6 Tips to Smart Packing for mountaineering

Smart Packing for mountaineering or Packing light means more freedom when you travel. With less to lug around, you can easily maneuver through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, make last-minute plans without worrying what to do with your stuff and spend less time tracking gear. Going light makes even more sense now that many airlines charge fees for bags or luggage that exceeds certain size or weight restrictions.

Getting a little low on your luggage while travelling can seem difficult at first, but like any new skill, you learn and get better the more you do it. This article gives you tips on how to pack light and smart. In this blog, we’ll be suggesting 6 tips for smart packing.

6 Tips to Smart Packing for Mountaineering

Following are some of the essential tips for mountain trip packing:

Assess Your Hiking Gears

Try to catalogue and weigh every piece of your hiking gear. This will help you know how efficient in terms of weight are your items and which ones might need some improvement and can be thought of as replacements for future hiking trips.

It is wise to replace heavy gear with lighter ones that perform as well, if not better. You can see some of the gear that act as two in one to save space. For females, we suggest some light gears that can perform heavy duty tasks.

Pick a Suitable Bag

Think small and light. Aim for one carry-on bag if possible. That may not always be practical but challenge yourself to start small and make it fit. Resist the urge to use a bag larger than needed or you’ll be tempted to fill it. The right luggage will depend on the type of travel you’re doing and what you’ll be doing there.

If you’re exploring multiple destinations or spending a lot of time on trains, buses and between hostels or hotels, a travel pack with shoulder straps is your best bet for mobility and versatility. Many travel-specific backpacks have nice compartments and features, but a traditional backpack works just as well.

For those going on safari or bike tours where a guiding company will schlepp your gear, then duffel bags make good choices because they’re durable and affordable. Families with young kids or travellers who won’t be moving around a lot may want to consider wheeled backpacks for versatility and convenience.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

A trip to the hills calls for long walks and exciting activities like hiking, mountain climbing, etc. Make sure you carry a comfortable pair of walking shoes to avoid sore feet and blisters. When travelling to a destination where there is snow, it is recommended that you carry snow boots that prevent you from slipping.

Most travellers can get by with two pairs of shoes, depending on what kind of trip they’re taking. Wear the heaviest pair on the plane or on travel days.

Think multiuse so that you can use one shoe for running, walking and hiking. Consider light trail-running shoes instead of bulky hiking boots because they offer maximum versatility and they’re good for hiking, running or walking. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken beforehand to help reduce blisters.

Measure your feet to get the best fit when buying footwear. Consider getting a boot or shoe that is one or one-half size larger because your feet tend to swell, especially in hotter climates.

Pack Only Essentials

Sure, there are certain “luxuries” you can carry –like books, electronics, and other items for comfort and entertainment– but don’t go overboard with them, and if possible, look for lighter alternatives.

A good packing phrase: “Pack everything you think you will need, then get rid of half of it.” See a list of 15 things you don’t need to pack, but usually, make their way into the backpack.

Stay Hydrated

Water resides in most of the significant parts in your body and it is quite necessary for building a powerful immune system which is an essential part of a trip on the mountain.

A liquid in your circulatory framework called lymph, which conveys significant disease battling resistant cells around your body, is to a great extent composed of water. Being got dried out dials back the development of lymph, once in a while prompting a hindered resistant framework

Regardless of whether you’re not practicing or perspiring, you’re continually losing water through your breath, as well as through your pee and solid discharges. To assist with supporting your invulnerable framework, be certain you’re supplanting the water you lose with water you can utilize, what begins with understanding what your day to day water admission ought to be.

Make Sure Every Item Does Double Duty

Pick your clothes carefully. Given two choices, pack the item that serves more than one purpose and weighs less or takes up less space. A poncho can replace a rain jacket, umbrella or backpack rain cover and a sarong can be used as a towel, picnic blanket or skirt.

Convertible pants aren’t glamorous and people either love them or hate them. But they’re functional, rugged and quick-drying: Zip off the lower half for that hot hike and convert back to longer pants to go to dinner or visit a temple. If zip-offs aren’t your jam, try roll-up pants with button tabs above the ankle or near the knee. You can even use a bandana or buff neckwear to keep your neck warm, protect your head or neck from the sun or use it as a sleep or smog mask. Pack shorts that you can hike in, swim in and walk around town in.

Clothing Tips

Packing your clothes can be a little tricky as you would be confused what and what not to pack. To ease the confusion, you can also go for the one, two, three, four rule. This simple guideline helps you pack easily by choosing a hat, two pairs of shoes, three pants or shorts, four tops which can be anything upper wear, five pairs of socks, and six undergarments. You can even pack your jackets and coats in this manner making the reusable items as priority. If you’re going to some place hot having a beach then don’t forget to pack multiple swimsuits as well. Even if you’re staying there for half a month, you should only limit your packing till up to a week so that you can wear them again after doing laundry at the end of the week.

Conclusion

When going on a trip where you know you’ll be needing to travel a little more than usual, it is always recommended to pack light but wisely. You only need to pack the essentials that you will direly need while travelling. When it comes to food, you should also keep it simple and filling so that you don’t get stuck with digestive issues. Packing is the biggest hurdle of any travel and if you succeed in it then you can make the most out of your trip.