Travel
Mountaineering affords people to see new places and learn new culture at a very reasonable budget because accommodation cost is almost defrayed. Because mountains are interspersed throughout the archipelago, mountaineers travel from their home base to the location of the mountain that they want to climb.
5. Relationships
Mountaineers cannot help but forge sound relationships while in expedition. Friendship is built on solid grounds because they are founded in trust and care that are molded by unique situations and conditions in the mountain. A mountaineer learns to entrust his welfare and safety with his companion, to share his food, equipment, and other provisions, and to strip himself of pretenses and open his humble self to others. Sometimes, mountaineering brokers marriage out of these friendships.
6. Growth and Skills
Mountaineering requires people to at least know some basic skills. These skills are not only read but continually applied and honed each expedition. People become confident with their first aid skills, cooking, backpacking, leadership, and time management, to mention a few.
In addition, due to exposure to people, places, and culture, mountaineers build their character and become well-rounded individuals. They learn to be patient and enduring, disciplined and time-conscious, and courteous and considerate, among many other values.
7. Physical Fitness
Mountaineering is a very physical activity to engage in. Mountaineers oblige themselves with exercises for days before they climb. They build their endurance to prepare for the lengthy trek with a heavy pack at their back. They discipline their water intake, breathing patterns, and resting postures. They watch what they eat and take vitamin supplements for nutrition and energy needs.
8. Camping
A substantial portion of mountaineers had scouting experience when they were still in school. They are avid campers who loved campfires, hiking, swimming, and the many interesting gadgets that go with backpacking. Their outdoor bug stirs their interest
even after school to continue camping. Their thirst for camping is quenched by mountaineering.
9. Cost Effective Hobby
Mountaineering may appear to be a costly hobby due to specialized gadgets and equipment that necessitate convenience and comfort in the outdoors. At the onset, it may seem to be expensive. And it is so because you accumulate mountaineering gears and equipment. However, if you take extra care of these specialty goods, they will be useful for many years. And if you calculate the purchase price of these goods and divide it by the number of years you were able to use them, you would be amazed to discover how negligible the amortized monthly expense is. The benefits you derive from mountaineering are exponentially higher than the aggregate amount of transportation and food expenses you would have to shell out every expedition.
10.Research and Education
There are people who indulge in mountaineering because their work or profession requires them to do so. Foresters, geologists, mountain rangers, journalists, and researchers study and explore the mountains because their work requires them to.
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Mountaineering in the Philippines is exciting and challenging because of the diverse physical features of the mountains. The climate in the mountain and the various ways to get there add up to an experience that is all Filipino. Plus the rich legends and mysticism of the local mountains adds up to the total excitement that is unique to other mountaineering destinations on other parts of the globe.
Physical Features
The proliferation of outdoor groups has been ignited by the massive media campaign on the adventure that the beautiful Philippine mountains, tropical rainforest, caves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, cold and hot springs, and beaches promise. The Philippine is a haven for mountaineers because its mountains offer a lot. It has rainforest that cradles a wide variety of animals, boasts of towering trees, and pours rain all year round. Some species of flora and fauna are endemic to area. It has streams and rivers to cross, tread and wade. It has multiple waterfalls and basins of therapeutic cold and hot springs. It has a lot of caves and some of which have underground rivers that are left unexplored. Some mountains sit on white sandy beaches or mangroves that are rich in marine life. It has summits overlooking magnificent landscapes and seascapes. However, being a tropical country, it does not have alpine summits.
Popular mountaineering destinations include volcanic mountains such as Taal volcano in Batangas, Mt. Apo in Davao, Mt. Canlaon in Negros, Mt. Mayon and Mt. Isarog in Bicol, Mt. Makiling in Laguna, and Mt. Banahaw in Quezon and Laguna. Because the Philippines is home to approximately 200 volcanoes, of which 22 are active and closely monitored, mountaineers are advised to consult with the Philippines Institute of Volcanology or Philvocs about the status and conditions of these volcanic mountains.
Other popular mountains include Mt. Pulog in Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, Mt. Halcon in Mindoro, Mt. Cristobal in Quezon, Mt. Maculot in Batangas, and Mt. Guiting Guiting in Sibuyan Island.
There are mountains that have abundant water source coming from rain, springs and lakes. But some mountains do not have any water source or a potable one. It is advised that water provisions be included in the "must bring" list. Some popular lakes include Lake Buhi in Bicol, Paoay Lake in Ilocos Sur, and Lake Danao or Imelda Lake in Leyte. The popular caves in the Philippines include the Callao Cave in Cagayan, Biak na Bato in Bulacan, and St. Paul Subterranean National Park in Palawan.
Transportation
Because it is an archipelago, the Philippines is toured in many ways. By air, almost all major cities can be reached by domestic flights that are serviced by local airlines company. There are shipping lines that offer inter-island transport. Water transport includes ships, ferries, catarman, motorized outriggers and paddleÁw By land, the road network is plied by buses, passenger jeeps, private cars, tricycles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedicabs. Although trains ply specific areas of the country, they are not widely used.
The usual transportation cycle starts from taking a plane, ship, or bus to the city or town nearest to the mountain. From the city or town to the jump-off point, mountaineers either rent a passenger jeep or tricycle or just walk. However, if you choose to rent, prepare to haggle for a reasonable price or you might just end-up over-charged.
Weather
The Philippines has two main seasons. They are the dry season that spans from January to June and the wet season that spans from July to December. The coolest month is January while the warmest month is April. All year round, the climate is warm and humid even during the wet season when there is no rain. Approximately, 27 degrees centigrade is the average yearly temperature.
The weather in the mountain is complicated. Mountains with rainforest almost always have daily rain even during dry season. But lately, due to deforestation, rain on
some mountains has become scarce. Some mountains that are thoroughly deforested are very hot and humid even during the wet season.
Many student mountaineers flock to the mountains during the summer vacation in April and May. Some avoid mountaineering during the wet season because monsoon rains and typhoons expose them to too much danger from flash floods, rough waters, and landslides. Some prefer to hike the mountains during the pleasant and cool months of November to February.
EVOLUTION OF PHILIPPINE MOUNTAINEERS
Just like mountaineering in general, the Philippine mountaineering has no defined history. People have already been climbing since pre-historic times. Climbing as a sport has already been in existence in our country even before the 1900. This was due to the fact that fragmented records of prominent people of the society scaling some of the mountains here has already been in existence. For instance the first conquest of Mt. Apo by Don Joaquin Rajal in 1880 is well known. But a comprehensive study is not available to determine who’s who and who’s first. One thing for sure is that mountaineering groups has started sprouting in the late 60s. But still no one can claim who is the first. It may also be safe to say that the 90s will be the golden year for mountaineering here in the Philippines.
The natural features and history of the Philippines have molded Filipinos to become survivors and natural climbers. Its diverse flora and fauna, climate, mountainous landscape, and water network have yielded Filipino mountaineers from prehistoric times to the present.
The Tabon Caveman charted not only the cave network of Palawan but also its seas and mountains for food. He created sharpened objects for hunting and scripting figures in cave walls. He learned to predict the coming of a storm. He used plants for medication. He traversed mountains and crossed rivers. He constructed makeshift homes on treetops to gear away from wild animals that may attack him unaware anytime.
The Aetas, who are the aborigines of the Philippine Islands, migrated from one island to another and traversed one mountain range after another. In Pre-Spanish time, they have lived in the plains and by the shore and only hunted for food and gold in the boondocks. When Spain occupied the Philippines, many were driven to the mountains by force or by trade. For instance, Sultan Marikudo and Queen Maniwangtiwang sold the plains of Panay Island to Spaniards in exchange for crown, scepter, and jewelry and settled their tribe in the mountains.
Throughout the occupation of the Philippines by Spain, Japan, and the United States of America, Filipino revolutionists had setup caverns and homes in the
mountains and caves of the Sierra Madre and other mountain ranges in the country. In the mountains and rivers, they hunted wild boars, wild ducks and fresh water fish for food, managed to build huts for shelter and conferences, and discovered medicines from plants.
The Philippine military trained themselves with jungle survival techniques and guerilla warfare to be able to manage their way in the mountains. These training have been expanded to cover not only people in the military but also volunteers who enlist for them. For example, the Rescue 505 Unit of the Philippine Air Force conducts Search and Rescue course to volunteers yearly.
The Filipino youth has been exposed and oriented to camping, ropemanship, route-finding, backpacking, hiking, swimming, trail signs, campfire building, and first aid as early as seven years old when they joined the Philippine Scouts as Cab or Star Scouts. As they become Boy or Girl Scouts, these skills are continuously reinforced in classrooms, camping, and jamborees.
After school, some graduates, who used to be scouts, form groups to engage in camping. Many groups have specialized not only in camping but particularly in climbing mountains. Thus, formal mountaineering organizations came to fore.
Apart from expedition, these mountaineering organizations develop short courses to train and upgrade the skills of its membership, to participate in environmental protection undertakings by cause-oriented groups, and to conduct outreach programs in needy communities.
Through the years, mountaineering has evolved from a lifestyle of survival, where mountains became the source of its subsistence, to a vehicle for the preservation of the mountains and the communities living around it.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
The success of every endeavor lies at how well you have planned and prepared for it. For a mountaineering expedition, you or your group must have prepared well ahead of it to make it safe, fun-filled, and successful.
Physically, mountaineers, or people who indulge in mountaineering, religiously exercise to maintain fitness and build stamina. They climb flights of stairs, jog and walk, hit the gym, and do aerobics. Also, they eat more carbohydrates (or carbo-loading) just a few days before the climb. On occasions, they take anti-malarial drugs three days before they climb malaria-stricken area. Others who have not climbed a mountain for a long time undergo medical examination to determine their body’s worthiness to face the demands of mountaineering. Others get vaccinations for hepatitis B and typhoid fever
for precautionary measures. Also, they sleep adequately well and take vitamin supplements a week before expeditions.
When you have prospected a mountain to climb, you must begin researching it. You can source information in many ways. For popular mountains such as Mt. Banahaw in the boundary of Laguna and Quezon provinces, Mt. Makiling in Laguna, and Mt. Apo in Davao, there are published books tackling almost all you need to know to climb them. For other sources, you can scan the Internet and connect to sites that provide literature and itineraries about other popular mountains in the Philippines. You can also gather information from the Department of Environment of Natural Resources for mountains that are declared as National Parks and Protected Areas by the government. The staple source of information by mountaineers come from colleagues in mountaineering because they have the most recent information based from their latest visit.
It is important that you research all available materials and interview resource persons about prospective mountains. In particular, it sometimes helps to acquaint oneself about its flora and fauna, height and level of difficulty, people, culture, dialects, tribes, and even paramilitary elements settling in its slopes. You should know the transportation choices and accessibility issues from your point of origin to its jump-off point and vice versa. A bus, a jeep, or tricycle are the usual mode of transportation used to go to the foot of the mountain.
Very important is your itinerary. Your itinerary should contain the basic information you must know about the mountain. It must include the number of days to climb it, the scheduled activities, the number of meals needed, the water source (or the lack of it), the related expenses for transportation and pocket money, the contact person or guide if any, and the climb officers of your expedition.
After researching the mountain and deciding on the itinerary, you must gather all participants for a pre-climb meeting where all the information you have researched and everything in the itinerary are discussed in detail. The pre-climb meeting is the best time to group participants into units with manageable numbers of four to five persons if yours is a big group. This time, you can plan your meal and designate persons to share and carry the load of group equipment. Also, climb officers are designated in this meeting.
Days before a climb or after storing equipment for the next expedition, you must check the worthiness of your tent, stove, boots, rope, clothing, backpack, cook set, medicine kit, and others. Also, you must ensure that the things in your pack are there and organized in such a manner because of a worthy reason and not just because you like to have them in there for the whim of it. When packing, you should remember that any unnecessary item in the backpack increases the weight you will carry in the rest of the climb.
You must bring money more than the recommended amount advised to you but not so much to attract any theft or robbery. It is important that you have cash with you because checks and credit cards are not used in remote areas where usually the base
of the mountain or the jump-off point of the trek starts. It is also advisable to allocate smaller-denominated bills and coins for easy financial transactions with the locals.
Before scaling the mountain, your group should register at the barangay center or ranger station. The registry should contain the name of the participants and the date and time when you started the climb. It is also advisable to inform the person-in-charge at the barangay center or ranger station about your expected date and time of arrival at the base of the mountain.
CONCLUSION
Mountaineering is definitely a physically taxing and risky venture to take. This is why it is only for people who think they can, prepare for it, and just do it. For those who indulge in it, nothing compares to the indescribable universal feeling, felt and understood by all mountaineers, of having reached the summit with the mix of risks taken, hardships hurdled, and choices made. Like in life, man must persevere in the midst of hopelessness and momentary failure, to be able to make that extra pull, that extra stride, and that extra effort towards the peak God has prepared for all of us.
CHAPTER III EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION
In choosing the right equipment especially for those who are new in the sport, it is better to get the advice from experienced mountaineers first. While others still find it adventurous entering a mountaineering shop and buying whatever is available, chances are the equipment you have bought might not work best for you. Although based from experience, the mountaineering shops here try to give assistance to prospective buyers but still, knowing what suits you better and works best for you should be your guide.
A vast variety of locally made products are already available in the market. Check out the world class quality of some of our products comparable to branded items. Most locally made products are priced reasonably but there are still some equipment that have not been tapped locally. Imported products on the other hand are usually much more expensive due to the fact that they are imported and usually do not have local counterparts as distributors.
In this chapter, only the widely used and necessary equipment will be discussed extensively for your guide and reference. However, the more technical equipment used in specialized sports such as rock climbing and spelunking will not be discussed. As you browse through the mountaineering shops, brochures and surf through the net for much needed equipment, bear in mind that the load you carry on your back gets heavier. Choosing between a lower priced item and a lightweight item is a dilemma, keep in mind that you need to carry that extra load on your back.
BACKPACK AND BAGS
Choosing a backpack is a personal choice. Basically your pack is your home away from home. Knowing that it contains everything you need for the climb, you need a sturdy pack that fits comfortably on you. Walking eight hour a day with a pack is no joke so you better be careful in considering comfort based on the design of the pack. Having a good pack that is made of durable materials that can resist majority of abrasions experienced along the trail can contribute to the life span of your pack.
Before buying a pack work out how large it needs to be; where you aim to put everything you need for the trip. Different packs work for different people. Having the pack custom made is better simply because you will have a better fit and a unique design. In backpacking, a well-designed backpack is centered on its functionality and not because it is the latest in fashion/styling.
TYPES OF PACKS ACCORDING TO USE Daypack
A daypack should be able to carry your needs for just a day’s hike that should be able to contain just enough supply of food, water and some extra clothing. Buy a strong model equipped with frame and a padded back. Be careful to distinguish between a mountaineering daypack from an ordinary commercial daypack intended for urban use. Internal frame backpack
It is the most preferable and widely used backpack in the Philippines. Its design allows you to move freely along thick vegetation without any hindrance of the branches getting entangled in your pack due to the thick vegetation that is usually encountered along tropical rainforest trails. Another advantage of an internal frame backpack is that the weight of the backpack is closer to your body’s center of gravity. The only disadvantage is you tend to perspire a lot at the back.
External frame backpack
This type of pack is not usually used in the country. Although the external frame holds the weight away from your body that allows the air to circulate and carry away some of the sweat from your back, it can cause some problems while moving on trail. The frame being exposed gets caught in the branches of trees more often than not, affecting your pacing.
Belt bags
This type of bag is designed for easy access of things like the trail food, emergency kits, camera and coin purse while on trail.
BACK PACK COVER
It is made of waterproofed material designed to keep your pack dry. It is highly necessary when climbing rainforests.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BACKPACKS
After seeing the kinds of backpacks make sure that you choose the one that is right for you. Following are guidelines in choosing a backpack.
1. Consider the kind of activity you are going to take. In the Philippines, since we have terrain from heavy forest cover to rocky peaks (generally rough) an
internal frame pack is advisable. Also know if the trip is a day trip or an expedition.
2. How big? Choose a pack that is big enough to contain all your gear, but small enough that you can carry comfortably day after day. Usually when we pack we tend to over fill our packs, especially if you have a big pack. Avoid a big ‘monster pack’ unless you are in an expedition trip. Capacity. Backpack weight is measured in cubic inches (cu. in.). They range from a small daypack of around 1,200-1,500 cu. in. to as much as 7,000+ cu. in. for a multi-week expedition. Most climbers usually consider the medium sized backpacks with a capacity of 3,500 to 5,500 cubic inches good for a 2 to 5 day climbs.
Keep in mind that:
• Sleeping bags are usually stored inside of internal frame packs (using up anywhere from 450 to 3,000 cu. in. of space in the process). But they can be strapped to the outside of most external frame packs.
• Different manufacturers measure capacities differently. Therefore one manufacturer's 3,000 cu. in. pack may be a bit larger or smaller than another's.
• Your body size and your physical strength will limit how big a pack you can handle.
Design features
Once you've decided on the right type and the right size of pack to buy, it's time to compare and contrast specific models. Consider these factors:
Accessibility
You want a backpack that's easy to organize, pack and unpack. The factors that affect accessibility most significantly are:
Loading design
Again, there is lively debate on the virtues of each design, but the bottom line is the same--there's always a trade-off. Every good aspect has its negative result.
• Top-Loading: Based on the traditional rucksack, top-loading packs have one big hole at the top. Pro: These are stronger and more moisture resistant than panel-loaders. Con: They require more careful packing than panel-loaders, both to balance the load and to make items easily accessible.
• Panel-Loading: These have a large U-shaped front zipper, allowing access to more of the pack. Pro: You can find things faster, and don't have to pack as carefully. Con: You can't pack this as fully as a top-loading model, and zippers can fail.
• Hybrid-Loader: The best of both worlds. Usually a top-loader with vertical side zippers.
Versatility
Most modern backpacks have capacity-altering features that help you handle a variety of different gear loads. Look for things like compression straps (to hold smaller loads in place), extending collars (to swallow more gear on longer journeys), external attachment points (for lashing extra gear to the outside of the pack) and detachable day packs/pockets.
Durability
You want a pack that will last for years. Look for durable materials, good stitching (especially around the main access zippers), reinforced bottom panels and reinforced shoulder strap anchors. Also, ask about the reputation of the manufacturers (and the specific models) you're considering.
1. The Fit
Finding a backpack that fits well is extremely important. Always test the fit of a backpack with weight inside. Adults should use 20 to 30 pounds, with the heaviest part of the load centered between your shoulder blades, as close to your back as possible. The backpack weight should not exceed 1/3 of your bodyweight.
Try on a number of different packs before deciding on a single model. Test them with the assistance of an experienced salesperson whenever possible so that you can learn how to make minor adjustments yourself.
What to look for :
You want a pack that matches both your body shape and your torso length. Concentrate on:
• The Hip Belt - Arguably the most important part of the backpack, the hip belt transfers most of your pack weight to your body. It should be comfortable and sized correctly.
• Shoulder Straps - The other half of the "suspension system." These should also be comfortable and easy to adjust.
• Proper Torso Length - Torso length is the distance from the top of your shoulders to the top of your hip bones (roughly). A properly fitted pack allows you to make minor adjustments with your shoulder straps to shift load weight back and forth between these 2 weight-bearing areas.
To measure your torso accurately, you need a soft tape measure and some help. Stand straight with your legs shoulder length apart. Start measuring at the base of your neck, the 7th vertebra--it's the one that sticks out the most. Run the tape down your
spine to the base of your hipbones, (or to your lowest vertebra, which is called C-17). Use your thumbs to find it. And now you've got your torso length. That's your torso length.
Most manufacturers classify 18 inches (38 cm) or less as a small size; 18 (38-43 cm) to 20 inches as a medium; over 20 inches (43 cm) a as large.
Note: a number of pack makers market packs designed specifically for women, but torso length is still a better gauge.
How to Test Fit a Backpack (internal and external frame packs) The pack you are testing should have approximately 20-30 lbs. of weight inside, centered close to your body and between your shoulder blades. Perform the procedure below (in front of a mirror). Enlist the help of an experienced salesperson if possible. Step #1. Loosen the pack's shoulder straps and hip belt.
Step #2. Slip your arms through the shoulder straps.
Step #3. Position the hip belt comfortably near the top of your hipbones. Step #4. Close the hip belt buckle and tighten it.
Step #5. Check the padded sections of the hip belt to make sure they wrap around your hips comfortably without touching in front.
Step #6. If the belt is too loose or tight, try re-positioning the buckle pieces on the hip belt straps. If this doesn't solve the problem, you may have to try a different pack (or hip belt).
Step #7. Once the hip belt is positioned properly, cinch the shoulder straps down tight, then back them off slightly.
Step #8. Look sideways in the mirror.
Step #9. Check the shoulder strap anchor points.
• External frame packs without load-lift straps - The shoulder straps should attach to the pack frame at a point roughly even with the top of your shoulders.
• External frame packs with load-lift straps - The padded sections of the shoulder straps should wrap around the top of your shoulders comfortably and attach to the frame three or four inches below them.
• Internal frame packs - The padded sections of the shoulder straps should wrap around the top of your shoulders comfortably and attach to the frame three or four inches below them.
Step #10. Check load lift straps - Most modern backpacks come with load-lift straps. These straps should begin just below the tops of your shoulders (near your collarbones) and angle back toward the pack body at roughly a 45-degree angle.
Step #11. Check shoulder strap width - Shoulder straps should be far enough apart that they don't squeeze your neck, but close enough together that they don't slip off of your shoulders during hiking. This width can be adjusted on many backpacks.
Step #12. Check for a good torso fit - If the pack fits you correctly, you should be able to redistribute the weight of the pack between your shoulders and your hips simply by loosening and tightening your shoulder straps slightly.
Step #13. Check for comfort - Does the pack feel good on your back? Does it pinch or bind or restrict your freedom of movement? Can you look up without hitting the pack with your head. Can you squat down without cutting off the circulation to your legs?
PACKING YOUR BACKPACKS
After sorting out what you should bring to a climb, the next step is to pack it in. A good technique before packing is to spread your things on a dining table or bed. This is to make sure that you will not forget a single item. Arrange them in categories, i.e. sleeping equipment, cooking equipment, and the like. Remember to bring only what you need for that particular climb.
Following are guidelines when packing your backpack: 1. Know where you are going and for how long.
2. Sort them by category. It is also a good idea to pack your items like clothes in color-coded self-sealing plastic bags for easy access. Like this orange plastic is for my clothes in the evening or this red plastic bag is my cold weather clothes and the like.
3. Gender. Males are generally stronger than females and can carry more items. 4. Center of Gravity. Not necessarily dependent on gender. This is important since
the skeletal structure of males are different from the females. A number one factor that is neglected by most of our local climbers. Generally, males have wide shoulders than the females, while the latter has wider hips. Therefore when packing your packs make sure that the heavy items are high up in the pack for males while for females its lower.
5. Line your backpack with a large plastic bag (a clear, thick body bag will do, usually sold at your local market) this is to ensure that your gear inside does not get wet when the rains arrive.
6. Next is your sleeping pad.
7. The rest is up to you. But then again, bring what you only need and or the group. Take care of your pack
Backpacks are built to be sturdy, but a little common sense and TLC (tender-loving care) will keep them in good shape for years and years.
• Pack carefully, and keep sharp and/or hard-edged objects covered. Things like cook pots, knives, and stoves can rub holes in your pack.
• Keep your pack clean and dry. If you plan to backpack in rainy conditions, invest in a backpack cover that will keep your pack and your stuff dry. A wet sleeping bag and soggy food is sad event out on the trail. Remember, even the most water-resistant pack is not waterproof!
Clean and dry your pack completely when you return from each trip. Let it air out a bit before storing. If it's really filthy, scrub with soap, rinse with water, and air dry. Use a washing machine? No way! And don't hang or store it in the sun for extended periods, either. UV rays aren't good for nylon.
BOOTS
It is our feet that takes us where we want to go and mountaineers who don’t show respect for their feet is in for a rough journey. Nothing can make a hiker more miserable than ill fitting boots. Mountaineers should always put in mind that footwear is very important because our body weight is spread over our two feet considering the added weight of packs including the hazard in the mountain, the feet are under constant pressure. So you should buy a pair of boots that have traction and a decent sole which can absorb the impact of roots and rocks and can grip on wet, slippery ground. Boots should support your ankles and arches and most of all should be comfortable and reliable.
TYPES OF BOOTS Fabric boots
Generally a combination of fabric and some other materials like leather. They are usually very comfortable because they are soft, flexible, and lightweight. Fabric boots lets the feet 'breathe' which is especially important with the type of weather here in the Philippines. Fabric boots has the advantage to dry out quickly when wet. Appropriate for tropical weather.
Leather boots
They are relatively heavier than fabric boots and fall on the category of mid-weight boots. Leather boots are durable and gives good protection to your feet. They usually have strong cleated soles and are usually durable and water-resistant. The leather uppers give good ankle protection. These types of boots are commonly more expensive than fabric boots.
Jungle boots
Designed by the US army for tropical countries like the Philippines but rarely used in mountaineering. Jungle boots have rubber soles and cleats. It is usually wide and deep
for a good grip on wet ground. It gives protection to the ankle from thorns and rocks while allowing the feet to breathe through the canvas uppers. Special instep vents allow water to be squirted out after wading in water.
OTHER OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR Sports sandals
After a long days walk, wearing sandals is much comfortable than wearing your boots in the campsite. Your feet can finally breathe and relax. They are terrific for crossing streams because they dry almost immediately. It also comes to the rescue if your boots gives-in or blisters arise. Do not use as substitute for hiking boots because they do not give much protection to your feet.
Slippers
Slippers are lightweight, soft, very comfortable, easy to dry and best of all are very cheap. One disadvantage though, rubber slippers do not last long and does not give much protection.
CARING FOR YOUR BOOTS
• Never dry leather boots under direct heat or near a fire. You will end up with damaged, cracked leather.
• Applying wax or conditioner to your boots will lengthen their life. Follow the manufacturer instruction for care. You could use waterproofing wax or silicon type spray.
• After a hike, clean your boots and always store it in a cool and dry place. SOCKS
Just wearing a good pair of boots doesn't exactly give protection to your feet. Socks cushion the feet and prevent the boots from rubbing the skin, as well as keeping the feet warm and dry. It is advised to wear two pair of socks. The inner pair should be of breathable fabric which wicks moisture away from the feet and thick outer socks to insulate the feet and pad them against the boot. Some hiking socks have thick soles for insulation and padding and thin uppers to minimize sweating.
GAITERS
Gaiters give protection to your lower leg from mud and water. It also prevents scratches from thorns and grass. This a must in tropical forests
SLEEPING BAG
Nothing is better than sleeping warm and dry after a hike. Resting is essential for a climber, and being warm and dry makes you feel comfortable. A sleeping bag gives you comfort and warmth. Therefore, you should safeguard its dryness as if your life depended on it. You need a sleeping bag that has good insulation, compact (not too bulky) and lightweight. Always keep it in a waterproof cover.
Sleeping bags are manufactured accordingly from low, average to high temperature rating depending on the weather conditions. Therefore, you should buy an average temperature bag suitable for the Philippine weather.
Sleeping bags come in many shapes. The advisable shapes are:
Mummy bag – This style of bag minimizes heat loss, but some find it tight fitting.
Semi-rectangular bag - They are very comfortable and widely used in the Philippines. They have zippers that provide easy access to the bag and a hood to prevent heat from escaping from the head, neck and shoulder.
SLEEPING ACCESSORIES Sleeping Bag Liner
The lining is usually made of cotton. It keeps a layer of air between you and your bag. It does not have that sweaty feeling compared with no lining. It also protects wear and tear of the sleeping bag. It can also be made up of polyester, which is also good in keeping body heat.
Sleeping mats or Earth pad
Sleeping mat is usually made up of rubber or durable lightweight foam. It is used to pad your sleeping bag from small rocks that can hurt your back. It is also used to give extra shielding from the cold ground. You can choose from imported Therm-a-rest products or local polyurethane foams, which can be bought from stores in Divisoria.
Pillows are not usually a necessity in the wilderness. You can have an improvised pillow by using your dry clean clothes and stuffing them in a clean stuff sack. But if you can carry the extra weight and space then carry one.
Space Blanket
A space blanket is a lightweight aluminum foil which is wind proof and provides heat by reflecting body heat to the person using it. It gives added warmth and comfort especially in extremely cold weather conditions. Usually used in emergency situations only.
SHELTER
Shelter is one of those things you only truly appreciate when you need it. The minute you are caught in an unexpected storm with strong winds and rain, you will need a good, strong shelter. Something secure as being huddled in a tent that you know can protect you from getting wet, keep you warm and most of all, does not leak. You have an almost unlimited number of choices of protecting yourself from the elements. Tents come in a wide variety of shapes and function. You also can be protected with tarps and rain flies, or you may plan to bivouac under the stars if the weather permits.
What to look for in a tent?
Quality - Your tent is your defenses against the elements so do not sacrifice quality for price. If you plan to buy a tent save for it and go for a good tent. A cheap tent would not do the same job of a good quality tent. Also, take into consideration what kind of terrain you are going to use it? Mountain, beach, resort or a very established campsite; keep this in mind before buying.
Size - Consider your personal choice if you plan to share it with friends or have the luxury of being alone inside the tent.
Weight – the lighter the better. A lightweight tent obviously will lighten your pack. Choose one with aluminum poles which is far lighter then fiber glass poles.
Free standing - You can virtually pitch the tent anywhere. Also if your chosen spot doesn’t work out you can move the tent without taking it down. It is also easier to clean and dry this type of tent.
TIPS ON USING YOUR TENT
• Keep your tent in a convenient place in your pack where you can get the tent without taking everything else out first. This is important when it rains.
• Use a ground sheet under the tent to protect the bottom from roots and rocks. Make sure you tuck in the ground sheet underneath the edges of the tent to keep the out water from collecting underneath.
• Never cook inside the tent, even when it rains.
• Don’t leave the tent under direct sunlight, because the sunlight weakens the fabric and the waterproofing.
TYPES OF TENT FOR ALL TERRAINS
Horizontal-ridge tent or A Frame
This style of tent can come in virtually any size from one person to several people. It can be set up almost anywhere. It has a central horizontal roof pole and two end poles of the same height.
Dome tent
This is ideal for extreme condition, since it is very stable. Very easy to pitch and dismantle and also spacious.
Tunnel tent
A tunnel tent is a cross between a dome tent and a ridge tent. They can be used on grass or on rocky terrain.
Tadpole or frog type
Very stable and can withstand bad weather. It is aerodynamic which can deflect high wind and is usually lightweight.
Geodesic Dome tent
They are strong and lightweight. The shape provides a lot of headroom.
One should wear the appropriate clothing based on the natural condition in which we live in. You should be able to equip yourself with the right garments for any type of weather. In bad weather, you may not have garments manufactured for specific climates, but you could use the layering system in conjunction with shelter as protection against the elements wind, cold, heat and rain. The basic Filipino mountaineering outfit would consist of a pair of short and a T-shirt, a hat or bandana, socks and liners. Hikers prefer modified bicycle short or tights and nylon T-shirt and tank top (sports bra) for women. In cold weather you could use jogging pants fleece jacket and windbreakers. If the weather gets worse you could wear a couple of extra layer of clothes.
THE LAYERING PRINCIPLE
Several thin layers of clothing that trap air in between them gets warm and keeps you warmer than a single thick garment. If your body get too warm you can control body temperature by removing layers or venting. This principle applies both in hot and cold weather.
Three layers
Upper layering
Layer Function Description
1. Layer Regulation
Fast-drying, rapid transport of moisture away from the body, forwarding to the next layer (e.g.: Alpine Underwear)
2. Layer Insulation Warming layer for cold temperatures (e.g. fleece)
3. Layer Protection
Provides reliable protection from wind and water
