Start it right
The first thing you must know is that only having desire and love for hiking is not enough, having a proper physical condition is as much vital. Have all of the equipment and learn about the basics. You must have heard about the hikers whom had pain and a sore body after the climbing so the best way for preventing it is to exercise, long walks, running, and lifting some weights. The next step is the mental preparation. It may take you hours to climb a mountain with slow pace, some unexpected events might happen, you must be able to keep calm. It is recommended to climb a mountain with an experienced climber.
Drop the others and just have these
When shopping for mountaineering equipment you better take an experienced climber with yourself. The necessary things to take with yourself are:
Wicking base layers (synthetic, Polyester or wool)
Fleece jacket or vest
Fleece pants
Sunscreen
Sunglasses, goggles or glacier glasses
Headlamp or flashlight
First-aid kit
Boots (crampon-compatible)
Climbing backpack
Probe
Map / GPS
Gloves or mittens
Sun-shielding hat or cap
Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
Helmet
Spoon / Knife / Plate
Tent
Snacks full of protein
Shopping time!
The boots must be one size bigger than your actual size so that it won`t bother your feet when coming down from the mountain. The sole of the boots must be thick enough to provide you a good support and the toe box should be waterproof, weatherproof, flexible.
Depending on the weather your clothing should accord. You must put on dress layer by layer (like an onion!). Inside layers include first layer with two kinds, for summer Polyester/nylon to absorb the sweat and for winter merino wool undies. The second layer is mostly for keeping you warm so it can be wool or feather.
The outside layer is weather and water proof but it let`s your body to breathe like fleece jacket and pants.
Keep in mind
Always aware your family and friends that you are going climb a mountain and also let them know about the route that you are taking and give them message when you descend.
Have a list of what you are taking and be sure not to miss anything behind. Check the weather condition, routes, and safe exits before leaving.
Under no circumstances do not go hiking just by yourself. Absolutely have a leader or guide around yourself and don`t take any detours and stay with your team.
Have some extra batteries for your flashlight and GPS. Extra bottles of water and some sweets.
Have some stops, take some rest and eat rich snacks. Make your stops 5 minutes every one hour so that your body doesn`t cool down. If the weather is too cold do not sit down and rest while standing up.
Dry mouth and being out of breath are indicators of your fast pace of moving, heavy backpack, long distance between your legs or dehydrating so even in freezing weather keep drinking water.
If the weather becomes stormy before it starts put on your jacket, gloves and hat because after it begins you won`t be able to do so.
