One of the most adventurous types of camping is alpine camping as this enables you to combine hiking and climbing with your camping experience. This is a specialized type of camping though and you’ll need certain gear to try and as well as a certain amount of experience.
You also need to be in pretty good physical condition to be able to carry the equipment and climb and knowledge of survival in the outdoors can be essential.
If you’re climbing mountainsides you’ll come across a wide variety of physical and weather conditions. The sun can be intense one minute and the air freezing cold, thin, or dry the next.
Storms can also strike out of nowhere at anytime. However, when you get to the top of a mountain and take in the view it’ll all be worth it.
You need to select the proper camping and climbing gear before attempting alpine camping.
Make sure everything from your boots to the rope you’re using is in excellent condition and make sure the tent is suitable for the climate. With difficult weather it is also important to have car breakdown cover.
However, you need to consider the total weight that you’ll be carrying. The longer the trip the heavier your backpack will usually be.
Make sure you only take the necessities and leave everything else behind. This is where a camping/hiking/climbing checklist becomes your best friend. You also need to know the terrain of the mountains you’ll be exploring.
There might not be any firewood available on some of them for cooking and keeping you warm. If this is the case, you should take along special multi-fuel burners.
In addition, you’ll also need a supply of water. Do some research before hand to make sure there is a source somewhere along your route and set up your camp near it. Make sure you find a safe spot to pitch your tent and keep away from trees as they could fall on you. The same goes for glaciers, as they could melt underneath you.
If you’re camping and climbing with a group make sure you don’t leave the slowest or most inexperienced climber at the back of the group. You could end up unknowingly, leaving them behind.
It’s a good idea to have these people at the front of the group where you can keep your eye on them and help them out when needed.
If you’re climbing in snowy areas, remember that avalanches can often be triggered by the simplest of noises. Make sure you’re as quiet as you need to be. Don’t start yelling unnecessarily in these areas as you could set something off.
The main thing is to have as much fun as possible while doing everything properly and safely. Don’t try to take shortcuts when it comes to safety.
Make sure everything is well planned out and people know where you’re going and when you expect to return. It’s important that you take electronic communication devices with you if possible.
If you’re careful you’ll find that alpine camping can be a very exhilarating outdoors experience.
