Mountaineering History and Techniques

Hiking and Trekking/Mountaineering

• Definition (Mountaineering): Attaining or attempting high mountain summits for enjoyment of the climb.
• European Context: Emphasizes technical climbing using equipment at high altitudes.
• Forms: Rock climbing/bouldering, snow/ice climbing, mixed climbing.
• Local Setting: Hiking (shorter, well-marked trails) and trekking (longer, varied terrains).

Brief History of Mountaineering

• Europe (mid-18th century):
  • Chamonix Valley: Glaciers observed and fascination with Mont Blanc.
  • Horace-Benedict de Saussure offered a reward for Mont Blanc summit.
  • 1786: Michel Gabriel Paccard and Jacques Balmat first summit.
  • 1808: Marie Paradis first woman to reach the peak.
• Philippines (1880): Don Joaquin Rajal led the first expedition to Mt. Apo.
• Philippines (2012): Romeo Garduce first Filipino to scale the Seven Summits, Carina Dayondon first Filipina.

Classification of Mountains in the Philippines

• Trail Classes (1-9): Difficulty scale from 1 (very easy, 90-minute treks) to 9 (extremely difficult).

Mental and Emotional Preparation

• Visualization and affirmations: Essential for mental strength.

Planning a Hike

• Research: Weather, terrain, trails.
• Itineraries: Share plans with family for monitoring.

Nutritional Considerations for Hiking

• Macro-nutrients: 15% protein, 50-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats.
• Calorie Example (2,000 calories): 75g protein, 325g carbohydrates, 45g fat.
• Calorie Values: 4 calories/gram for carbohydrates and protein, 9 calories/gram for fat.
• Food requirements: 1.5 – 2.5 lbs of food per day (2500-4500 calories).

Hydration for Hiking

• Minimum: 1-2 liters per day, increase with load/temperature.
• Formula +1L for every 4-5 miles; drink 1/2 to 1 cup every 30-45 minutes.

Basic Hiking Skills

• Pace: Start slow, adjust based on breathing (normal=increase, hard=slow).
• Rhythm: Sync breathing with steps/arms.
• Uphill: Smaller steps, maintain pace.
• Breaks: Take short breaks, eat small, frequent meals.

Health Benefits of Hiking/Trekking

• Cardiovascular: Improves O2 efficiency, endurance.
• Lung Strength: Increases oxygen flow/capacity.
• Bone/Muscle: Mimics weight training.
• Body Composition: Supports healthy weight maintenance.

Hiking Safety

• Groups: Hike with others, not alone.
• Skills: Stay within trails and skill level.
• Guides: Follow instructions.
• Leave No Trace: Important to minimize environmental impact.
• Emergency Planning
• First Aid: Knowledge critical.

Hiking Essentials

• Clothing: Base, insulating, outer layers (waterproof/breathable).
• Backpack: Day hikes: 30-50L; overnight: 50-80L.
• Footwear: Hiking shoes (easy trails), boots (rough terrain), backpacking boots (long/difficult).
• Socks: Nylon/merino, avoid cotton.
• Trekking poles: For balance, knee support, and depth checks.
• Navigation: Map, compass, GPS.
• Sun Protection: Eyewear, clothing, sunscreen.
• Headlamp: Preferred over flashlight.
• Personal safety accessories: Knife, first aid kit, lip balm.

Orienteering

• Definition: Using a map and compass to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
• Uses: Search-and-rescue, park rangers, outdoor enthusiasts.

Orienteering History

• Scandinavia (1886): Military use.
• Ernst Killander (1919): Designed cross-country competitions.
• IOF (1941-1943): International Orienteering Federation formed.
• US Marine Corps (1967): Became part of the Physical Fitness Academy.
• US Olympic Committee (1988): Accepted as a sport.
• Philippines (2020): Became the 76th member of the IOF.

Orienteering Essentials

• Map and compass.
• Whistle.
• Map bag.
• Pen/marker.

Orienteering Map Use

• Types: Locator, highway, topographic, orienteering.

Measuring Distance (Terrain)**

• Pace Factor: Calculate paces to know a distance (e.g., convert 'X' paces = 'Y' meters.)

Compass Usage Techniques

• Compass Types: Prismatic, baseplate.

• Key parts:

  • Direction of Travel Arrow (DTA)
  • Bezel
  • Compass Needle
  • Thumb Ring
  • Centimeter and Inch Scale
  • Lanyard
  • Baseplate

• Bearings & Azimuth:

  • Bearing: Angle within quadrant.
  • Azimuth: Full-circle angle (0-360° clockwise from North).

• Conversion: Convert azimuth to bearing (example: Azimuth 40° = N40°E).

• Magnetic Declination: Difference between true north and magnetic north; varies by location.

• Grid North: Direction along map projection grid lines.

Explore the fascinating history of mountaineering, from its European roots in the 18th century to significant milestones in the Philippines. This quiz covers definitions, classifications, and various forms of climbing including rock, snow, and ice climbing. Test your knowledge on key figures and events that shaped the sport of mountaineering.