Mountaineering: History and Techniques

• Mountaineering, also known as "mountain climbing," involves climbing mountains and differs from other outdoor sports because nature is the field of action and provides the challenges.
• Mountaineering is a group activity where members support each other at every stage.
• Anyone who does mountain climbing is called a mountain climber or mountaineer.

Origins of Mountaineering

• Mountaineering has been practiced as a common practice for a long time
• People have been scaling mountains for as a hobby since as early as 1336.
• Sir Alfred Wills' ascent of the Swiss Wetterhorn in 1865 is considered to be the birth of mountaineering as a sport.
• Requires skills in hiking, rock climbing, and snow/ice techniques.

Philippine Climbing History

• Rock climbing records in the Philippines go back to the 1980s.
• It began as a component of mountaineering.
• The University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM) is the pioneer of rock climbing in the country.
• The UPM Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) was based on Alan Blackshaw's 1966 handbook.
• The first rock climbing team used car engine parts and polyeurethane ropes as makeshift gear.
• Cebu's first generation of rock climbers were born in the early 90s.

From Mountains to Wall

• Artificial climbing facilities were first set up in the Philippines in 1993.
• UPM members added foot and hand holds onto the 70-foot high university library in Metro Manila.
• Mountaineers from the Habagat Outdoor Shop in Cebu City built a wall out of plywood sheets attached to the shop's factory.
• The country's first commercial wall climbing facility, Power Up Center for Climbing and Fitness, opened one year after the UP Wall's closure in Quezon City.
• The Sport Climbing Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SCAPI) formed in September 1998, linking climbing communities across the Philippine islands.
• SCAPI organized national-scale events that let climbers from different regions meet and compete.
• The Philippine National Sport Climbing Circuit was then launched.

Return to the Great Outdoors

• 2003 marked the birth of rock trips in the Philippines.
• Climbfest 2003 was held at Dingle, Iloilo attended by 15-20 climbers from Manila and provinces of Bacolod, Cebu and of course, Iloilo.
• Climbfest 2003 saw the establishment of the country's hardest lines and an introduction of the sport to the locals.

Hiking

• Hiking is the essential element of all climbing.
• Hiking is walking in nature on any path or on a specific trail.
• Hiking only requires walking at a normal to a brisk pace.
• Mountaineering generally involves a greater technical difficulty and requires specialized equipment.

Needed Items for Hiking:

• Appropriate footwear
• Map and compass
• Extra water and a way to purify it
• Extra food
• Rain gear and extra clothing
• Safety items: light and a whistle
• First Aid kit
• Knife or multi-purpose tool
• Sun screen and sunglasses
• Daypack' backpack

Mountaineering

• Mountaineering trips also range from a few hours to several days.
• This activity is in general more physically and technically demanding than hiking or trekking.
• Mountaineers will have to deal with rock, ice or mixed terrain on the way to the summit.

Winter Mountaineering

• Winter mountaineering is more difficult, riskier and much more rewarding
• Most people climb in the summer, so the routes are much less crowded in the winter.

Styles of Mountaineering:

• Alpine: Practiced in medium sized mountains, and mountaineers pack light for a swift push to the peak.
• Expedition: Move slow and carry much heavier loads., and expeditioners can even travel with pack animals

What to Bring for Mountain Climbing

• Climbers must complete preparations and purchase essential equipment in advance.

Mountain Climbing Essentials:

• Map
• Compass
• GPS
• Permits
• Writing Materials
• Emergency and Medical Information
• First Aid kit
• Valuables and Electronics Items
• Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
• Water Treatment System
• Backpack
• Shelter (tent)
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Reflective Blanket
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm and Moisturizer
• Hygiene Products
• Eye wear
• Flashlight
• Headlamp
• Matches o Lighter
• Fire starter
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• Duct tape or other repair items
• Emergency signaling items
• Near deterrence items

Clothing for Mountain Climbing:

• Cap or hat
• Beanie
• Headband
• Helmet
• Bandana
• Scarf
• Face mask
• Headlamps
• Sunglasses
• Base layer
• Middle layer
• Softshell
• Outer layer
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Gaitors
• Trainers
• Boots

Food to Bring for Mountain Climbing:

• Cereals and Grains
• Pancakes
• Bread
• Noodles
• Rice
• Sandwiches
• Potatoes
• Ready to eat meals
• Salad
• Fruits

Types of cooking supplies for Mountain Climbing:

• Portable stove
• Fuel
• Pots or pans (with lids)
• Aluminum foil
• Sponge
• Biodegradable soap
• Collapsible water container (large containers that you can collect water for cooking washing. They can be collapsed and kept when not in use)

Types of tableware to bring for Mountain Climbing:

• Spoons, forks, sporks, knifes
• Plates or bowls
• Mugs or cups

Training for Mountaineering:

• Mountaineering should never be undertaken without a good understanding of different aspects involved.
• These aspects include map reading, navigation skills, rope work and understanding mountain weather.

Other Tips for Mountaineering:

• Take time to plan and prepare for an ascent.
• Invest in a good pair of rugged mountaineering boots.
• Get a local weather forecast.
• Always carry an emergency shelter.
• Prepare for, and practice actions on different types of emergencies.

Advantages of Mountaineering:

• Burn calories
• Heart Health
• Personal Growth
• Brain Fitness
• Body Fitness

Disadvantages of Mountaineering:

• Weather is primary danger
• Bad effect on the natural beauty
• Risk of life
• Altitude problem

Roles and Responsibilities of Mountaineers:

• Team Leader
• Lead Man (trail blazer, lead packer)
• Sweeper (tail ender)
• First Aider

Greatest Mountain Climbers of the World:

• Sir Edmund Hillary: born in 1919, conquered 11 peaks before climbing Mount Everest, first ascent with Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
• Tenzing Norgay: born in 1914, Nepali Indian Sherpa mountaineer who reached Everest summit, director of field training for the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling.
• Achille Compagnoni: After Everest, the second highest peak to be conquered was the K2 by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli on July 31, 1954.
• Lino Lacedelli: Born in 1925 and began his career as a young teenager.
• Junko Tabei: born in 1939 and was the first woman to reach the Mount Everest on May 16, 1975.
• Reinhold Messner: born in 1944, renowned mountaineer in Europe, made the first solo attempt successfully in reaching the Everest summit without any supplemental oxygen.

Difficult Mountains to Climb in the Philippines:

• Mount Apo: Near Davao City and Davao del Sur, 2,954 meters and the highest peak in the Philippines.
• Sierra Madre: Bulacan, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Rizal, 1, 915 meters, also known as the "backbone of Luzon," and is the longest mountain range in the Philippines.

Top Mountains to Climb in the Philippines:

• Mount Pulag: Borders between Benguet and Ifugao, 2,930 meters, third highest of the Philippine mountains, and the highest peak in Luzon.
• Mount Kanlaon: Negros, 2,465 meters, and is the highest and most active volcano in Visayas.
• Mount Pinatubo: Near Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, 1,486 meters, Famously known for being the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
• Mount Mariveles: Bagac, Bataan, 1,288 meters, Battlefield of American and Filipino services fought the Japanese invaders.
• Mount Daguldul: Batangas, 672 meters, the summit hike gentle with rest stops, has a beach at its foot, and can do both mountaineering and swimming.
• Mount Pico de Loro: Cavite, 664 meters, and is ideal for beginners because the trail isn't challenging.
• Taal Volcano: Tagaytay / Batangas, 311 meters, and is the smallest active volcano in the world.