Things to know for mountain hikes: Preparations, knowledge, and altitude effect on humans

Hiking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico - Photo: Still Gravity.
C hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico - License our images here. 

This is a big list. No many explanations. You've to figure it out - is not that difficult. 

Preparations

  • Dress in layers.
    • Wicking layer: the inner one, it should absorb fluids. Polyester blend or Merino wool.
    • Insulation: synthetic fabrics. 
    • Warm overlay: synthetic. 
    • Weather protection (rain and snow). 
  • Put in daypack: 
    • sunscreen
    • sunglasses
    • multitool
    • tape for friction (blisters)
    • neck gaiter
    • extra warm layer
    • storm layers
    • food & water (peanut butter, butter, and cream cheese give more energy). 
    • first-aid kit
    • emergency tarp
    • map & compass
    • beacon emergency locator/phone
    • bear spray
  • Wear reversed socks.

Mountain knowledge

  • UV Radiation increases 10-12% per 1,000 feet elevation. 
  • Atmospheric pressure drops at higher elevations. 
  • Oxygen level drops. 
  • Inland mountains are colder.
  • Windward slopes are rainy; leeward, dryer. 
  • Southern slopes are sunny in the northern hemisphere. 
  • Valleys are colder (cold air sinks).
  • Snow resting on the ground is warmer than the surface snow. 
  • Darker snow absorbs more heat. 
  • Frozen ground leads to flooding. 
  • Blue ice is older (glacier ice). 
  • Ogives are bands on a glacier.
  • Crevasses are a hazard; they can't be seen with fresh snowfall. 
    • Travel attached by ropes at intervals of 10-12 meters. 
    • Carry crampons and ice ax. 
  • Moraines: Rocks and debris carried by a glacier. 
  • Horns (like the Matterhorn) are glacier-shaped mountains.  
  • Avalanches tend to occur at +30 degrees inclines (most @ 36-39). 
    • Rain, snow and quakes are the natural triggers. 
    • They are the worse danger in winter. 
    • Carry probe, shovel, avalanche transceiver. 
    • Study the terrain to avoid dangerous areas. 
    • Check avalanche forecast, recent avalanches. 
  • Tree line transitions are called ecotones. 
  • Calibrate altimeter several times in a day.
  • Estimating hiking speed: good trail = 5km/h; rough trail = 3km/h; off-trail = 1-2km/h. 
  • For gain elevation between 300-1000 meters, add one hour of travel time. 

Human effects

  • High altitude affects 50-60% of people. 
  • People that live in high altitude have genetic adaptations. 
  • Body response depends on elevation and climbing speed.
  • Breath is more difficult at high elevations. Physical capabilities diminish; less hemoglobin in blood, hypoxia (tissue deprived of oxygen), hyperventilation; increased heart rate. 
  • Most people get to ~8,000 feet (~2500 meters) without problems; @ 3000 meters ~70% experience AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). 
  • Older people have more chances of AMS. 
  • Ascend slowly; 300-500 meters per day (~1,600 feet). 
  • Sleeping implies more risk of AMS - Climb higher and get lower to sleep. 
  • Azetazolamide (Diamox) reduces effects of altitude sickness. Side effects: dehydration, tingling. Not for people with liver and kidney problems. 
  • HACE (cerebral edema) and HAPE (pulmonary edema) progress rapidly and are dangerous. 
  • Stay hydrated; purify water. 
Mountains are beautiful. Mountains are dangerous. There is beauty in danger. 

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